Metadata | Geospatial Metadata Standards and Guidelines
When metadata records are formatted to a common standard, it facilitates the location and readability of the metadata by both humans and machines. NSDI Stakeholders have long utilized the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM). However, Circular A-119 Revised directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in lieu of government-unique standards. Furthermore, Circular A-16 promotes the use of international standards to advance the building of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI). Several ISO metadata standards are now endorsed by the FGDC and federal agencies and NSDI Stakeholders are encouraged to make the transition to ISO metadata.
Geospatial Metadata Standards
- International Standards Organization (ISO) 191xx series of metadata standards
- FGDC-authored Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM)
Geospatial Metadata Guidelines
- Selecting a Geospatial Metadata Standard
- Benefits of ISO
- FGDC Technical Guidance: Data.gov and The GeoPlatform Metadata Recommendations - including Guidelines for National Geospatial Data Assets (NGDA) (pdf) - This document provides best practices only and is not intended as policy that agencies must comply with, or for audit purposes.
- Project Open Data (POD) Metadata Schema