502.7 - Fundamental Science Practices: Metadata for USGS Scientific Data
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DIRECTIVE
SURVEY MANUAL CHAPTER – PROGRAM SERIES
Issuance Number: SM 502.7
Subject: Fundamental Science Practices: Metadata for USGS Scientific Data
Issuance Date: June 1, 2026
Expiration Date: Retain until superseded or cancelled.
Responsible Office: Office of Science Quality and Integrity
Instruction: This Survey Manual (SM) chapter update supersedes SM 502.7, Fundamental Science Practices: Metadata for USGS Scientific Information Products Including Data, dated January 13, 2017.
Approving Official: /s/ William Cunningham
Acting Director, Office of Science Quality and Integrity
1. Purpose and Scope.
A. This SM chapter provides the metadata requirements for all U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientific data (hereafter referred to as “data”), as defined in SM 502.8. This SM chapter also provides guidance for complying with appropriate USGS and other Federal metadata standards and requirements associated with the inventory, reporting, and description of scientific data. This SM chapter does not address software code metadata documentation as those requirements for USGS scientific software are described in SM 502.11. This SM chapter also does not address metadata created for and indexed by the USGS Publications Warehouse for USGS-authored publications.
B. Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) requirements detailed in this policy apply to all USGS employees, political appointees, volunteers, including emeriti, as well as contractors, cooperators, partners, and other external parties who assist with USGS scientific data management activities. Scientific integrity requirements ensure the free flow of scientific information as detailed in 305 DM 3. Failing to comply with FSP can constitute a loss of USGS and Department scientific integrity.
2. Background. Metadata, for purposes of this SM chapter, are descriptive elements in a standardized format that are necessary for identification, discovery, access, and use of scientific data. Metadata enable reuse of data and reproducibility of research results and promote scientific collaboration. Metadata aid in the accurate interpretation of data, describe the nature and quality of data, and enhance the inherent value of data. Metadata also describe the content and context of the associated data to increase their usefulness. Metadata answer fundamental questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how. A metadata record describes information, such as who produced the data and why, and cites or describes methodologies for the collection, processing, quality assurance and quality control of the data. Metadata characterize the spatial and temporal extents of the data and any access or use constraints. Metadata also describe the content and context of the associated data to increase their usefulness.
3. References.
A. Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (Executive Orders 12906, April 13, 1994 and 13286, March 5, 2003)
B. Ensuring Free, Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research (Office of Science Technology and Policy (OSTP) memorandum, August 25, 2022)
C. Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–435, January 14, 2019)
D. Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (43 U.S. Code Chapter 46 – Geospatial Data, October 5, 2018)
E. Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research (Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) memorandum, February 22, 2013)
F. Open Data Policy—Managing Information as an Asset (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum, May 9, 2013)
G. Phase 2 Implementation of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018: Open Government Data Access and Management Guidance (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum, January 15, 2025)
H. Restoring Gold Standard Science (Executive Order 14303, May 23, 2025)
I. SM Part 502 - USGS Fundamental Science Practices and Related Policies
J. SM Part 1100 - USGS Publishing Policies
K. SM 205.18, Authority to Approve Information Products
L. SM 431.1, Records Management Roles and Responsibilities
M. SM 500.25, Scientific Integrity
N. SM 601.1, USGS Web Standards
O. USGS Records Disposition Schedules
4. Policy.
A. Metadata must accompany all USGS scientific data as described in this SM chapter. The content and format of metadata depend upon the type of data being described.
B. USGS metadata records for scientific data must comply with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) endorsed standards, either the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 191** suite of standards. These standards meet USGS documentation requirements for both geospatial and non-geospatial data. Extensions to the standards exist, and those FGDC-approved extensions or profiles that apply must be used (e.g., the Biological Data Profile for the FGDC CSDGM standard). Similarly, any extensions in the ISO suite of standards that apply must be used. In the event an official FGDC metadata standard endorsement transition occurs, all new metadata records moving forward from the effective transition date must comply with that new standard. In addition to the mandatory elements required by the selected standard, all elements relevant to understanding the provenance, quality, and meaning of the data must be completed (Refer to Metadata Creation guidance on the USGS Data Management website).
C. All metadata describing USGS data must be included in the USGS Science Data Catalog (SDC). The SDC serves as a comprehensive catalog, required by the Office of Science Technology Policy and the USGS Public Access Plan. The SDC is the mechanism for all metadata records to be transmitted to the required Federal metadata catalogs (e.g., data.gov). Metadata authors must develop records in a format accepted by repositories and by the SDC (e.g., Extensible Markup Language (XML)). Metadata must be generated in a machine-readable format to enhance the transfer of information between systems and applications. USGS repository owners are responsible for submitting their respective metadata to the SDC. If USGS authors release data in an acceptable non-USGS repository, they are also responsible for submitting the metadata to the SDC. Refer to the FSP Guide to Data Releases with or without a Companion Publication for additional guidance related to metadata submission.
