Vehicle Data Model

This repository hosts the COVESA's Vehicle Data Model (VDM). VDM aims to formalize data of common interest across vehicle-related sub-domains. In other words, it is not limited to in-vehicle generated data, but can also cover adjacent areas from a vehicle perspective—for example, charging sessions of electric vehicles, in-cabin activities, smart city infrastructure, and nearly anything involved in a "Connected Vehicle" scenario.

As a general rule, only sub-domains of interest to multiple stakeholders are included in VDM. In other words, the VDM is expected to cover only those sub-domains that member organizations (or community) can actively contribute to and maintain. For example, those targeting standardization. Private projects can also adopt this modeling approach to manage sub-domains specific to their needs.

VDM is modeled according to the Simplified Semantic Data Modeling (S2DM) approach.

[!NOTE] In S2DM, domain experts author the specification using the GraphQL Schema Definition Language (SDL). SDL is used for its simplicity and friendly syntax and does not require implementation of a GraphQL API.

Getting started

Explore releases

VDM is released as versioned artifacts as it evolves. You might want to first explore what is already available.

• Review the released artifacts.
• Pick one and explore its content using the S2DM tools.

If the current releases don't meet your needs, consider suggesting additions or modifications to the source files, or create a private complementary model.

Modifying source files

Source files for the VDM model are available in the /spec folder. To contribute changes to the current VDM model:

• Create an issue describing what is missing or incorrect.
• Discuss it in the issue thread and at maintenance meetings.
• Define an action plan.
• Create a Pull Request (PR) that addresses the issue.

Complementing with your own model

If you want to specify things outside the scope of VDM, import the VDM (or a subset of it) into your own modeling project.

Other resources

• VDM presentation at COVESA's AMM Fall 2025 - Intro and deep dive sessions. Slides available HERE.
• Simplified Semantic Data Modeling (S2DM).