Many of the fields in CEDEN can only be completed by approved terms, or "controlled vocabulary". Using controlled vocabulary makes your data understandable to others and increases comparability among different data sources. The collection of controlled vocabulary terms for a specific field is known as a "LookUp List". If you have questions on specific controlled vocabulary values your Regional Data Center can assist in matching your data with the valid value lists.
The Lookup Lists page allows you to view (HTML) or download (XLS) controlled vocabulary lists to use in CEDEN data submissions. New values can be requested and are added to the lists each week as they are updated in the CEDEN system.
New Controlled Vocabulary Request Template
Requests to add new controlled vocabulary to CEDEN are reviewed to ensure the value is not duplicative and that it is described clearly for all users.
The request template is an Excel workbook containing a worksheet for each of the Lookup Lists for which a value can be added.
To request new vocabulary, download the CEDEN Vocabulary Request Template and navigate to the tab with the same name as your requested lookup list. For example, to request to add a new analytical method to CEDEN, navigate to the tab entitled "Methods." Tabs highlighted orange contain business rules, guidance, and examples of how to enter a new value. Additional information can be found in the "Notes" tab of the workbook and tips regarding controlled vocabulary are below.
Within each tab, columns highlighted green are required for each new row that you enter, representing the new value that you are requesting. Multiple values on multiple lists can be requested at one time. It is helpful to move the tabs which contain requests to the front of the workbook or highlight the tab a different color, as well as specify which lists you are requesting additions to, when you submit the file to the CEDEN Help Desk.
Select the image above to download the PDF version.
Tips For Requesting New Controlled Vocabulary
Complete as many of the columns within the template as possible.
