FGDC Metadata and the Biological Data Profile

Anchorage, AKJanuary 25, 2006

Terry Giles

IAPWWS @ USGS-FORTterry_giles@usgs.gov

(970) 226-9425

Metadata Workshop Topics

Metadata: what it is, why you need it, and how to write good metadata.

U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) and the Biological Data Profile.

Implementation: decisions, challenges, and resources.

Tools and resources for metadata creation and management.

Trainer’s Goals

Everyone learn / meet your goals for the class

Experience that metadata isn’t that scary

Have fun!

Introduction: What are Metadata?

Definitions

Examples

Types of information included

Introduction: What Are Metadata?

In your own words – what does “metadata mean to you?

Metadata are literally “data about data” - they describe the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of the data.

Metadata in the Real World

What are some everyday examples of “metadata”?

Examples: food product labels, library records, information on a video or DVD, published maps, etc., etc., etc.

Working With Data

When you provideprovide data to someone else, what types of information would you want to include with the data?

When you receivereceive a dataset from an external source, what types of information do you want to know about the data?

Metadata describes the Who, What, Where, Why, and How

Who created and maintains the data?

Why were the data created?

What is the content and structure of the data?

When collected? When published?

Where is the geographic location? Storage location?

How were the data produced?

Mining Existing Resources

Metadata is not a new or alien concept.

We all have a strong history of documenting methodology, describing appropriate uses of the data, and writing summaries about data completeness and currentness.

What existing documentation (i.e. metadata) materials do you have in your program / office?

Examples of existing “data about data” materials:

Methodology documentation Database help records BASIS+ project/task entries Data sharing and licensing agreements Project agreement, documentation and

reports Data requests – data use guidelines

The Key Point:

All of us have personal experience

with creating metadata.

The Value of Metadata

Data developers

Data users

Organizations

Value to Data Developers?

Avoid duplication

Share reliable information

Publicize efforts

Reduce workload

Documenting data is critical to preserving its usefulness over time; without proper documentation, no data set is complete

Value to Data Users?

Search, retrieve, and evaluate data set information both inside and outside organizations

Finding data - determine which data exist for a geographic location and/or topic

Applicability - determine if a

dataset meets your needs Access and transfer - acquire the dataset you

identified, process and use the dataset

Value to Organizations?

Organizes and maintains an organization’s investment in data

Documentation of data processing steps, quality control, definitions, data uses and restrictions, etc.

Transcends people and time; offers data permanence and creates institutional memory

Saves time, money, frustration

Value to Organizations?

“Advertising”: Provide information about datasets to data catalogs and clearinghouses

External data sharing and data transfer: Provide information that is critical for others to understand and correctly use your data

Helps share data with other agencies, lead to potential partnerships

Value to All:

Data developers

Datausers

Organizations

MetadataMetadatahelps…helps…

What’s new about metadata (i.e. why are we here today)?

Creating and managing metadata

in a standardizedstandardized format

using a common set of terms.

Why Have a Metadata Standard?

Why Have a Standard?

Helps you determine:

If a set of data is available and fit for your use

How to access and transfer the data set

Why Have a Standard?

Helps to create:

Common terms

Common definitions

Common language

Common structure

Why Have a Standard?

Establishes names of metadata elements and compound elements

Defines information about values provided for metadata elements

The standard serves as a uniform summary description of the data set

Online systems rely on documentation being predictable in form and content

The Key to Using the Standard…

If you’re creating metadata for the first time, it may seem complex - stick with it

Don’t create your own version of the standard - you’ll only confuse people

Find the fields that are pertinent to your data and your organization’s needs

Build a template; use the template

Ask questions!

Establishment of U.S. Metadata Standards

Establishment of U.S. Metadata Standards

Executive Order 12906 (1994) Defines the responsibilities of the Federal

Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Requires that metadata be available to the

public Requires creation of metadata for data sets

from 1995 forward

FGDC’s Responsibilities

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) is responsible for coordinating:• development of National Spatial Data

Infrastructure• establishment of National Geospatial Data

Clearinghouse • development of standards• cooperative efforts with State, Local, and tribal

governments, and private sector • implementation of digital geospatial data

framework

Executive Order 12906

Federal Agencies responsible for:• standardized documentation of all new data

collected or produced beginning in January 1995• plans to document data previously collected or

produced (legacy data) to the “extent practicable” • making metadata and data available to the public• utilize Clearinghouse to determine if data has

already been collected or cooperative efforts are possible

FGDC Profiles and Extensions

Extension: extended elements to the standard are elements outside the standard but needed by the data set producer

