NJ Geographic Information Network

Introduction

What are metadata?

Metadata are structured "data about data." High-level (i.e. overview) geospatial metadata about data sets are similar to library catalog records about books, but contain more information. The structure of the metadata is determined by a named standard to enable interoperability.

Why metadata?

Metadata are essential for use and re-use of data. Geospatial metadata explain the contents of the data, how and why the data were created, the geographic location of the data, and how the data can be acquired and used.

Why write full metadata?

To enable potential users (including the data creator, after time marches on) to understand the data set and its quality in detail, and assess its fitness for the use intended.
To satisfy State of New Jersey spatial data delivery requirements for vendors.
To protect creators and distributors when sharing data. A structured geospatial metadata record may be used to specify responsibility and to disclaim it.

NJGIN Metadata

Metadata requirements for sharing your data with NJGIN

Metadata in ArcGIS format, FGDC - CSDGM style
Correct and current entries for a small subset of elements, called NJGIN Core
Metadata incorporated into the ArcGIS Online item (see Share Your Data for details)

What metadata standard does NJGIN use?

The NJGIN 3.0 catalog, hosted on ArcGIS Online/Open Data, uses the Federal Geographic Data Committee’s Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC - CSDGM) Style ArcGIS metadata. Eventually it will transition to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 19115 Style ArcGIS metadata.

Write Metadata Using ArcGIS Online

Use the ArcGIS Online metadata editor to write and update ArcGIS format, FGDC - CSDGM style metadata. This option is good for those who are new to writing metadata and who want to use a simple interface. Learn how to enable metadata in your ArcGIS Online organization here.

Introducing NJGIN Core

NJOGIS has developed the following abbreviated collection of required metadata elements to support Search and facilitate publishing, called NJGIN Core:
NJGIN Core White Paper – details on NJGIN Core plus guidance on using the ArcGIS Online metadata editor set to the FGDC - CSDGM style
Additional NJGIN Core Help – with ISO topic keywords, use constraints language, and entity and attribute information

*Remember* NJGIN Core is "metadata lite." To fully document a data set so that its value is preserved over time more information is needed.

Write Metadata Using ArcCatalog

Create standard-compliant metadata that fully document the data, from scratch, using the ArcCatalog metadata editor. This option is good for those who want to use ArcGIS Desktop tools to write and maintain metadata.

Authoring Full FGDC - CSDGM Metadata Using ArcCatalog White Paper
Required Metadata Elements Lists for NJGIN Core and for Full FGDC - CSDGM Metadata

If You Have Old FGDC - CSDGM File Format Metadata

If you have an old metadata record created in ArcCatalog, chances are that it is stored in in FGDC - CSDGM XML file format. You will need to upgrade your document to the new ArcGIS XML format. NJOGIS has authored the following document providing some guidance on this process.

Transitioning from FGDC - CSDGM Metadata to ArcGIS Format, FGDC - CSDGM Style Metadata White Paper

Additional Resources

Human Help

Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help!

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