Geospatial metadata are descriptions of resources that have reference to a location in earth-centred space. Metadata is "data about data". Dataset descriptions are structured documents which concisely describe particular coherent collections of data. Dataset descriptions use elements of metadata such as: title, custodian, location. Collections of such metadata documents are the basis for building consistent catalogues and directories.
| About
metadata and dataset description Geospatial metadata consistently describes datasets and so enables effective management and availability of that data. Each online dataset description forms an interface to the actual data and to more information about it. |
Australian
Spatial Data Directory (ASDD) The ASDD is currently being implemented. It will be a coordinated group of distributed online catalogues which will maximise the access to well-described spatial information. |
| Resource discovery The discipline of information technology that is concerned with all aspects of finding, locating, and retrieving relevant resources. Sophisticated digital library searching techniques and integration are the keys. The geospatial aspects refine the search criteria to specific geographical locations and time periods. |
Geospatial resource
discovery news Events and activities that we consider are important in the field of geospatial resource discovery in Australasia. |
| SGML and
XML The Structured Generalized Markup Language and the eXtensible Markup Language are used to effectively manage and publish dataset descriptions. Metadata documents in these formats are software-independent, so they can be viewed on the WWW, used with word processors, and can be loaded to databases. |
Document Type
Definition (DTD) To ensure that all dataset descriptions are of a consistent type, the Document Type Definition (DTD) defines the SGML metadata elements and their order and structure. The ANZMETA DTD defines dataset descriptions in Australia and New Zealand. |
URL:http://www.indexgeo.com.au/metadata/
Last Modified: 21 August 1998