Profile: document that describes the application of the Standard to a specific community

Examples: Biological Data Profile, Shoreline Data Profile, Remote Sensing Extensions

Biological Data Profile:Defines Additional Elements

Taxonomy

Methodology

Analytical tools

Biological Data Profile:Documents three types of data sets

Explicitly biological

Biological and geospatial

Explicitly geospatial

National Research Council recommended in 1994 the establishment of a National Biotic Resource Information System to coordinate distributed databases and disseminate new data and information ~ NBII

NBII established a federation of biological information sources and tools to help users find biological information and to combine information from various sources.

NBII has a biological information focus, on both geospatial and non-geospatial data.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Metadata Standard

ISO 19115 has been approved - an abstract standard that specifies general content for the metadata, but does not specify the format.

ISO 19139 is under development - XML implementation schema specifying the metadata record format.

The FGDC is developing metadata content for the U.S. National Profile of ISO 19139.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Metadata Standard

ISO not yet the official U.S. metadata standard (important if need to provide FGDC-compliant metadata!).

Software tools under development.

Metadata created before the release of the ISO standard will not need to be altered.

Updates and more information: http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/whatsnew/fgdciso.html

Other Metadata Standards

Ecological Metadata Language (EML)Used for the Long-term Studies Section (LTSS) publicly

accessible registry describing scientific data sets on ecology and the environment.

http://knb.ecoinformatics.org/software/eml/

http://knb.ecoinformatics.org/knb/style/skins/ltss/index.html

Darwin CoreUsed for the Global Biodiversity Information Facility

(GBIF) portal of collection and observation data.http://darwincore.calacademy.org/

http://www.gbif.org/

The FGDC CSDGM Standard and the Biological Data Profile

What the CSDGM Standard and the Biological Data Profile are

Details about the Sections and Terms of the Standard

Biological Data Profile Workbook

FGDC metadata standard: overview

Seven Major Metadata Sections: Section 1 - Identification Information*Section 2 - Data Quality Information Section 3 - Spatial Data InformationSection 4 - Spatial Reference Information Section 5 - Entity and Attribute Information Section 6 - Distribution Information Section 7 - Metadata Information*

Three Supporting Sections:Section 8 - Citation Information*Section 9 - Time Period Information* Section 10 - Contact Information*

* Minimum required metadata

FGDC Metadata Standard: All the DetailsFGDC Metadata Standards:http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/status/textstatus.html

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) (version 2.0), FGDC-STD-001-1998 

http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/contstan.html

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, Part 1: Biological Data Profile, FGDC-STD-001.1-1999

(Note: The FGDC biological data profile is sometimes also referred to as the “NBII extension”)

http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/status/sub5_2.html

FGDC Metadata Workbook & Graphic Representations

Primary FGDC digital geospatial metadata standard

http://fgdc.gov/metadata/meta_workbook.htmlhttp://biology.usgs.gov/fgdc.metadata/version2/

FGDC metadata including the Biological Data Profile

http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/standards/BDP-workbook.doc

http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/standards/bdp.html

1.2.1 Abstract - a brief narrative summary of the data set.

Type: Text

Domain: free text

FGDC Metadata Element

Data Element Definition

Choice of integer, real, text, date

Valid values that can be assigned or “free text”, “free date”, or “free time”

Element number

FGDC Graphic Representation

A tool to visually describe the structure of the metadata standard; depicting information, organization, reporting requirements, and structure of the standard through the use of ccoolloorr and the relationship of information through the use of symbologysymbology.

http://biology.usgs.gov/fgdc.metadata/version2/ http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/standards/bdp.html

Graphical Representation of the Elements

Section

10/06/95

Data Elements (raised 3-d boxes)

Compound Elements(not raised)

How Are Elements Grouped?

Compound elements are composed of other compound or data elements. The composition is represented by nested boxes.

CompoundElement 1

CompoundElement 1.1

DataElement 1.1.1

DataElement 1.1.2

DataElement 1.2

10/06/95

If an element can be repeated independently from other elements, a label below the element name states how many times the element may be repeated. If there is no label, the element does not repeat independently from other elements.

What Can Repeat? How Many Times?

CompoundElement 1

(can be repeatedunlimited times)

CompoundElement 1.1

DataElement 1.1.1

DataElement 1.1.2

DataElement 1.2

10/06/95

What’s Mandatory? What’s Not?

