FSP FAQs: Metadata
Fundamental Science Practices describing what metadata are, when their release is required, review and approval of metadata, where to catalog metadata, responsible parties, digital repositories, and digital object identifiers.
Do summary data tables in scientific information products such as USGS publication series products or outside publications (for example, journals) need metadata? [105]
No. The data behind the summary table, however, if not also presented in the body of the product, will need metadata and will need to go through the data release process.
Are the output data generated by a model simulation also subject to the metadata requirement? [104]
Yes, model simulation data that will be made publicly available through the data release process need metadata. [Read more]
Are metadata records needed for scientific datasets and databases that are provided by non-USGS authors and are subsequently included in USGS datasets, databases, or publications? [103]
Generally, yes, because these items become part of USGS scientific information products. When incorporated into USGS information products, non-USGS datasets or databases need to comply with USGS data release requirements. Metadata records include a link to the original source data. [Read more]
Are metadata records required for any size dataset? [102]
There is no established size for a dataset that prescribes when a metadata record is required. A metadata record may not be needed if results are presented in their entirety in a published table. However, if the table contains analytical or summary results, or records are extracted from a larger dataset, it is appropriate to have a metadata record for the larger dataset. [Read more]
I have a lot of data packaged in different datasets and databases. For what packages of data do I produce a metadata record? [101]
It depends on how the data will be used. You need a metadata record that describes the data package that will be cited, which is generally also the package that will be searched for in the Science Data Catalog and public search engines. [Read more]
When do I create metadata? [100]
Authors should develop an approach for compiling the metadata record at the data-management planning stage. Metadata creation should be started as soon as the project begins. [Read more]
How do I create metadata? [099]
Various tools for creating metadata are available on the USGS Data Management metadata web page.
What do metadata records look like? [098]
Examples of metadata for data include those found at https://sofia.usgs.gov/exchange/evapotrans/metadata.html and other examples on the USGS Data Management metadata web page.
Why do we need metadata for data? [097]
Metadata enable users to find, understand, and reuse the data. A metadata record is required for including data in the Science Data Catalog. [Read more]
What are metadata? [096]
Metadata describe where, when, and why the data were collected; who collected the data; what types of data were collected; what processes were used to create the data; what quality assurance controls were used; and where the collected data are located. [Read more]