Introduction to Geospatial Metadata – FGDC CSDGM National Coastal Data Development Center A division of the National Oceanographic Data Center Please a list of participants at each location to Also questions for the Q&A session to

CSDGM Resources Series Materials: ftp://ftp.ncddc.noaa.gov/pub/Metada ta/Online_ISO_Training/Intro_to_CSD GM/ CSDGM Geospatial Metadata Standards: atial-metadata-standards#csdgm

WRITING METADATA “Minimal metadata is minimally useful”

It’s not so bad! First records are the hardest Not all fields may need to be filled in Tools are available Training classes can be taken Can often be produced automatically Can (and should) be reviewed for updates Writing Metadata

Organize your information Write your metadata file Review your file Have someone else review ReviseRevise PublishPublish Six Steps for Writing Quality Metadata Six Steps for Writing Quality Metadata Writing Metadata

Before you begin writing, get organized… Document your data as you go Write so others can understand Always review your document Before you begin writing, get organized… Document your data as you go Write so others can understand Always review your document Writing Metadata

Items required Sense of Humor! Chocolate FGDC Standard and Workbook FGDC Standard and Workbook Metadata entry tool Metadata entry tool Coffee

Write simply but completely Document for a general audience Be consistent in style and terminology Write simply but completely Document for a general audience Be consistent in style and terminology Keep Your Readers in Mind

Define all acronyms Avoid using jargon Clearly state data limitations

A complete title includes: What Where When Who What Where When Who The Metadata Title

The title is critical in helping others find your data. Which is better? Greater Yellowstone Rivers from 1:126,700 Forest Visitor Maps ( )

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. 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. Be specific. Quantify when you can…..

Use unambiguous words Use descriptive words Fully qualify geographic locations Use unambiguous words Use descriptive words Fully qualify geographic locations Keywords

Distribution Section Are there Direct URLs for the data, browse graphic, or web service Format Description Distribution Contact Liability Statements Are there Direct URLs for the data, browse graphic, or web service Format Description Distribution Contact Liability Statements

Best Practices Follow the Best Practices of your organization Check for clarity and omissions Follow the Best Practices of your organization Check for clarity and omissions

Have someone else read it If you’re the only reviewer, put it away and read it again later Check for clarity and omissions Have someone else read it If you’re the only reviewer, put it away and read it again later Check for clarity and omissions Review your Final Product

Can a novice understand what you wrote? Are your data properly documented for posterity? Can a novice understand what you wrote? Are your data properly documented for posterity? When you review your work, ask…..

Does the documentation present all the information needed to use or reuse the data? Are any pieces missing? Does the documentation present all the information needed to use or reuse the data? Are any pieces missing?

Write so that others will understand Writing Metadata

Organize your information Write your metadata file Review your file Have someone else review ReviseRevise PublishPublish Six Steps for Writing Quality Metadata Six Steps for Writing Quality Metadata Writing Metadata

Review Minimal Metadata Identification InformationMetadata Information OriginatorWest Bounding CoordinateMetadata Date Publication DateEast Bounding CoordinateContact Organization TitleNorth Bounding CoordinateAddress Type AbstractSouth Bounding CoordinateCity PurposeTheme Keyword ThesaurusState or Province Time Period Information*Theme KeywordPostal Code Currentness ReferenceAccess ConstraintsContact Voice Telephone ProgressUse ConstraintsMetadata Standard Name Maintenance & Update Frequency Metadata Standard Version

Review Minimal Metadata

Exercise: Complete a Minimal Metadata Record Use the “Hurricane Raw Data” spreadsheet to complete the minimal mandatory fields in a CSDGM metadata editor

Exercise: Complete a more “Robust” Metadata Record Add more information from the “Hurricane Raw Data” spreadsheet to your metadata record. What other sections can you complete? Add more information from the “Hurricane Raw Data” spreadsheet to your metadata record. What other sections can you complete?

Qeustions?