Mandatory if applicable:Mandatory if applicable: must be provided if the data set exhibits the defined characteristic

MeaningData

ElementCompound

Element

Mandatory:Mandatory: must be provided

Optional:Optional: provided at the discretion of the data producerBiological Data ProfileBiological Data Profile elements (yellowyellow, greengreen, or blueblue with red red outline and textoutline and text).

Navigating the FGDC Standard

Status

Progress

Maintenanceand UpdateFrequency

10/06/95

AttributeAccuracy

Quantitative Attribute

Accuracy Assessment

Attribute Accuracy

Value

AttributeAccuracy

Explanation

Attribute Accuracy

Report

Mandatory

Mandatory if Applicable

Optional

Keywords

Theme (can be repeated unlimited times)

Theme KeywordThesaurus

Theme Keyword(can be repeated...)

Place (can be repeated unlimited times)

Place KeywordThesaurus

Place Keyword(can be repeated...)

How Do You Write Good Metadata?

Rules and Tips for Creating

Quality Metadata Files

Good Metadata: Steps to Quality Metadata

Organize your information

Write your metadata

Review for accuracy and completeness

Have someone else read your file

Revise it, based on comments from your reviewer

Review it once more before you publish it

Write simply but completely

Document for a general audience

Be consistent in style and terminology

Good Metadata: Keep your readers in mind

Good Metadata: Think about the long-term effects Don’t use jargon Define technical terms and acronyms:

CA, LA, GPS, GIS Clearly state data limitations Don’t use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS Use subheadings and/or bulleted lists Cite examples Use “none” or “unknown” meaningfully

Good Metadata: The Title

Critical in helping readers find your data.

A complete title includes: What, Where, When, Scale, Who

An informative title includes: Topic, Timeliness of the data, Specific information about place and geography

Good Metadata: The Title

If the data are officially published, in the title include:

Series name Issue number Name of publisher Location of publisher

Good Metadata: The Title

Which is better?• Rivers• Greater Yellowstone Rivers from 1:126,700 Forest

Visitor Maps (1961-1983)

Examples of useful titles:• Near Real Time Advanced Very High Resolution

Radiometer (AVHRR) Data-Satellite Imagery from NOAA CSC Coastal Remote Sensing Division

• Ace Basin, South Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve Digital Line Boundary

Vague: We checked our work and it looks complete.

Specific: We checked our work using 3 separate sets of check plots reviewed by 2 different people. We determined our work to be 95% complete based on these visual inspections.

Good Metadata: Be Specific, Quantify when you can

Use unambiguous words

Use descriptive words

Fully qualify geographic locations – where is ‘Portland’?

Good Metadata: Select keywords wisely

Don’t use symbols that might be misinterpreted

! @ # % { } | / \ < > ~! @ # % { } | / \ < > ~ Don’t use characters with dual interpretations Don’t use tabs or indents Be careful with the use of carriage returns Use “none” or “unknown” meaningfully

Good Metadata: Remember, a computer will read your metadata

Have someone else read it If you’re the only reviewer, put it away

and read it again later Check for clarity and omissions Can a novice understand what you

wrote? Are your data properly documented

for posterity?

Good Metadata: Review your final product

Does the documentation present all the information needed to use or reuse the data?

Are any pieces missing?

