Metadata
GIS
What is GIS?
How To
Data Overview
- Metadata
- Glossary
- Projection
Data Dictionary
Metadata (data about data) on this CD provides pertinent information about specific data layers such as: code classification of attributes, extent and projection information, descriptions of relational tables, and procedures used to create specific data layers. Without sufficient metadata, the full utility of many data layers is compromised.
To view the metadata for any given data set, find the data layer in the Data Dictionary and click on the abstract or metadata link. The abstracts contain the most relevant information: a brief description of the data layer and a description of the most relevant attributes.
Clicking on the metadata link leads to the full, most detailed description of each data layer which follows FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee) format. FGDC formatted metadata can be browsed using the table of contents at the top of each metadata page. Some of the metadata on this CD does not have all of the fields filled that are required by FGDC standards. To learn more about FGDC standards visit their website at www.fgdc.gov.
All of the metadata can also be found in the metadata directory, at CD ROM\content\data_and_software\metadata. The metadata directory has a structure exactly parallel to that of the data directory. Metadata naming convention is as follows:
- *_ab.html - brief abstract of data layer, for example: anad_lakes_ab.html
- *.htm - detailed metadata if available, for example: anad_lakes.htm
- *.jpg - thumbnail snap shot of data layer, for example: anad_lakes.jpg (* indicates layer name)
Every effort was made to obtain metadata if the data layer was originally obtained from public sources. In general, data was only included if accompanying metadata was available. Only minimal effort was made to enhance metadata that was incomplete. Pertinent data layers derived from analysis or developed by Ecotrust for the Copper River Collaborative were documented where applicable.
All GIS data on the accompanying CD is provided as shapefiles or grids and are in standard Alaska Albers Equal Area Conic projection.
Please read the disclaimer before accessing any information.
