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Metadata Requirements Base Reference Document (legacy)

Please send comments on this document to  Andrew.E.Mitchell @ nasa.gov

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The following three concepts are used to describe the metadata in this document. Although individual mission/instruments may utilize different terms for these concepts, the corresponding descriptions should all be addressed.  

• Series (Collection) Metadata - Metadata elements that describe an entire collection and are shared by all members of the collection. Series metadata may represent the same release of any given dataset, sets of data generated during an experiment, a campaign or an algorithm test. Metadata in this category could include discovery information (e.g. keywords, abstract, contact information), platform, instrument and sensor characteristics, and general lineage information. In some cases it is possible to have a series of another series e.g. the IPCC Climate series which is based on multiple series of data.
• Dataset (Granule) Metadata – A dataset is the smallest group of data that can be independently managed (e.g., described, inventoried, and retrieved), typically a file. Datasets have their own metadata and inherit attributes defined at the series level. Metadata in this category often includes spatial and temporal extent and data quality. Note that a dataset could be a physical object such as a map, report or book rather than  a digital object.
• Browse - An image that provides a high-level view of the associated dataset/granule or series/collection metadata item. Browse do not have an independent representation or data model, but are contained within the Series or Dataset  metadata.

A series may contain zero or more datasets, however datasets/granules cannot exist without being associated with a series. Browse images may be associated or included within either series or datasets.

Note that the use of term “dataset” in NASA Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) metadata conflicts with ISO terminology. In ISO, “dataset” means “granule”. In NASA ESDS, “dataset” means “collection”.

Series Metadata Requirements

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