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What you really need know

Successful metadata development requires an understanding of both the data you are trying to describe and the standard itself. You need to decide how you will encode the information. Normally, you will create a file for each metadata record, that is, one file describing one data set.  Then use your tools to enter information into this file so that the metadata conform to the standard.

Steps that will make creating metadata easier:

• Assemble information before you begin: 

  • Inventory your data
    Spatial data sets have an ability to multiply and consume all available disk space.  What's worse, they tend to spread beyond the initial source of creation.  Never-the-less, when considering the resources invested in database development, the time spent maintaining an inventory is certainly justified.

  • Know your data...
    As GIS tools become easier to use, data developers have less contact with rigors of geographic representation.  Metadata provides an opportunity to recapture much of the knowledge lost to map and data automation.

    • Identify what your data means
      Provide information regarding the data's intended use and purpose.

    • Identify the time your data is valid

    • Identify the resources used to create the data
      Providing lineage makes getting answers easier. 

    • Identify what your data represents
       Knowledge about elements that compose the map, (i.e. themes, features, attributes, queries, resolution, etc.) makes metadata easy to complete.

    • Identify how your data is represented
      Knowledge of cartographic elements such as projection, datum, Scale Factor, ordinate resolution, and coordinate system.
      

• Review other metadata examples

  • Examine other metadata records
    Metadata can be collected in a variety of forms and varying levels of detail. Examining how other agencies document their data holdings may provide insight into the most appropriate strategy for your agency.
    

• Know the Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM)
  The CSDGM can be very daunting to the un-initiated.  By using available resources, compliant metadata does not have to require a lot of time. 

  • Graphical CSDGM
    This tool provides a very "user friendly" interface to the standard.  

  • Download the Metadata Workbook version 2.0

    • Adobe Acrobat (PDF)

• Use the resources available to you
  The metadata standard can be quite large.  By utilizing the resources like the Graphical CSDGM, you can cut down on the time it takes to enter values by entering only those fields that apply to your data:

  • SOFTWARE: CorpsMet95 
    The US Army Corps of Engineers developed Corpsmet95 as a free, easy to use, metadata production tool.  Corpsmet95 offers an integrated CSDGM "wizard" like feature that informs users when a value is required or required if applicable.  This feature makes CorpsMet95  appealing to novice and general use metadata creators. 

    • Enter only what is required
      The CSDGM fields may seem daunting at first, but if you enter only that information which is required, you will save time.  CorpsMet95 identifies only those fields which form compliant metadata.
      

• Syntax & structure of metadata

  • Parse the record
    Parsing refers to a process in which the values and structure of metadata record are reviewed.  By checking the syntax  of the metadata record against the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM).  An output file (a text report) is generated which indicates any and all errors in the metadata. 

    • Using the report, all necessary modifications to the arrangement and values in the record are made as they are needed.  Repeating the process until the syntactical structure is correct is required.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
More information about this process is available in the Parsing Metadata section of this workbook.

• Get metadata practice?

  • Take the metadata exercise
    Developed by Hugh Phillips for the Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office and the University of Wisconsin-Madison General Library System, this exercise  is an introductory look at metadata development, covering topics like:

    • Developing metadata using MetaMaker and CorpsMet95

    • Pre-parsing functions

    • Parsing function
      

Tools used to create metadata

Choosing the correct tool is a very important decision.  There are a number of tools  available, many of which are freely available to the public.  A review of metadata development software is available on line @  FGDC-Metadata Tools. 

• What software should I use to develop metadata? 

  • Use CorpsMet95
    For a freeware product, CorpsMet95 has one of the most intuitive and informative interfaces available.  One helpful feature provides the user with the CSDGM for the field currently being edited.  Corpsmet95 also identifies only those fields which are required for compliant metadata.

    • For more information:  Corpsmet95

  • Other ways to develop metadata
    There are many products available that will create metadata.  Because it is easy to make mistakes (like spelling, omissions, or misplacements), it is best to use a product that that will maintain and implement the FGDC content standard.

    • The FGDC sponsored Metadata Tools page provides links to several metadata tool evaluations. 

• What software should I use to parse metadata?

  • Use mp
    MP, or Meta Parser 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.

    • For more information:  mp

    • Parsing your records

L A G I C
Louisiana Geographic Information Center