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Geospatial Metadata

What are Metadata?

A metadata record is a file of information, usually presented as an XML document, which captures the basic characteristics of a data or information resource. It represents the who, what, when, where, why and how of the resource. Geospatial metadata commonly document geographic digital data such as Geographic Information System (GIS) files, geospatial databases, and earth imagery but can also be used to document geospatial resources including data catalogs, mapping applications, data models and related websites. Metadata records include core library catalog elements such as Title, Abstract, and Publication Data; geographic elements such as Geographic Extent and Projection Information; and database elements such as Attribute Label Definitions and Attribute Domain Values.

The FGDC is tasked by Executive Orders to develop procedures and assist in the implementation of a distributed discovery mechanism for national digital geospatial data. Geospatial metadata are critical to data discovery and serves as the fuel for both the Geospatial One-Stop data portal and the NSDI Clearinghouse.

The current Federal standard for geospatial data is the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata. However, efforts are underway to finalize a new national (ANSI) standard - The North American Profile (NAP) of the ISO 19115: Geographic Information – Metadata. NSDI Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor this site for information about NAP implementation and resources.

 
Last Updated: Dec 28, 2011 01:54 PM