Keyword FAQ

The GCMD Keywords are a hierarchical set of controlled Earth Science vocabularies that help ensure Earth science data and services are described in a consistent and comprehensive manner and allow for the precise searching of collection-level metadata and subsequent retrieval of data and services. Initiated over twenty years ago, the GCMD Keywords continue to be refined and expanded in response to user needs. The sets of GCMD Keywords are as follows.

• Earth Science Keywords                                                                 
• Earth Science Services Keywords            
• Data Centers                                             
• Projects                                                     
• Platform/Instrument/Sensors                     
• Locations
• Horizontal Data Resolution
• Vertical Data Resolution
• Temporal Data Resolution
• URL Content Types
• Chronostratigraphic Units
  
  

To submit a keyword (additions for modification), the submitter should:

1. State the proposed keyword
2. Provide a definition of the keyword
3. State the rationale for the keyword change

4. Review the controlled keyword rules

5. Verify that the keyword does not already exists

Once the above have been completed, submit your requests to support@earthdata.nasa.gov. All other keyword issues/questions should also be sent to support@earthdata.nasa.gov. or posted to the forum.

The keywords can be accessed via:

• GCMD Keyword Directory: http://gcmd.nasa.gov/learn/keyword_list.html

• Dynamic RESTful Service  http://gcmdservices.gsfc.nasa.gov/kms/capabilities?format=html

  • Documentation: http://gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov/Connect/docs/kms/KeywordManagementServiceAPI.pdf