D. An approved scientific database (refer to SM 502.8) requires a comprehensive metadata record that describes the database’s scope, content, and provenance, and also references an external, publicly accessible, and machine-readable data dictionary that defines the structure and domain of the data contained therein. This metadata record must be submitted to the SDC. An individual dataset contained within that database requires separate, descriptive metadata only when its content and structure are unique to that dataset and not already described by the comprehensive metadata for the database.
E. Metadata must reference the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) assigned to the data, as required in SM 502.8.
F. Each metadata record must be assigned a unique persistent identifier for metadata that is registered in the USGS Asset Identifier Service Tool. This assigned, separate identifier is used to uniquely identify, track, and preserve any versioning of the metadata record in the SDC. This registered metadata identifier must be present in the metadata record, regardless of whether the data themselves are released, or whether data release occurs in a USGS or acceptable non-USGS repository. Additionally, the USGS Data Management website provides guidance on placement of the metadata identifier in the metadata record, and responsibilities for assigning one.
G. Metadata records must be updated as needed to reflect changes to the data they describe, to adhere to evolving Departmental or Federal reporting requirements, and to ensure that links are functioning, a shared group email contact is listed, and to continue to point to the intended files.
H. A minimum of one metadata review is required for all USGS scientific data prior to release. Metadata review includes checking for compliance with metadata standards (using a recommended metadata validation tool when available), and assessing the quality, accuracy, and completeness of data descriptions (also refer to the metadata checklist for additional guidance on conducting the metadata review). The metadata review can be conducted either concurrently with the data review or separately as appropriate. Documentation of the metadata review (for example, reviewer comments and how they were reconciled) must be included in the internal USGS Information Product Data System (IPDS) record. Additional information about IPDS data release requirements is provided in SM 502.8.
I. Preliminary data authorized for release for emergency use do not require metadata immediately (refer to SM 502.8); however, reviewed and approved metadata must accompany the official release of the approved data.
J. For publicly released data, a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) International licensing statement must be provided; in cases where licensed data were used and rights do not convey under CC licenses, those proprietary data should be clearly identified in a Use Constraints statement in the metadata. Refer to the USGS Data Management website for additional guidance on developing metadata for scientific data, including licensing statements.
K. In limited cases, some USGS data are not released to the public due to national security, sensitivity, privacy, or third-party licensing concerns. Metadata, as described in this chapter, must be created for these data and adhere to content and quality guidelines described above. For data that are retained internally by the USGS, the metadata must also document the reason for constraints on public access to the data; this justification should be coordinated through the USGS Records Management Office, and appropriate labeling of the data (for example, Controlled Unclassified Information labels as described in SM 431.7) must be included in the Access Constraints statement in the metadata. Although a USGS DOI will not be applied to these data, as they will not be publicly available, a Persistent Identifier (PID) for the metadata must be obtained through the USGS Asset Identifier Service and included in the appropriate location in the metadata record. Additionally, the metadata should record the internal preservation location of the non-public data. Refer to the USGS Data Management website for further information.
5. Responsibilities.
A. Associate Directors and Regional Directors. Associate Directors (ADs) and Regional Directors (RDs) work collaboratively with the entire USGS Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to address issues or take corrective action with regard to implementation of this metadata policy.
B. Office of Science Quality and Integrity, Core Science Systems, FSP Advisory Council, Chief Data Officer, and Office of the Associate Chief Information Officer. The Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI), Core Science Systems (CSS), and FSP Advisory Council (FSPAC) are responsible for jointly developing USGS data management policy and collaborating on the development of related guidance and procedures, including those needed for metadata. OSQI coordinates and communicates with the ADs, RDs, and the entire ELT as needed to address and resolve issues regarding the execution of this policy and related data-management review and approval processes. OSQI also maintains this (SM 502.7) and other FSP-related policy documents. CSS develops and maintains comprehensive data management guidance on the USGS Data Management website. FSPAC develops and maintains comprehensive policy on the FSP website. The Chief Data Officer communicates and supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of USGS Bureau-wide data management strategies, best practices, and tools to meet federal and DOI requirements. The Office of the Associate Chief Information Officer (ACIO) is responsible for the records management program that informs data records management requirements.
C. Science Center Directors. Science Center (or equivalent) Directors have Bureau authority for approval and release of scientific data. SCDs ensure compliance with USGS metadata policy, including but not limited to incorporation of metadata in the mandated USGS Science Data Catalog. The SCD may delegate their approval authority to a designee.
D. Supervisors. Supervisors have the first responsibility in the management chain to ensure that metadata records are created, reviewed, and approved in accordance with the requirements in this policy.
E. USGS Scientists and Authors. USGS scientists and authors ensure that metadata records are created, reviewed, and approved in accordance with the requirements in this SM chapter.
F. Data Managers. USGS Data Managers (designated individuals or teams) ensure that metadata are completed, reviewed, and submitted with the data to the chosen repository as part of their responsibility for stewarding scientific data through the release process.
G. Metadata Reviewers. Reviewers ensure that metadata meet approved standards and are valid, well-formed, complete, and accurate.
H. Records Management Officer. The USGS Records Management Officer, in collaboration with repository staff and Data Managers, ensures that Bureau-wide policies, standards, and procedures are in place to provide guidance on creating accurate and complete records and maintaining them throughout the science data lifecycle.