1. Writing Metadata 1-1 At the conclusion of this module the participant will be able to Describe the concept of metadata in general terms Describe metadata as it relates to geospatial data Give at least 2 examples of common, non-geospatial metadata Objectives General Writing Guidelines

2. Writing Metadata 1-2 What is Metadata? First things first Before we begin, let’s make sure we are on the same page with some definitions. Metadata – When referring to metadata in this presentation, we make the assumption that the metadata is well-written and fully developed according to the rules of the Federal Geographic Data Committee’s (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM). Geospatial – This term will be used to refer to any data set tied to a location on the Earth’s surface.

3. Writing Metadata 1-3 Emily and Madison What is Metadata? So, what is metadata, anyway? Simply put, metadata is information about data. A plain and simple example of what we are talking about can be seen in a photograph. Do you have a box of pictures at home with nothing written down about them? Why should you document them? You took the picture; you know what the picture shows. But imagine that your grandkids inherit that box of pictures. Do you think they will know anything about the pictures? Look at the example to the right. We are given a couple of names, written on the back of the photo, but what other information could we provide that would enhance the photo? ______________________________________________ Plain and simple

4. Writing Metadata 1-4 Finding geospatial data is just like finding books. More Examples Perhaps the best common example of metadata is the library card catalog. Imagine going to the library and trying to find a book without this system. The card catalog entry for a book contains information about that book, such as title, author, publish date, number of pages, etc. It also includes keywords that can be used by the search system to help you locate it. What is Metadata? Rodale's illustrated encyclopedia of herbs ISBN:087596964x (pbk.) : $17.95 ISBN:0878576991 : $24.95 Title:Rodale's illustrated encyclopedia of herbs / Claire Kowalchik & William H. Hylton, editors ; writers, Anna Carr... [et al.]. Publication info: Emmaus, Pa. : Rodale Press, c1987. Physical descrip: vi, 545 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 24 cm. General Note: Includes index. Subject term: Herbs. Subject term: Herbs--Utilization. Subject term: Herb gardening. Subject term: Herbs--History. Subject term: Herbals. Added author: Kowalchik, Claire. Added author: Hylton, William H. Added author: Carr, Anna, 1955- Added author: Rodale Press. Rodale's illustrated encyclopedia of herbs ISBN:087596964x (pbk.) : $17.95 ISBN:0878576991 : $24.95 Title:Rodale's illustrated encyclopedia of herbs / Claire Kowalchik & William H. Hylton, editors ; writers, Anna Carr... [et al.]. Publication info: Emmaus, Pa. : Rodale Press, c1987. Physical descrip: vi, 545 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 24 cm. General Note: Includes index. Subject term: Herbs. Subject term: Herbs--Utilization. Subject term: Herb gardening. Subject term: Herbs--History. Subject term: Herbals. Added author: Kowalchik, Claire. Added author: Hylton, William H. Added author: Carr, Anna, 1955- Added author: Rodale Press. Geospatial metadata is very similar to the card catalog information, but it is much more robust. It includes information such as quality, accuracy, and scale.