IGS Metadata Builder

Metadata Resources

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
http://www.fgdc.gov/
Bookmark this URL and refer to it often. The FGDC is the ultimate source of information on metadata. The links and information presented here are updated regularly.
The Wonderful World of Coastal Metadata
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/metadata/
The people at the NOAA Coastal Services Center have built a simple introductory guide to metadata. It has many of the same links and information as the above reference, but in simpler terms. Information on the NOAA ESRI ArcView 3.X Metadata collection tool can be found at this URL.
Frequently-Asked Questions on FGDC Metadata
http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/tools/doc/faq.html
This site has a lot of useful information, not only for new users, but for users at all levels.
ESRI Virtual Campus
http://campus.esri.com
ESRI Virtual Campus courses combine hands-on experience, interactivity, and instructional support to create a rich learning environment. Many of the first modules of a course are free. This is a nice place to get an introduction to GIS and metadata.

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) Workbook, Version 2.0 (The "Green Workbook")
http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata/documents/workbook_0501_bmk.pdf
This is the definitive metadata reference standard, with examples and answers to frequently asked questions. This document is a "must have" for anyone coping with the CSDGM.
Metadata Tools
http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata
There are tools for entering and editing metadata and utilities for preprocessing, post processing, and validating metadata. Remember, they do not read the actual content of the metadata.
Metadata in Plain Language
http://geology.usgs.gov/tools/metadata/tools/doc/ctc
This document provides a general interview approach for creating metadata. It is not necessarily exhaustive but is intended to convey in plain language the basic information that will be contained in the metadata, as well as link to pages specifying the steps required to write that information into the metadata document itself.

IndianaMap Data Clearinghouse
http://in-ulib-brayton.ads.iu.edu/MetadataExplorer/
IndianaMap is part of the ESRI Geography Network, which shares geographic data and services through a global network of publishers. Search metadata by geographic extent, content type, content theme or keyword, or browse through all of the available metadata documents. It is helpful to look at existing metadata records with the same general topic when writing your own metadata.
Geospatial One-Stop E-Gov Initiative
http://www.geodata.gov
Options allow you to search for digital geographic data based on its location, time period of content, keyword search, and to select one or more collections to query.
Web sites Associated with Clearinghouse Participants
http://clearinghouse4.fgdc.gov/registry/clearinghouse_sites.html
List showing Web sites that are referenced from registered NSDI Clearinghouse Nodes, derived automatically from the Clearinghouse registry service. Use these sites to locate data similar to yours to help develop your metadata. Beware that not everyone interprets the CSDGM the same way and that there are not "metadata police". Use good judgment and lots of examples.

Indiana Spatial Data Portal (Indiana University)
http://gis.iu.edu/
The Indiana Spatial Data Portal (ISDP) provides access to more than 14.6 terabytes of Indiana geospatial data. Most datasets are available to the public for download and have no use restrictions.
Indiana Geological Survey (IGS)
http://igs.indiana.edu/
The Indiana Geological Survey has been at the forefront of activity in the Indiana geospatial community through ESRI ArcIMS sites, metadata development, committee involvement, and providing data through grants, contracts, and service requests.
Indiana Geographic Information Council
http://www.in.gov/igic/
The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) is the recognized state authority on geographic issues in Indiana. IGIC's purpose is to provide coordination of Indiana geographic information systems through dissemination of data and data products, education and outreach, building partnerships, and adoption of standards.