By defining dataset.collection_date as the end of the collection period and standardizing the format, it becomes easy to filter/sort datasets based on collection date. Having a standard YYYY-mm-DD HH:MM:SS format where you can leave of least significant information accommodates almost all currently used collection_dates. Information about ranges could (for now) be moved into the description fields.
By defining
dataset.collection_dateas the end of the collection period and standardizing the format, it becomes easy to filter/sort datasets based on collection date. Having a standardYYYY-mm-DD HH:MM:SSformat where you can leave of least significant information accommodates almost all currently usedcollection_dates. Information about ranges could (for now) be moved into the description fields.