Earth observation metadata standards are an essential part of the Earth observation process. These standards provide a common language for describing Earth observation data, making it easier for researchers and decision-makers to find, access, and use this data. In this article, we will provide an overview of some of the key terms and concepts related to Earth observation metadata standards.
Metadata is information that describes data. In the context of Earth observation, metadata provides information about the data that is being collected, such as the location, time, and sensor used. Metadata can also include information about the quality of the data, the processing steps that were used to create the data, and any restrictions on its use.
There are several different Earth observation metadata standards that have been developed over the years. These standards are designed to ensure that metadata is consistent and interoperable across different data sets and platforms. Some of the most commonly used Earth observation metadata standards include the ISO 19115 standard, the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standard, and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standard.
The ISO 19115 standard is a widely used Earth observation metadata standard that provides a comprehensive framework for describing geographic information. This standard includes a wide range of metadata elements, including information about the data source, the spatial and temporal extent of the data, and the quality of the data. The ISO 19115 standard also includes guidelines for how metadata should be structured and formatted.
The Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standard is a simpler Earth observation metadata standard that is widely used in the digital library community. This standard includes a set of 15 metadata elements that can be used to describe a wide range of resources, including Earth observation data. The DCMI standard is designed to be flexible and easy to use, making it a popular choice for smaller organizations and individual researchers.
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standard is a US government standard that is widely used in the Earth observation community. This standard includes a set of metadata elements that are specifically designed for describing geospatial data. The FGDC standard includes information about the data source, the spatial and temporal extent of the data, and the quality of the data. This standard is widely used in the US government and is also used by many other organizations around the world.
In addition to these standards, there are also several specialized Earth observation metadata standards that have been developed for specific applications. For example, the Climate and Forecast Metadata Convention (CF) is a metadata standard that is specifically designed for climate data. This standard includes metadata elements that are relevant to climate data, such as information about the climate model used to generate the data and the time period covered by the data.
Overall, Earth observation metadata standards are an essential part of the Earth observation process. These standards provide a common language for describing Earth observation data, making it easier for researchers and decision-makers to find, access, and use this data. By using these standards, organizations can ensure that their data is consistent and interoperable with other data sets, making it easier to share and analyze this important information.