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- What are metadata?
Metadata or "data about data" document the content, quality, condition
and other characteristics of data. In essence, metadata answer who, what, when, where,
why and how about the data.
A note on grammar--the word "metadata" is a plural noun, like the word "data."
Therefore, we ask, "what are metadata" rather than "what is metadata." Likewise, it is grammatically
correct to say the "data are" rather than the "data is," though it is increasingly common to use
both terms in a singular context. The academic GIS community most commonly adheres to the
plural usage of both terms.
More information and additional resources can be found on the Metadata page.
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- What is the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) metadata standard
and why should we follow this standard?
Online systems for handling metadata need to rely on their metadata
being predictable in both form and content. Predictability is assured only by conformance to
standards. The standard referred to is the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
(CSDGM) set by the FGDC. To find this standard an other information about FGDC metadata standards
please go to
http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/geospatial-metadata-standards.
Metadata files that follow this standard are machine-readable
so that they can be searched and parsed.
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- Why is it important for metadata to be "machine-readable"?
Metadata that are machine-readable can be searched when loaded
on a spatial data clearinghouse. A clearinghouse can be used to find spatial data created
by other organizations. Because it is expensive and time consuming to create spatial data,
it is often useful to share data with other organizations. This system works when organizations
create metadata that meet FGDC standards and then submit their metadata to a spatial data
clearinghouse. For more information on clearinghouses, see the
FGDC Clearinghouse site.
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- Should I be writing metadata?
If you are a data creator, you should definitely be writing metadata.
If your organization creates data, then someone needs to write metadata.
Metadata help people who use geospatial data find the data layers they
need and determine how best to use them. Metadata help publicize and support the data you
and your organization have produced or modified. It also protects an organization's investment
in data. As personnel change in an organization, undocumented data may lose their value.
Furthermore, lack of knowledge about other organizations' existing data can lead to duplication
of effort.
Metadata creation may seem burdensome, but in the long run it's worth it.
Additional examples of the
value of metadata are documented by the FGDC.
Additional FAQs are available from the USGS.
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- Is there a tool available that I can use to help me write metadata?
ArcCatalog: NJDEP currently uses
ArcCatalog
for creation of FGDC compliant metadata. It allows users to view, create,
edit, import, and export metadata for geospatial data sets. For more information,
see the ESRI white paper on Metadata and GIS (
metadata-and-gis.pdf).
-
Other Metadata Tools: There are also other
metadata tools available. A review of these tools can be found at
http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/geospatial-metadata-tools.
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- Is Metadata training available?
Metadata training for the public is available through the Rutgers University
Professional Geomatics program .
A metadata course is also available at the
ESRI Virtual Campus.
View the Introduction to Metadata
presentation to introduce you to FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee) compliant metadata.
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- Who can I call if I need more information on metadata?
For additional information please call or e-mail John Bocchino (609-633-2668, or
john.bocchino@dep.state.nj.us).
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