I have been searching for sources of GIS data specifications to assist with documenting a number of datasets that I'm currently working on. I'm used to looking at Ordnance Survey specifications, such as the one located here: <http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/docs/technical-specifications/os-mastermap-water-layer-technical-specification.pdf>.

I'm guessing that a good specification will be one which is independent of applications and formats, and describes the data in the detail which is necessary for its purpose and intended audience.

Are there any resources to assist with the creation of GIS data specifications? Is there an industry standard way to do them so that they can be easily understood by both users and GIS developers? I'd also be interested to know what kind of documentation people do generally create for datasets which are to be widely used within their organisations.

Many thanks.