Center for International Earth Science Information Network
Mandatory Metadata Elements
This document provides detailed information (definition, format,
example) for the metadata elements and sub-elements mandatory for
compliance with the metadata content requirements of both CIESIN and
the FGDC's Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (for
background information, see Related Metadata
Resources).
Section 1: Identification Information
Data Resource Citation (use Section 8: Citation Information)
Description
Abstract
Purpose
Language
Time Period of Content
Time Period Information (use Section 9: Time Period)
Currentness Reference
Status
Progress
Maintenance and Update Frequency
Spatial Domain
Bounding Coordinates
West Bounding Coordinate
East Bounding Coordinate
North Bounding Coordinate
South Bounding Coordinate
Keywords
Theme
Theme Keyword Thesaurus
Theme Keyword
Place
Place Keyword Thesaurus
Place Keyword
Access and Use Constraints
Access Constraints
Use Constraints
Section 2: Data Quality Information
Attribute Accuracy Report
Attribute Accuracy
Logical Consistency Report
Completeness Report
Lineage
Source Information
Source Citation (use Section 8: Citation Information)
Source Time Period of Content (use Section 9: Time Period)
Source Currentness Reference
Process Step
Process Description
Source Used Citation Abbreviation
Process Date/Time
Source Produced Citation Abbreviation
Process Contact (use Section 10: Contact Information)
Positional Accuracy
Section 6: Distribution Information
Distributor (use Section 10: Contact Information)
Distribution Liability
Standard Order Process
Ordering Instructions
Fees and Terms
Turnaround Time
Non-digital Form
Digital Form
Digital Transfer Information
Format Name
Format Version Number
Format Version Date
Format Specification
Format Information Content
File Decompression Technique
Transfer Size
Digital Transfer: Online Option
Digital Transfer: Offline Option
Section 7: Metadata Reference Information
Metadata Status
Filename
Metadata Review Date
Metadata Future Review Date
Metadata Contact (use Section 10: Contact Information)
Metadata Standard Name
Metadata Standard Version
Metadata Source Reference(s) (use Section 8: Citation Information)
Section 8: Citation Information
Title
Originator [Author] (use Section 10: Contact Information)
Publication Date
Publisher
Publication Place
Section 10: Contact Information
Contact Information - Person
Name
Contact Information - Organization
Organization Name
Contact Address
Address Type
Street Address
City
State or Province
Postal Code
Country
Communication Details
Voice Telephone
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