Good Metadata: Review your final product

Taking a Closer Look: FGDC Metadata – Section by

Section

8.1 OriginatorOriginator

name of an organization / individual that developed data set

8.2 Publication DatePublication Date

8.3 Publication TimePublication Time

8.4 TitleTitle

8.5 EditionEdition

BDP8.6 Geospatial Presentation Form Geospatial Presentation Form

Supporting Section 8: Citation Information

8.7 Series InformationSeries Information

8.8 Publication InformationPublication InformationPlace and Publisher

8.9 Other Citation DetailsOther Citation Details

8.10 Online LinkageOnline Linkageonline resource for the dataset – a URL

8.11 Larger Work CitationLarger Work Citation

Supporting Section 8: Citation Information

9.1 Single DateSingle DateOR

9.2 Multiple Date(s)Multiple Date(s)OR

9.3 Range of Date(s)Range of Date(s)

BDP allows use of Geologic Age information for the Time Period

Supporting Section 9: Time PeriodInformation

10.1 Contact Person PrimaryContact Person Primary OR

10.2 Contact Organization PrimaryContact Organization Primary

10.3 Contact PositionContact Positiontitle of individual

10.4 Contact AddressContact AddressMinimal: type, city, state / province, postal code

10.5 Contact Voice TelephoneContact Voice Telephone

Supporting Section 10: Contact Information

10.6 Contact TDD/TTY TelephoneContact TDD/TTY Telephone

10.7 Contact Facsimile TelephoneContact Facsimile Telephone

10.8 Contact Electronic Mail AddressContact Electronic Mail Address

10.9 Hours of ServiceHours of Service

10.10 Contact InstructionsContact Instructionssupplemental instructions on how or when to contact the

Contact Person or Organization

Supporting Section 10: Contact Information

1.1 CitationCitationOriginator, Publication Date, Title

1.2 DescriptionDescriptionAbstract and Purpose

1.3 Time Period of ContentTime Period of ContentDate(s) and Currentness Reference

1.4 StatusStatusProgress and Maintenance

1.5 Spatial DomainSpatial DomainDescription of Geographic Extent; N, S, E, and W bounds

Section 1: Identification Information

1.6 KeywordsKeywordsTheme Thesaurus and Keyword

BDP1.7 TaxonomyTaxonomyThesaurus, Keywords, Classification System, Procedures,Taxonomic Classification: rank and value

1.7 Access ConstraintsAccess Constraintsrestrictions and legal prerequisites for accessing the data;including protection of privacy or intellectual property

1.8 Use ConstraintsUse Constraintsrestrictions for using the data set after access is granted

1.9 Point of ContactPoint of Contact

Section 1: Identification Information

Section 1: Identification Information

1.10 Browse GraphicBrowse Graphic1.11 Data Set CreditData Set Credit

recognition of those who contributed to the data set

1.12 Security InformationSecurity Information1.13 Native Data Set EnvironmentNative Data Set Environment

software used to create / analyze / export the dataset

1.14 Cross ReferenceCross Referenceother, related data sets that are likely to be of interest

BDP1.15 Analytical ToolAnalytical Tooltools, models, or statistical procedures

2.1 Attribute AccuracyAttribute Accuracy

2.2 Logical Consistency ReportLogical Consistency Report

2.3 Completeness ReportCompleteness Report

2.4 Positional AccuracyPositional AccuracyHorizontal and Vertical

2.5 LineageLineageMethods used; Sources used; and Process Step

2.6 Cloud CoverCloud Cover

Section 2: Data Quality Information

Section 2.5 Lineage: Taking a closer look

The lineage and process step metadata elements

What do these have in common?

What do the terms “lineage” and “process step” mean to you?

Section 2.5 Lineage: Definition

“Information about the events, parameters, and source data which constructed the data set, and information about the responsible parties.”

What were the ingredients (source data)? How were they combined (process steps)? Who did the work (contact)?

Mandatory

M if Applicable

Optional

What were the ingredients (source data)?

How were they combined (process steps)?

Mandatory

M if Applicable

Optional

Who did the work (contact)?

Mandatory

M if Applicable

Optional

Section 2.5 Data Lineage and Process

Who would use this type of information?

What is its value?

3.1 Indirect Spatial ReferenceIndirect Spatial Reference

3.2 Direct Spatial Reference Method Direct Spatial Reference Method

3.3 Point and Vector Object InformationPoint and Vector Object InformationType, Topology level, Count

OR

3.4 Raster Object InformationRaster Object InformationType, Count

Section 3: Spatial DataOrganization Information

4.1 Horizontal Coordinate System DefinitionHorizontal Coordinate System Definition4.1.1 GeographicGeographic OR4.1.2 PlanarPlanar OR

4.1.2.1 Map Projection OR4.1.2.2 Grid Coordinate System OR4.2.2.3 Local Planar

4.1.3 LocalLocal 4.1.4 Geodetic ModelGeodetic Model

4.2 Vertical Coordinate SystemVertical Coordinate System4.2.1 Altitude System Definition4.2.2 Depth System Definition

Section 4: Spatial Reference Information

5.1 Detailed DescriptionDetailed Description

5.1.1 Entity Typelabel, description & source for dataset features

5.1.2 Attributeslabel (field name), field definition,

definition source (authority ~ USGS, FIPS, etc.),

and domain values / valid values

AND/OR

Section 5: Entity and Attribute Information

AND/OR

5.2 Overview DescriptionOverview Description

5.2.1 Entity and Attribute Overviewdetailed summary of the information contained in a data set

5.2.2 Entity and Attribute Detail Citationreference to the complete description of the entity types,

attributes, and attribute values for the data set

Section 5: Entity and Attribute Information

Enumerated Domain: list of possible values (conservation status ranks, domain tables)

