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CIESIN's Guide to FGDC Compliant Metadata

6. Distribution Information

Distribution Information provides information about the distributor and options for obtaining the dataset.

6. Distribution Information  (Mandatory if applicable)

CONTAINS:

6.1 Distributor  (Mandatory)
6.2 Resource Description  (Mandatory if applicable)
6.3 Distribution Liability  (Mandatory)
6.4 Standard Order Process  (Mandatory if applicable)
6.5 Custom Order Process  (Mandatory if applicable)
6.6 Technical Prerequisites  (Optional)
6.7 Available Time Period  (Optional)

NOTE: This guide only provides information concerning optionality at the section level and top level elements within each section. Keep in mind that the optionality of a section or compound element always takes precedence over the elements that it contains, and if deemed applicable, then the optionality of its subordinate elements is to be interpreted. Refer to either the FGDC Metadata Workbook, Version 2.0 or Section 6 of the USGS's "Image Map of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata", a graphical representation of the Standard for rules concerning optionality.


6.1 Distributor

Definition: The party from whom the dataset may be obtained.

Guidelines and examples for applying the metadata sub-elements for Distributor are contained in Section 10 (Contact Information).


6.2 Resource Description

Definition: The internal identifier by which the distributor knows the dataset.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Resource Description
: CIESIN_SEDAC_GPW_V3


6.3 Distribution Liability

Definition: Statement of the liability assumed by the distributor.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Distribution Liability
: CIESIN follows procedures designed to ensure that data disseminated by CIESIN are of reasonable quality. If, despite these procedures, users encounter apparent errors or misstatements in the data, they should contact SEDAC User Services at +1 845-365-8920 or via email at ciesin.info@ciesin.columbia.edu. Neither CIESIN nor NASA verifies or guarantees the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any data provided. CIESIN provides this data without warranty of any kind whatsoever, either express or implied. CIESIN shall not be liable for incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of the use of any data provided by CIESIN.


6.4 Standard Order Process

Definition: The common ways in which a dataset may be obtained or received, along with related instructions and fee information. This metadata element contains the following sub-elements:

6.4.1 Non-digital Form

Definition: The description of options for obtaining the dataset on non-computer-compatible media.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2 Digital Form

Definition: The description of options for obtaining the dataset on computer-compatible media.

6.4.2.1 Digital Transfer Information

Definition: Description of the form of the data to be distributed.

6.4.2.1.1 Format Name

Definition: The name of the data transfer format.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Format Name
: ARCE (ARC/INFO Export format)
Format Name
: ARCG (ARC/INFO Generate format)
Format Name
: ASCII (ASCII file, formatted for text attributes, declared "ASCII" format)
Format Name
: BIL (Imagery, band interleaved by line)
Format Name
: BIP (Imagery, band interleaved by pixel)
Format Name
: BSQ (Imagery, band interleaved sequential)
Format Name
: CDF (Common Data Format)
Format Name
: CFF (Cartographic Feature File [U.S. Forest Service])
Format Name
: COORD (User-created coordinate file, declared format)
Format Name
: DEM (Digital Elevation Model format [U.S. Geological Survey])
Format Name
: DFAD (Digital Feature Analysis Data [National Imagery and Mapping Agency])
Format Name
: DGN (Microstation format [Intergraph Corporation])
Format Name
: DIGEST (Digital Geographic Information Exchange Standard)
Format Name
: DLG (Digital Line Graph [U.S. Forest Service])
Format Name
: DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data [MIL-D-89020])
Format Name
: DWG (AutoCAD Drawing format)
Format Name
: DX90 (Data Exchange '90)
Format Name
: DXF (AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format)
Format Name
: ERDAS (ERDAS image files [ERDAS Corporation])
Format Name
: GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System)
Format Name
: HDF (Hierarchical Data Format)
Format Name
: IGDS (Interactive Graphic Design System format [Intergraph Corporation])
Format Name
: IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Standard)
Format Name
: MOSS (Multiple Overlay Statistical System export file)
Format Name
: netCDF (network Common Data Format)
Format Name
: NITF (National Imagery Transfer Format)
Format Name
: RPF (Raster Product Format [National Imagery and Mapping Agency])
Format Name
: RVC (Raster Vector Converted format [MicroImages])
Format Name
: RVF (Raster Vector Format [MicroImages])
Format Name
: SDTS (Spatial Data Transfer Standard [Federal Information Processing Standard 173])
Format Name
: SIF (Standard Interchange Format [DOD Project 2851])
Format Name
: SLF (Standard Linear Format [National Imagery and Mapping Agency])
Format Name
: TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
Format Name
: TGRLN (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) Line format [Bureau of the Census])
Format Name
: VPF (Vector Product Format [National Imagery and Mapping Agency])

6.4.2.1.2 Format Version Number

Definition: Version number of the format.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2.1.3 Format Version Date

Definition: Date of the version of the format.

Format: Free date.

6.4.2.1.4 Format Specification

Definition: Name of a subset, profile, or product specification of the format.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2.1.5 Format Information Content

Definition: Description of the content of the data encoded in a format.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2.1.6 File Decompression Techniques

Definition: Recommendations of algorithms or processes (including means of obtaining these algorithms or processes) that can be applied to read or expand datasets to which data compression techniques have been applied.

