1. FGDC | NSDI | METADATA STANDARDS

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Metadata is information about data. Similar to a library catalog record, metadata records document the who, what, when, where, how, and why of a data resource. Geospatial metadata describes maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files, imagery, and other location-based data resources. The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 tasks the FGDC to enable access (see GeoPlatform.gov) to National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) resources and lead the the creation, management, and maintenance of the metadata required to fuel data discovery and access.

Note

The below resources were developed by the FGDC prior to the Geospatial Data Act of 2018.

1.2. ABOUT GEOSPATIAL METADATA

The basics of metadata Geospatial Metadata Fact Sheet (pdf) Business Case for Metadata Value of Metadata (pdf, ppt) What is Metadata (pdf, ppt)

1.3. PREVIOUS GEOSPATIAL METADATA OUTREACH

Metadata community and events FGDC ISO Geospatial Metadata Summit (2017) ISO Geospatial Metadata Implementation Forum (Monthly) FGDC Metadata Working Group (MWG) International Geospatial Metadata Listserver ISO Metadata Implementation Webinar (2013) FGDC Metadata Summit (2011)

1.4. GEOSPATIAL METADATA STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

  • Specifications for formatting and populating your metadata

  • Geospatial Metadata Standards: ISO 191** metadata series and FGDC CSDGM

  • Selecting A Geospatial Metadata Standard

  • FGDC Technical Guidance: Data.gov and The GeoPlatform Metadata Recommendations Including -pGuidelines for National Geospatial Data Assets (NGDA) (pdf), updated December 6, 2022 – This document provides best practices only and is not intended as policy that agencies must comply with, or for audit purposes.

1.5. LEARNING RESOURCES

Guidance documents, lessons, and more Geospatial Metadata Learning Resources, Guidance and Examples Geospatial Metadata Core Curriculum

1.6. TOOLS

Tools to create, validate, and publish metadata CSDGM Metadata Tools ISO Metadata Tools Publish Metadata via GeoPlatform / Data.gov