The distribution of data on the internet has increased the importance of metadata. Data custodians are able to release a dataset to the entire world for download without any personal interaction. The metadata record of a geospatial dataset can follow this to help ensure that the integrity and accountability of this data are maintained.
Properly formatted metadata also allows for automated cataloging, search indexing, and the integration of datasets. Metadata has become so important that a common mantra within the geospatial community is data without metadata isn't data, meaning that a geospatial dataset cannot be fully utilized and understood without metadata.
The following section lists some of the common metadata tools that are available. The OGC standard for metadata management is the Catalog Service for the Web (CSW), which creates a...