Range Domain: numeric values between limits (lat / long)

Codeset Domain: values defined by a set of codes (FIPS codes, Quad codes, HUC codes, USESA values)

Unrepresentable Domain: values not in a known predefined set (any text or comment field, common names)

Section 5: Attribute Domain Values

6.1 DistributorDistributorContact information for obtaining the data set

6.2 Resource DescriptionResource DescriptionInternal identifier such as a dataset name or code

6.3 Distribution LiabilityDistribution Liability Liability statement regarding the data set

6.4 Standard Order ProcessStandard Order Processgeneral data request process, instructions, and fees

6.5 Custom Order ProcessCustom Order Process6.6 Technical PrerequisitesTechnical Prerequisites6.7 Available Time PeriodAvailable Time Period

Section 6: Distribution Information

7.1 Metadata DateMetadata Datedate metadata created or last reviewed

7.2 Metadata Review DateMetadata Review Date

7.3 Metadata Future Review DateMetadata Future Review Date

7.4 Metadata ContactMetadata Contactperson or organization responsible for metadata content

7.5 Metadata Standard NameMetadata Standard Name

7.6 Metadata Standard VersionMetadata Standard Version

Section 7: Metadata Information

7.7 Metadata Time ConventionMetadata Time Convention

7.8 Metadata Access ConstraintsMetadata Access Constraints

7.9 Metadata Use ConstraintsMetadata Use Constraints

7.10 Metadata Security InformationMetadata Security Information

7.11 Metadata ExtensionsMetadata ExtensionsExample: Biological Data Profile

Section 7: Metadata Information

Implementation – Where Do You Go From Here?

Implementation Decisions: Overview

Getting support for metadata development? What is a “data set?” What needs metadata? When is the best time to collect metadata? When should you document legacy data? Who is the metadata being created for? For what

purpose?• External - Clearinghouse, Projects, Internet• Internal - Data Library, Archives

Who should create the metadata?• Single individual or team approach

What metadata creation tools?

Getting Support: The Value of Metadata is Organization Wide Saves time, money, frustration Preserve institutional memory and investment

in data; written documentation rather than in one person’s brain

Partnerships and “advertising” data collections, help share reliable information

Efficiency – identify and use existing datasets, avoid duplication of effort

Gives the data set creator(s) credit

Funding Metadata Development

Internal funding options?

External - include as project deliverable / scope of work, therefore included in the project budget!

Deciding what data sets need metadata? Dataset definitions: EO 12906, FGDC, NBII Historical data: NSDI “Guide for Federal

Agencies” Prioritize data sets: Mission critical, High

demand, Projects, Web downloadable, Legacy, Others?

Data inventory: Format, Resolution, Contacts, Geographic locations, etc

General rule of thumb: The “what if Joe Scientist gets hit by a bus tomorrow?” test

Who contributes to creating a metadata file?

Single individual or team approach?

Team Leader / Project Manager

GIS Specialist

Field Personnel

Database Manager

Science Staff

Data Analysis Lead

More Metadata Training & Info

FGDC metadata trainer directory FGDC metadata training calendarhttp://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/education.html NBII metadata training programhttp://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/training/index.html Other Training Materialshttp://www.csc.noaa.gov/metadata/ Email listhttp://lists.geocomm.com/mailman/listinfo/metadata

Metadata Resources on the Web Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC):

http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/metadata.html

http://fgdc.gov/metadata/meta_workbook.html

http://biology.usgs.gov/fgdc.metadata/version2/

National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) / Biological Data Profile:http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/

http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/standards/BDP-workbook.doc

http://www.nbii.gov/datainfo/metadata/standards/bdp.html

USGS metadata resource page (includes factsheets, FAQs, MP validation tool): http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/

Metadata Tools and Resources

Metadata Creation ToolsSoftware Name

SpatialCapture

Templates BDP Price

ArcCatalog (ArcGIS 8.x)

YES Import existing metadata, Advanced Synchronization tools

NO Part of ArcGIS 8.x

ArcView 3.xExtensions

YES Stores as.dbf files; can be reused as a “template”

NO Extensions are free

Metavist NO Stores as XML files; can start with existing metadata to use as a template

YES Free

SMMS YES YES – creates whole record templates, and citations & contacts

YES ~ $600

TKME NO Start with existing metadata record to use as a template

YES Free

Metadata Creation Tools

Summary and review of a variety of metadata software tools:

http://www.sco.wisc.edu/wisclinc/metatool/index.html http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/toollist/metatools797.html

Check back periodically – these review sites are updated on an ongoing basis!

