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 request (addition or modification) the submitter should:

1. State the proposed keyword
2. Provide a definition of the keyword
3. State the rationale for the keyword addition or modification

4. Review the keyword rules (criteria used when determining what constitutes a well-curated keyword list)
   

5. Verify that the keyword does not already exists by checking the keywords in the Keyword Directory and search for the keyword

Once the above steps have been completed, submit the request to support@earthdata.nasa.gov. Other keyword issues/questions should also be sent to support@earthdata.nasa.gov. or posted to the forum.

The GCMD Keywords are accessible via:

• GCMD Keyword Directory (Download in CSV Format): http://gcmd.nasa.gov/learn/keyword_list.html

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

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