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Metadata

An important part of data production is accurate data documentation. As an organization that produces, archives, and disseminates geospatial and non-geospatial data (spanning the social and Earth sciences) and that develops application software and services, CIESIN recognizes the importance of metadata. CIESIN has long been active in metadata activities, including documentation of data and other resources, development of data catalogs and guides, and implementation of online search-and-retrieval capabilities for distributed catalogs. CIESIN currently supports a range of catalogs and guides through its Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC), a Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) within the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). CIESIN also offers training in metadata preparation and management in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).

The resources on this web site include several key documents used by our staff in the creation of metadata, as well as general information about metadata and links to metadata resources.

Overview
What is metadata and what are the different standards?

CIESIN's Guide to FGDC Compliant Metadata
This Guide is intended to assist in the creation of metadata records using the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998). Its focus is on providing definitions and examples for all the elements in the standard. The appendices include an example template that illustrates record format, some sample metadata records, and tips on writing abstracts.

Keywords
The “CIESIN Indexing Vocabulary,” developed by CIESIN specifically for CIESIN projects, is a controlled vocabulary for socioeconomic and environmental parameters or indicators. It also includes a controlled vocabulary for location indexing terms.

Training
Information about CIESIN's metadata training and links to training resources.

Catalogs
Catalogs containing CIESIN metadata.

Links
Links to additional metadata resources

CIESIN Home Page

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