Abstract
Spatial metadata profiles have been designed and evolved by data custodians to manage, share, discover, and use spatial data. The end-users of spatial data often do not have much input in designing the profiles. The spatial data infrastructure literature reveals that they question the usability of spatial metadata. This paper analyzes the usability of metadata profiles by engaging end-users and clarifying their requirements in response to this problem. Over 60 users from 18 countries were engaged using an online survey based on a purposive sampling method. The results show that the most widely used metadata standard, ISO 19115, provides metadata elements to accommodate most user requirements for searches. However, an extension to the standard is necessary to assist users in discovery and selection. Two new metadata elements are proposed as part of the extension. The extension also involves changing the obligation type of existing elements to improve data discovery.
Highlights
Spatial data custodians have predominantly designed metadata systems and standards to manage and make sharing, discovery, and usage of data possible
As this paper argued earlier, spatial metadata systems are often complex from a user perspective
This study identified user requirements and preferred interfaces for spatial metadata based on the results of an internationally circulated survey that targeted spatial data users with differing levels of spatial knowledge and relevant expertise and from a range of professional groups
Summary
Spatial data custodians have predominantly designed metadata systems and standards to manage and make sharing, discovery, and usage of data possible. Most spatial metadata records contain descriptions about spatial data following a metadata standard such as ISO. The latest version of ISO 19115-1:2014 is available as ISO 19115-1:2014/Amd 2:2020. ISO standards undergo a review every five years. The standard provides a framework that specifies how metadata should be created (e.g., by dictating metadata elements and classes of information). The metadata are published for spatial data users via web catalogue systems or spatial data portals that help users find, select, and acquire spatial data for their projects or applications.
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