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By now, it should be clear: metadata is intended to help those who require geospatial data find the data they need and determine how best to use it.  As such, getting the metadata to the user is just as important as the data set itself.

• Benefits of Metadata & it's Distribution:
  • Avoid answering questions about the data
  • Promote the organization's products and abilities
  • Provide performance indictors for the organization
  • Prevent duplication of effort
    
    
• Ways to Distribute Metadata
  • Include metadata with your product
    Simply including the metadata with your product is the easiest and most direct method of distribution.
    • Print the record(s) on paper
    • Save a copy of the digital version on the media
      
      
  • Provide metadata on the internet
    The internet is the fastest growing information source available.   On-line metadata is an effective tool for promotion and distribution.
    
    Most organizations either already have a web site or have plans to develop one.  Those organizations that lack the resources for metadata distribution can still benefit from the internet by using metadata clearinghouses.  
    
    
  • Metadata Clearinghouses for distribution and Acquisition
    Here are just a few examples:
    • FGDC Entry Point to Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
    • Montana Maps - Montana State Library NRIS
    • Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
    • Wisconsin Land Information Clearinghouse (WISCLINC)
    • MIT Digital Orthophoto Browser
    • The UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme - Spatial Data Clearinghouse

L A G I C
Louisiana Geographic Information Center