7  Using the DTM dictionary selection of data fields, indicators and questions

Following the selection or combination of DTM components for implementation, it is necessary to designate key data fields, indicators and questions for the selected tools. The DTM Data Dictionary has been developed by the Global DTM team to guide and simplify this process, facilitating standardization and comparability of data attributes (values and formats) and indicators among country exercises, and streamlining workflows for aggregation. The Data Dictionary further supports data sharing with partners, providing metadata to orient users on the content of DTM datasets.

The Data Dictionary includes core indicators and data attributes for each DTM component, to be included in all exercises, as well as standard indicators that can be incorporated, as useful and relevant, for a given context. Additional indicators can be integrated into ongoing DTM exercises over time to fill information gaps or respond to changing needs within the operating environment. It is important to note that data attributes that were collected previously should not be changed or removed when new indicators are added, to ensure the completeness of the database for future historical record and analysis.

DTM identifies vulnerable groups and gathers sex and age disaggregated data where possible to enhance inclusivity of response activities. DTM uses commonly agreed categories for the identification of vulnerable groups, included in the Data Dictionary, while also incorporating context-specific indicators of vulnerability.1

The Data Dictionary is a centralized repository of information about the data fields and questions used in DTM data collection tools. It has been developed to help inform DTM operations about appropriate and useful indicators to deploy for the various components of DTM. Using the Data Dictionary at an early stage helps to standardize DTM operations and reduce the time required to set up a new operation/DTM round. In addition, adoption of the Data Dictionary ensures that all data field naming, structuring are consistent whenever each individual indicator is deployed across different country missions. All indicators have been translated into English, Arabic, French and Spanish, so the despite the wording of the question may change based on context, the back end structing will remain consistent. The Data Dictionary simplifies the process of choosing the data fields and questions, and supports data sharing with partners, providing metadata (a set of data) to orient users on the content of DTM datasets. As previously mentioned, the Data Dictionary data fields have been developed with global experts and developed with the standard Humanitarian Xchange Language (HXL) structuring.

One of the functionalities of the Data Dictionary interface is a Form builder, that enables the DTM Field Team to select indicators from the Data Dictionary and build the form for mobile data collection in a few simple steps. “Optional” and “Recommended” questions and their answer options can also be adjusted to the context when using the Form Builder. For support on Data Dictionary and Form Builder, please contact the DTM support Services (dtmsupportservices@iom.int).

The Data Dictionary specifies the Question or Indicator Type for each question/indicator (data field) to be included in the collection tools. There are five Indicator Types: