Free GIS Book: Metadata

= Metadata Chapter - Sample Outline =

What is metadata?
A metadata record is a file of information, usually presented as an XML document, which captures the basic characteristics of a data or information resource. It represents the who, what, when, where, why and how of the resource. Geospatial metadata are used to document geographic digital resources such as Geographic Information System (GIS) files, geospatial databases, and earth imagery. A geospatial metadata record includes core library catalog elements such as Title, Abstract, and Publication Data; geographic elements such as Geographic Extent and Projection Information; and database elements such as Attribute Label Definitions and Attribute Domain Values (courtesy the U.S. Geological Survey).

Metadata Standards

 * OGC Catalogue Service

Metadata Tools
Here is a list of available metadata tools from the US Federal Geographic Data Committee.

Moritz Lennert wrote: Two examples of FOSS metadata tools:

"GeoNetwork opensource implements both the Portal component and the Catalog database of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) defined in the OGC Reference Architecture. It provides tools for managing and publishing metadata on spatial data and related services."
 * GeoNetwork (OSGeo project)


 * MDweb

"MDweb is a generic, multi-language, multi-standard, multi-platform tool for cataloging and locating environmental information, and, by extension, geographical data. [...] The specifications adopted for the cataloging of geographical information are based on the ISO 19115 standard and conform to Open Geospatial Consortium specifications and European directives (INSPIRE directives)."

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Luca Casagrande commented:

"Don't know if this can help, but here: http://www.jornadasgvsig.gva.es/fileadmin/conselleria/Documentacion/3asJornadas/sesiones/sesion4/Gestion_metadatos_en_gvSIG.pdf

You can find the paper of "Semiautomatic extraction and management of metadata in gvSIG" presented during latest gvSIG conference."