Metadata is documentation about the digital dataset. This information is valuable to users of spatial data within and outside of the municipality. Long after the dataset is created, questions may arise about the automation methodology. A document that details the automation process is useful in answering questions and helps users maintain consistency and integrity of the dataset when updates are performed. Users outside of the municipal government will rely on metadata to determine how the dataset may be used and its level of accuracy. Metadata should include, but is not limited to the following:
reference information to organization and individual(s) who created the dataset and contact information; file name and format;
date compiled;
coordinate system;
automation methods (scanning, digitizing, deed research)
if rectified by digital orthophotos, the file names, dates, and location of these files;
source documents (where housed, quantity, paper or mylar, scale);
notes concerning errata, their location, and how unresolved parcels were handled;
positional accuracy;
attribute file name and format;
attribute fields and their parameters;
dates revised (and by whom); and
tiling structure
Source: New York 1996, np
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has issued standards for the content and structure of metadata. A copy of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata is available from the FGDC at http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/constan.html.
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