INTRODUCTION TO METADATA WORKSHOPS

The Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research (MPCER) will again provide metadata training for GIS users, managers, and researchers in the winter of 2006 and spring of 2007. This effort is funded by the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Cooperative Agreement Program and focuses on providing training for Native American Tribal Organizations on the Colorado Plateau. Tribal Organizations will have first priority to register for workshops however, other agencies or individuals are welcome to register. Space is limited to 25 participants. Workshops are FREE! The February workshop will be cosponsored by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) has been funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, General Assistance Program, to develop and coordinate a Tribal Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Training and Support Project for Tribes in Arizona. The goal of the Tribal GIS Project is to provide GIS information, training, technical support, and to promote the utilization of GIS technology to potential and current Tribal GIS users. The ITCA is scheduling a Free Metadata Workshop for tribal GIS programs at the BIA Western Regional Offices in Phoenix, AZ, on February 7-8, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This workshop is coordinated in conjunction with the Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research (MPCER), and the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA). Metadata is a method used to describe the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics about data written in a standard format, in other words, metadata is “data about data.” The workshop will focus on how to organize and maintain an organization’s/programs’ investment data, provide information on data for data catalogs, and clearing houses, and provide necessary information to aid in data transfer. Any person who uses data uses Metadata, it is used in any field that requires tracking and manipulation of information collected. Metadata make available the capability in knowing and understanding data history, data parameters, and appropriate uses. The workshop is developed for people who have beginning to intermediate GIS experience or is responsible for data management. For additional information, contact Cynthia Naha, Environmental Programs Coordinator by phone or email, at 602-258-4822 or cynthia.naha@itcaonline.com. You can also visit the NAU website for more information at: http//www.mpcer.nau.edu/metadata/index_md1.htm