Using Portals and Registries: Publishing Metadata to GCMD Lola Olsen 1, Tyler Stevens 2, 1 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 2 Wyle Information Systems (NASA Contractor)

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Overview Introduction to the GCMD Publishing Metadata using docBUILDER Overview of docBUILDER Functionality

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) The GCMD enables the scientific community to discover and access over 25,000 Earth science data sets and services. The GCMD uses the Directory Interchange Format (DIF), a discovery level metadata standard that is used by NASA and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). The DIF contains several fields, allowing users to easily find and determine the data set and/or service that is useful to their needs.

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Publishing Metadata docBUILDER is a free, online tool for creating, updating, and publishing DIF metadata entries to the GCMD. Provides a “visual” check-list of required, highly recommended, and recommended fields to populate. Performs validation (checks controlled fields and syntax). Allows for templates when creating entries with repeatable information. Users can register for an account at Users can access docBUILDER at

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Using docBUILDER Field is checked when completed Validate Your Document and/or Get Help Submit Your Document to the GCMD Populate Metadata Fields

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Relevance to Data Management Creating and maintaining metadata is part of the data management lifecycle. docBUILDER makes it easy for users to update/maintain their metadata entries. DIF entries provide a direct link (i.e. ) to metadata that can be added to data management reports.

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 References and Resources National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) “Directory Interchange Format (DIF) Writer's Guide”. Global Change Master Directory. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). docBUILDER:

Module Template: Subtitle; Version 1.0, Reviewed 9/15/11 Other Relevant Modules Metadata for discovery Advertising your data Using portals and registries