MISSY provides online-information for official microdata in a structured design. At present MISSY focuses on the metadata of the German Microcensus, but an extension to other surveys is intended. Though official microdata are originally not designed for research, the number of data sets, which have been made accessible for scientific purpose, has increased. To facilitate and encourage the use of the data, there is a need of knowledge transfer from official statistics to the scientific community. MISSY offers the relevant metadata both in a broad and differentiated way. Moreover, with the availability of annual Microcensus data sets of several decades information concerning the comparability of variables over time is required.
On the one hand, MISSY’s task is to document individual data sets as extensively as possible. The central part of the data description on the variable level is based on DDI 3. Furthermore additional information concerning methodical and scientific subjects is integrated to improve the usability of the Microcensus. On the other hand, MISSY systematically links information, thereby enabling scientists to gain rapid access to the information that they require and also drawing their attention to related topics. In addition, various access paths to the variable information take account of the researchers’ interest priorities and knowledge.
The presentation will introduce the structure and the application of MISSY. The workflow in the preparation and maintenance of the metadata will also be emphasised.