What is the purpose of DCAT (Data Catalog Vocabulary)?

The purpose of DCAT (Data Catalog Vocabulary) is to facilitate interoperability between data catalogs. DCAT provides a standard model for describing datasets and data catalogs, which allows different data catalogs to communicate and share information more effectively. By using a common vocabulary and structure, it ensures that datasets can be easily identified, accessed, and utilized across various platforms and systems. This interoperability is crucial for organizations that need to share data with others, whether for research, governance, or public data access.

The other options focus on functions that DCAT does not serve. Eliminating data duplication involves data management and governance strategies rather than standardizing descriptions for interoperability. Compressing data files is a technical process related to data storage and transmission, which falls outside the realm of a vocabulary for data representation. Formatting data for visual display pertains to presentation and user interface design, rather than the interoperability goals of DCAT. Thus, the focus of DCAT is specifically tailored towards ensuring different data catalogs can work together seamlessly.