Format: Free text.

Example:
File Decompression Techniques
: No compression applied
File Decompression Techniques
: Unzip

6.4.2.1.7 Transfer Size

Definition: The size, or estimated size, of the transferred dataset in megabytes.

Format: Real; Size > 0.0

6.4.2.2 Digital Transfer Option

Definition: The means and media by which a data set is obtained from the distributor.

6.4.2.2.1 Online Option

Definition: Information required to directly obtain the dataset electronically.

6.4.2.2.1.1 Computer Contact Information

Definition: Instructions for establishing communications with the distribution computer.

6.4.2.2.1.1.1 Network Address

Definition: the electronic address from which the dataset can be obtained from the distribution computer.

6.4.2.2.1.1.1.1 Network Resource Name

Definition: The name of the file or service from which the dataset can be obtained.

Format: Free text; Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

Example:
Network Resource Name: http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu/repository/povmap/ds_global/imr_shapefile.zip

6.4.2.2.1.1.2 Dialup Instructions

Definition: Information required to access the distribution computer remotely through telephone lines.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.1 Lowest BPS

Definition: The lowest or only speed for the connection's communication, expressed in bits per second.

Format: Integer; BPS > 110.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.2 Highest BPS

Definition: The highest speed for the connection's communication, expressed in bits per second; used in cases when a range of rates are provided.

Format: Integer; Highest BPS > Lowest BPS.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.3 Number DataBits

Definition: The number of data bits in each character exchanged in the communication.

Format: Integer; Range from 7 to 8.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.4 Number StopBits

Definition: The number of stop bits in each character exchanged in the communication.

Format: Integer; Range from 1 to 2.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.5 Parity

Definition: Parity error checking used in each character exchanged in the communication.

Format: Text; Select from list.

Example:
Parity
: None
Parity
: Odd
Parity
: Even
Parity
: Mark
Parity
: Space

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.6 Compression Support

Definition: The data compression available through the modem service to speed data transfer.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Compression Support
: V.32
Compression Support
: V.32bis
Compression Support
: V.42
Compression Support
: V.42bis

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.7 Dialup Telephone

Definition: The telephone number of the distribution computer.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2.2.1.1.2.8 Dialup File Name

Definition: The name of a file containing the dataset on the distribution computer.

Format: Free text.

6.4.2.2.1.2 Access Instructions

Definition: Specific instructions on how to access the dataset.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Access Instructions
: Data accessible via FTP.

6.4.2.2.1.3 Online Computer and Operating System

Definition: The brand of distribution computer and its operating system.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Online Computer and Operating System
: The dataset resides on a SUN Ultra 450 server running Solaris.

6.4.2.2.2 Offline Option

Definition: Information about media-specific options for receiving the dataset.

6.4.2.2.2.1 Offline Media

Definition: Name of the media on which the dataset can be received.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Offline Media
: CD-ROM
Offline Media
: 3-1/2 inch floppy disk
Offline Media
: 5-1/4 inch floppy disk
Offline Media
: 9-track tape
Offline Media
: 4 mm cartridge tape
Offline Media
: 8 mm cartridge tape
Offline Media
: 1/4-inch cartridge tape

6.4.2.2.2.2 Recording Capacity

Definition: The density of information to which data are written; used in cases where different recording capacities are possible.

6.4.2.2.2.2.1 Recording Density

Definition: The density in which the data set can be recorded.

Format: Real; Density > 0.0

6.4.2.2.2.2.2 Recording Units

Definition: The units of measure for the recording density.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Recording Units
: kb (kilobytes)
Recording Units
: gb (gigabytes)
Recording Units
: mb (megabytes)
Recording Units
: bpi (bits per inch)

6.4.2.2.2.3 Recording Format

Definition: The options available or method used to write the dataset to the medium.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Recording Format
: cpio
Recording Format
: tar
Recording Format
: High Sierra
Recording Format
: ISO 9660
Recording Format
: ISO 9660 with Rock Ridge extensions
Recording Format
: ISO 9660 with Apple HFS extensions

6.4.2.2.2.4 Compatibility Information

Definition: Description of other limitations or requirements for using the medium.

Format: Free text.

6.4.3 Fees

Definition: The fees and terms for retrieving the dataset.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Fees
: None

6.4.4 Ordering Instructions

Definition: General instructions and advice about, and special terms and services provided for, the dataset by the distributor.

Format: Free text.

Example:
Ordering Instructions
: The data are available from the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) as zipped individual ArcInfo Interchange Files and zipped Band Interleaved by Line (BIL) formats via FTP at ftp://ftp.ciesin.columbia.edu/pub/gpw/.

6.4.5 Turnaround

Definition: Typical turnaround time for the filling of an order.

Format: Free text.


6.5 Custom Order Process

Definition: Description of custom distribution services available, and the terms and conditions for obtaining these services.

Format: Free text.


6.6 Technical Prerequisites

Definition: Description of any technical capabilities that the user must have to use the dataset in the form(s) provided by the distributor.

Format: Free text.


6.7 Available Time Period

Definition: The time period when the dataset will be available from the distributor.

Guidelines and examples for applying the metadata sub-elements for Available Time Period are contained in Section 9 (Time Period).


CIESIN's Guide to FGDC Compliant Metadata

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