Metadata

Abstract

This chapter presents an introduction to information representation of geospatial data and cartographic resources. Metadata serves as the scaffolding that allows users to find, identify, select, and obtain geographic information (GI). These organizational concepts facilitate both GI access and use by representing information objects with specific approaches. Metadata as a topic unto itself, without domain specific syntax and technical jargon, gives readers a broad view of issues that cross disciplines, sectors, and communities. This chapter includes a section of the terminology and tools of knowledge organization, as well as covering other key concepts. A review of the ever-changing schemas, profiles, and standards of GI metadata provides current best practices.