Introduction to the NGDF Discovery Metadata Guidelines

NGDF Discovery Metadata Guidelines - Version 1.1

The NGDF Discovery Metadata Guidelines represent the first stage in the development of metadata services for the discovery of data resources that have a geographic component. Their aim is to provide a consistent and simple method of documenting any data resources that are referenced in some way to the earth’s surface whether by coordinates or geographic identifiers (addresses, administrative area, postcode area). The consistent recording of metadata or information about data resources and their presentation in catalogues accessible to the user community via the Internet considerably facilitates the discovery of such data resources.

The guidelines are based upon the draft ISO metadata standard 15046-15. The intention is to make the guidelines a profile of the ISO standard in time. They were produced after extensive research of existing standards and guidelines and following a workshop in which data producers were encouraged to compile metadata relating to their own datasets.

Some 42 metadata elements have been identified as necessary for documentation at the discovery level of which 16 are mandatory and a further 7 are conditional depending on the context, the remainder are optional. These elements cover title, theme, date and spatial extent, access constraints, nature of the resource, how to obtain additional information and data supply.

How to obtain the guidelines

The guidelines can be obtained in two ways:

Guidelines Summary - this is available from the web site by completing the contact details form. This summary only includes a brief background to NGDF, the importance of metadata, information about a proposed metadata service and an overview of discovery metadata.
Full Version of Guidelines - The full version includes technical details about the preparation of metadata, transfer formats and protocols, conformance requirements as well as a number of relevant appendices. Should you require this full version, fill in the contact details form and select the options required.

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National Geospatial Data Framework (NGDF) Management Board

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The document is available free of charge to organisations or individuals seeking guidelines for documenting their georeferenced data resources provided due acknowledgement is made to the National Geospatial Data Framework (NGDF) Management Board. The document may be reproduced but only in its entirety and only if the publication details on this page are also reproduced.

Users should note that the document is liable to change at any time without notice and should always check the National Geospatial Data Framework website to ensure that their version is current.

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None of the statements made in the document should be considered an endorsement or otherwise of any of the commercial or non-commercial products which are cited. The statements made in the document are for guidance only and users should seek professional advice before acting on the document. The National Geospatial Data Framework Management Board assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for damages resulting from the information contained in the document.

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