Metadata

The NRGIS Program delivers standards, software applications, and training to support the documentation of NPS datasets using metadata. Metadata is standardized descriptive information about datasets. Metadata describes the content, quality, and condition of a data set. It also provides standardized documentation using a common structure, format, and terminology. NPS datasets include (but are not limited to) geospatial data, tabular data, documents, data standards, and images.

Metadata Standards

Metadata describing NPS datasets is based on the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) published by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). The NRGIS Program has developed the NPS Profile extension to the CSDGM specifically for documenting NPS datasets. The NPS Profile is the metadata standard that should be used for documenting NPS datasets as it provides a common data structure for NRGIS Metadata Applications and for sharing metadata and datasets.

Metadata Applications

The NRGIS Program has developed several applications to support NPS metadata creation and sharing including the NPS Data Store, and the NPS Metadata Tools and Editor. For details visit the NRGIS Metadata Applications page.

Metadata Training

The NRGIS Program regularly provides training to NPS staff and cooperators on metadata concepts, metadata standards, metadata software, metadata creation strategies, and other metadata management topics. For more information on what kind of training is available and training workshop schedules, visit the NRGIS Training page.