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.
What requirements apply to USGS data made available in non-USGS acceptable digital repositories? [056]
For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]
What is a metadata review, and who can perform it? [057]
A metadata review includes both checking for compliance with metadata standards by using a recommended metadata validation tool and performing quality checks. A minimum of one metadata review by a qualified reviewer is required for all USGS scientific data prepared for release. The role of the metadata reviewer is to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and usability of the metadata. [Read more]
What Federal Government policies require the release of scientific data, and how does the USGS intend to meet these requirements? [088]
OSTP's February 22, 2013 memorandum Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research and OMB's memorandum M-13-13, Open Data Policy—Managing Information as an Asset require the release of scientific data. The Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research at the USGS provides information related to how the Bureau meets these OSTP and OMB requirements. [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]
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 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.
How do I create metadata? [099]
Various tools for creating metadata are available on the USGS Data Management metadata web page.
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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.
Is USGS SPN editing required for metadata records? [106]
No, an SPN editorial review is not required, but Science Centers have the option of obtaining such a review for any product they deem appropriate. [Read more]
Where do the metadata records go once we have created them? [107]
Upon data release, copies of metadata records for USGS data-related products must be placed in the USGS Science Data Catalog. [Read more]
If my data are associated with a publication, where does the DOI pointing to that publication get placed in the metadata? [108]
The DOI for the associated publication should be placed in the “Cross-referenced: Citation: Online Linkage:” element of metadata record. [Read more]
If I cannot explain how the data were created in the metadata record, where do I place the URL or DOI for the product that describes the data creation process? [109]
Citation documenting and explaining data creation should be added to the “Supplemental Information:” element of the metadata record. [Read more]
Where can I find additional guidance or information about metadata? [110]
Additional guidance on metadata creation, quality control and content review, tools, and best practices is available on the USGS Data Management Metadata web page.
Why must metadata records be cataloged in the USGS Science Data Catalog if the data are already available in an acceptable digital repository? [111]
To be compliant with Federal requirements, metadata records must be cataloged in the USGS Science Data Catalog to identify USGS data assets distributed by USGS Trusted Digital Repositories (TDR) and by non-USGS repositories. [Read more]
What about using non-Federal data repositories to provide or host the required public access to my data? [112]
Use of non-Federal repositories is acceptable however the authoritative copy of the data must be hosted on USGS servers or a federally maintained data service. A metadata record must be included in the USGS Science Data Catalog that includes a DOI link to the data source. [Read more]
What data responsibilities need to be included in cooperator/collaborator agreements or contracts? [113]
The agreement or contract with the cooperators/collaborators should specify data management responsibilities, including curation and release. This information should also be included in the USGS project DMP; scientific data must be reviewed and include metadata. [Read more].