| This sub-page of Metadata
topic describes how to create metadata. Successful
metadata development requires an understanding of both the data you are trying to describe
and the standard itself. Take a look at the ""How To" Guide on
Metadata Implementation" for a practical overview of the issues associated with
developing and maintaining metadata for digital spatial data.
There are really two ways to go about learning how to
create metadata. One is to attend a metadata training workshop. Check the
Metadata Training
Calendar to see if a training workshop is being offered in your area.
The other is to learn how to develop metadata on your
own. Below you will find some guidelines to help you get started with your metadata
development.
Metadata development is more than storing text in a
cryptic format. It is organized in four phases: creation, verification,
distribution, and maintenance.
Creation:
Strategies must be developed and techniques implement to create metadata. Here are some
steps that will make creating metadata easier:
Assemble information before you begin:
- Inventory your data
Figure out exactly what you have.
- Know your data
Metadata provides an opportunity to capture much of
the information lost in data automation
- Identify what your data sets mean
- Identify the time your data set are valid
- Identify the resources used to create the data sets
- Identify what your data sets represents
- Identify how your data sets are represented
Review other metadata examples
- Examine other metadata records
Examining how others document their data
sets may provide insight to the most appropriate strategy for you.
Become familiar with the Content Standards for
Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM)
- Download the CSDGM workbook
- CSDGM Version 2 - FGDC-STD-001-1998
formats
Choose a metadata tool
- Tool surveys
Choosing the right tool is an important decision. There are
numerous collection and management tools out there.
Verification:
Once a metadata record has been completed, the information it contains must be reviewed,
or parsed. Parsing refers to a process in which the values and
structure of metadata records are reviewed against the CSDGM. Any and all errors in
the metadata record are identified for correction. A successfully parsed and
error-free document is considered a compliant metadata record.
Use Metadata Parser (mp)
- Learn about MP
MP is a free, Command
Prompt (DOS Shell) based application that reviews the structure of a metadata record
against the CSDGM. Deviations from the standard are detailed in a error report.
Additionally, MP can produce a number of output file types that can be used for a
variety of metadata distribution processes. To learn more about MP click here.
- Download MP
MP is available for many operating systems. To download the latest version of MP for
you operating system click here.
Distribution:
When a metadata record has passed the parsing routine, it is ready for distribution.
Metadata is intended to help geospatial data users find the data they need and determine
how best to use it. Therefore, getting the metadata to the user is just as important
as the data set itself.
Decide on one or more distribution methods
- Include metadata with your product
Print the metadata record on paper or save a copy of
the digital version on the media.
- Provide metadata on the Internet
On-line metadata is an effective tool for promotion
and distribution.
- Submit metadata to an FGDC Clearinghouse
Clearinghouse is a distributed discovery
mechanism for digital geospatial data. Using the data elements defined in the CSDGM,
participants worldwide can make their collections of spatial information searchable and
accessible on the Internet.
Maintenance
Keep you metadata up to date and review it periodically. If a data set changes,
document the change in the metadata. For example, if attributes are added data set,
add them to the metadata.
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