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Usage
FGDC standard ordinarily refers to the Content
Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM), even though the FGDC
also deals with other standards. The standard is designed to
provide a common set of terminology and definitions for the documentation
of digital geospatial data. The standard establishes the names, definitions
and information about the values of data elements.
Creators
The FGDC develops geospatial data standards for implementing the NSDI (National Spatial Data Infrastructure), in consultation and cooperation with State, local and tribal governments, the private sector and academic communities. Executive order 12906, calling for standardization of all government geospatial data was signed into law Apr. 11, 1994. The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is a community of interest within the U.S. National Information Infrastructure. The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) focuses U.S. Federal activities in the NSDI.
Revisions
Version 2 released 1998. The FGDC Metadata Ad Hoc Working Group promotes awareness and facilitates the evolution and revision of the standard. Revisions also develop through the metadata-L electronic discussion list. Current status and list of revision: http://fgdc.gov/standards/status/textstatus.html
Ease of use
The code consists of 334 metadata elements (all not required and can be added to). Requires knowledge of SGML/XML or software that understands the standard (such as Xtme, mp, cns). A list of other software can be found at: http://badger.state.wi.us/agencies/wlib/sco/metatool/mtools.htm . The FGDC Clearinghouse contains procedures to assist in the implementation. Training for input depends upon the depth of the original data.
Documentation
Most documentation is found through the FGDC web site, including: The FGDC Metadata Workbook, Version 2.0, which supplies graphical and textual representation of the content information of the Standard and descriptions of the standards profiles extensions. The NSGIC "Metadata Primer -- A "How To" Guide on Metadata Implementation" provides good step by step instructions for usage. Z39.50 Application Profile for Geospatial Metadata or "GEO": http://www.blueangeltech.com/standards/GeoProfile/geo22.htm
Thesauri
The NASA Master Directory thesaurus is the primary specialized thesaurus used with FGDC data.
Projects
The Geospatial Data Clearinghouse is a collection of over 250 spatial data servers, that have digital geographic data. These data collections can be searched through a single interface based on their descriptions: http://130.11.52.184/
Granularity
Can have as much depth as desired, in part due to the compound elements which exist to contain other elements. 'Parent' and 'children' elements provide for 2 levels of data in one record entry. New elements can be added to the standard as needed (with caution for the end result) by using extensions.
Data for Original and Surrogate
Data elements are provided for both surrogate and original. The may be described separately as well.
Metadata types
Provides for descriptive metadata (in depth through many elements). Provides for administrative metadata through major element codes 'distribution information' and 'metadata reference information' and through minor element codes 'citation information' and 'contact information.' Some structural metadata provided for through major element code 'distribution information' (file format of data, off-line media types, online link to data).
