Module org.opengis.geoapi

Package org.opengis.metadata

package org.opengis.metadata
Root package for metadata. The following is adapted from OpenGIS® Metadata (Topic 11) specification.

The notion of cataloguing a set of related documents together in a discoverable series is common in map catalogues. With digital spatial data, the definition of what constitutes a "dataset" is more problematic and reflects the institutional and software environments of the originating organization. Common metadata can be derived for a series of related spatial datasets, and such metadata is generally relevant or can be inherited by each of the dataset instances. Software to support this inheritance of metadata for geographic data within a cataloguing system can simplify data entry, update and reporting.

There is a potential hierarchy of re-usable metadata that can be employed in implementing a metadata collection. By creating several levels of abstraction, a linked hierarchy can assist in filtering or targeting user queries to the requested level of detail. The hierarchy should not necessarily be interpreted to require multiple copies of metadata being managed on-line. Conversely, the definition of general metadata can be supplemented by spatially specific metadata that, when queried, either inherits or overrides the general case. Through use of pointers this method can reduce the redundancy of metadata managed at a site and provide for different views of the holdings by users.

Data series metadata

A series or collection of spatial data which share similar characteristics of theme, source date, resolution, and methodology. The exact definition of what constitutes a series entry will be determined by the data provider. Examples of data series metadata entries may include:

  • A flight line of digital aerial photographs collected during a single flight with one camera and film type. A continuous scan swathe collected from a satellite using the same sensors on a single orbital pass.

  • A collection of raster map data captured from a common series of paper maps.

  • A collection of vector datasets depicting surface hydrography with associated attribution for multiple administrative areas within a country.

The creation of a "data series" metadata level is an optional feature that allows users to consult higher-level characteristics for data search. The definition of this type of metadata may be adequate for the initial characterization of available spatial data, but may not be adequate for detailed assessment of data quality of specific datasets.

Dataset metadata

For the purposes of this specification, a dataset should be a consistent spatial data product instance that can be generated or made available by a spatial data distributor. A dataset may be a member of a data series, as defined in the previous subclause. A dataset may be composed of a set of identified feature types and instances, and attribute types and instances as described in the following four subclauses.

On a demand basis, metadata from series and dataset information will be merged to present the user with a view of the metadata at the dataset level of abstraction. Metadata for which no hierarchy is listed are interpreted to be "dataset" metadata, by default.

Feature type metadata

Spatial constructs known as features are grouped spatial primitives (0-, 1- and 2-dimensional geometric objects) that have a common identity. Spatial data services may elect to support feature type-level metadata where it is available and make such metadata available for query or retrieval. Feature Type -level metadata, together with feature instance-, attribute type- and attribute instance-level metadata, will be grouped into datasets, as defined in the previous subclause. Examples of feature type metadata entries may include:

  • All bridges within a dataset.

Feature instance metadata

Feature instances are spatial constructs (features) that have a direct correspondence with a real world object. Spatial data services may elect to support feature instance-level metadata where it is available and make such metadata available for query or retrieval. Feature Instance-level metadata, together with feature type-, attribute type- and attribute instance-level metadata, will be grouped into datasets. Examples of feature instance metadata entries may include:

  • The Sydney harbour bridge.
  • The Golden Gate bridge, in San Francisco.

Attribute type metadata

Attribute types are the digital parameters that describe a common aspect of grouped spatial primitives (0-, 1- and 2- dimensional geometric objects). Spatial data services may elect to support attribute type-level metadata where it is available and make such metadata available for query or retrieval. Attribute type-level metadata, together with feature type-, feature instance and attribute instance-level metadata, will be grouped into datasets. Examples of attribute type metadata entries may include:

  • Overhead clearance associated with a bridge.

Attribute instance metadata

Attribute instances are the digital parameters that describe an aspect of a feature instance. Spatial data services may elect to support attribute instance-level metadata where it is available and make such metadata available for query or retrieval. Attribute instance-level metadata, together with feature type-, feature instance and attribute typelevel metadata, will be grouped into datasets. Examples of attribute instance metadata entries may include:

  • The overhead clearance associated with a specific bridge across a road.
Since:
2.0
Departure from OGC/ISO abstract specification:
Departure for harmonization between different specifications Omitted the reference system package, since it duplicates ISO 19111 / OGC Topic 2. This follows the lead of ISO 19111, which states:
"Normative reference to ISO 19115 is restricted as follows: in this international standard, normative reference to ISO 19111 excludes the MD_CRS class and its components classes." (ISO 19111:2007, section 3 "Normative References")