Metadata Bob Can help You with Your Metadata Needs
When looking at a collection of data, some lengthy study is often required. Several questions must be answered, including what type of information the data contain, when, where, and why the data were collected, and by whom.
Metadata records quickly answer these questions and more with a standardized format that is concise and easy to use. Metadata records make it easier to
- Share data sets,
- Quickly determine the usefulness of a particular data set,
- Become more aware of existing data, and
- Ensure that new data sets complement existing data.
To help coastal managers create and take advantage of the metadata system, the NOAA Coastal Services Center offers the expertise of Metadata Bob and numerous products and services related to metadata.
Metadata Courses
Overview Course: A one-hour presentation to coastal managers on the benefits of writing high-quality metadata.
Metadata Training: A two-day workshop that focuses on writing high-quality metadata. Emphasis is placed on hands-on exercises that illustrate the various sections of the metadata standards.
Coastal Metadata Guide
A comprehensive desk reference for writing quality metadata.
The NOAA Arcview® Metadata Collector Tool
Available for download from the Center's Web site, www.csc.noaa.gov/metadata/text/download.html, this tool is an easy-to-use application for creating metadata. It is the Center's most popular download product and can be employed by any ArcView 3.x user.
The Coastal Metadata Forum
An on-line resource for those who create and use metadata. Participants share metadata questions and answers, tips, and hints. Join the forum at www.csc.noaa.gov/HyperNews/get/metadata.html.
"Metadata Saves the Day"
Let the humorous Metadata Bob poster show others your commitment to high-quality metadata.
Metadata Assistance
For information on coastal metadata, including Center training courses, setting up a Federal Geographic Data Committee clearinghouse node, or developing in-house training, contact the Center's metadata specialist at metadata@csc.noaa.gov.
Metadata for Coastal Resource Managers
www.csc.noaa.gov/metadata/
