Metadata in Plain Language

1. What does the data set describe?
2. Who produced the data set?
3. Why was the data set created?
4. How was the data set created?
5. How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
6. How can someone get a copy of the data set?
7. Who wrote the metadata?

Why use a formal structure for metadata?

Standards

• FGDC (Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata)
• ISO 19115 (plus several other ISO volumes)