Metadata Validation Tools

CNS - “Chew-n-Spit” Pre-parser to prepare for using “MP” (probably

not needed if using tool such as ArcCatalog)http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/tools/doc/cns.html

MP - “Metadata Parser”Validation that metadata are FGDC compliant;

critical if posting metadata to an online clearinghouse

http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/tools/doc/mp.html

CNS: “Chew-n-Spit” Pre-parser

Metadata formatting tool Pre-parser for formal metadata to convert records that

cannot be parsed by MP into records that can be parsed by MP

Uses ASCII text files from metadata creation tool Not all ASCII text files require CNS prior to using MP

Metadata Tool

CNSreview to MP

MP: Metadata Parser

Metadata quality control and output configuration tool

Compiler to parse formal metadata Checks the syntax against the FGDC standard

(including the Biological Data Profile) Checks structure and values of elements Generates output suitable for viewing with a web

browser or text editor (can create .html, .sgml, .diff, and .xml files for serving on the clearinghouse or the Internet)

Reads ASCII text, XML, or SGML files

MP: Correcting Errors

All errors must be fixed in the original metadata record (and then re-run through MP)

Errors are labeled with numbers - how can you find out where they are? • Open a DOS window and edit the file c:\metanbii\

cns_out.txt (the edit feature contains line numbers) OR

• View CNS output “cns_out.txt” in and use “Find” feature of WordPad to locate error

Metadata Process Summary

Final OutputMP

Correct Errors

Output to MP

Metadata Tool

ClearinghouseClearinghouse

Metadata software – a closer look

ArcCatalog (ArcGIS 8.x or 9.x)

ArcCatalog: Metadata Options

ArcCatalog (ArcGIS 8.x or 9.x)

Advanced tools and customizations (such as specifying which parts of the metadata record to automatically update) can be downloaded from the ESRI ArcObjects website: http://arcobjectsonline.esri.com/

Select “Samples”, “Metadata”, “Tools”, see “Advanced Synchronization” or “Set Synchronized Properties”

ArcCatalog: Advanced Synchronization

ArcCatalog: Set Synchronized Properties

ArcCatalog with NPS NBII Extension

ArcView 3.x Extension: Metadata Collector v2.0

Metavist 2005http://ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/viewpub.asp?key=2737

Metavist 2005 Information

Author: David Rugg, USFS

Vendor: USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station

Platform needed: Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP, with the Microsoft .Net Framework version 1.1.

Metadata stored as: XML files

Software license: NOT required

Software updates: Software new, not known

Cost: FREE

Request a copy: http://ncrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/viewpub.asp?key=2737

Metavist 2005 Software Features Creates FGDC compliant metadata, including the

Biological Data Profile for the FGDC standard. Covers all FGDC elements plus Biological Data

Profile elements (Taxonomy, Methodology, and Analytical Tools).

Geospatial metadata elements NOT automatically collected from GIS data layers.

Metadata stored / output in XML format. Import existing metadata file (must be XML file with

proper formatting). Template – create a partial record with template

components, import to start a new metadata record.

Spatial Metadata Management System (SMMS)

TKME “Another editor for formal metadata”

Metadata Clearinghouses: Sharing and Discovery

Metadata clearinghouses

A metadata clearinghouse is a location — typically accessed through the Internet — to search for spatial data sets

Clearinghouses make metadata records easy to find

Clearinghouse examples

FGDC Geospatial Data Clearinghousehttp://www.fgdc.gov/clearinghouse/clearinghouse.html

Montana State Library Natural Resource Information System GIS http://nris.state.mt.us/gis/

Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse http://www.dnr.state.ne.us/databank/geospatial.html

Wisconsin Land Information Clearinghouse http://www.sco.wisc.edu/wisclinc/

National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse (NGDC) Has the people and infrastructure to help you

find out who has what geographic information.

Set of information services that use hardware, software, and telecommunications networks to provide searchable access to information .

Includes federal, state, university, and vendor participants in the United States and abroad.

User can search all or part of the community in a single session

NBII Clearinghouse

http://metadata.nbii.gov/