1. Signposting your information - MEDIN Discovery Metadata

2. What is metadata & what should I do with it?
Essentially, metadata is:
Information about a dataset
Discovery Metadata is:
Information used to describe datasets (or series or services) so that a user can easily find them using a portal and determine the details of where they can be accessed
A documented record of datasets managed within an organisation or an application
When
Who
Where
What
e.g. March 2017 BGS Dogger Bank geophysics survey
Discovery Metadata contains:
What I'
Title
Abstract
Temporal coverage
Geographic coverage
Ownership of record
Access conditions
Location of dataset
(amongst others)

3. What is a dataset?
The correct level for a dataset is a cruise, survey or a set of repeat observations with a common purpose
A dataset usually constitutes a specifically-funded piece of work
The dataset should be easily extractable from a database for a 3rd party
Searchable using an online interface e.g. MEDIN portal

4. Discovery Metadata Standard
MEDIN have developed a Discovery Metadata Standard to enable online discovery of datasets 3 components make up the Standard

5. Discovery Metadata Standard - Guidance
Available on website
Compliant with:
ISO19115 (Geographic information – Metadata)
INSPIRE
UK GEMINI2
ISO schema set for encoding xml
However, there is a shorter, simpler version available!
Currently being updated!

6. Discovery Metadata Standard - Vocabs
The MEDIN standard specifies use
of certain vocabularies (term lists) to
distinguish your record as ‘marine
specific’
P02

7. Discovery Metadata Standard - Tools
On-line metadata generation and editing tool
Desktop tool. Can work in stand alone mode.

8. Validation is critical!►
►Validation is carried out using the
MEDIN schematron
►Ease of update – one change in multiple tools rather than separate bespoke changes for each tool
► Schematron scans the structure of the XML and the requirement levels and other rules of the MEDIN standard
► Schematron and guidance available at
► This does not QC the content of the record – GIGO applies

9. Summary of dataset discovery
Correct level of granularity is essential
Discovery metadata designed for display on MEDIN portal.
MEDIN tools use XML to do this.
MEDIN guidance on website plus FAQs:

10. Updating the MEDIN discovery standard
Standards evolve! Therefore:
MEDIN has placed itself to be engaged in and contribute to any changes in national and international standards that could influence our own
MEDIN is represented by members of the MEDIN Standards Working Group on various groups linked to discovery metadata e.g. GEMINI Working Group, BSI
Sign up to the list to be kept up-to-date on changes

11. MEDIN discovery metadata in action
Log onto the MEDIN portal
Look at the ‘quick links’ on the right hand side and click on the map icon.
Have a short play with the Data Discovery Portal to see how the discovery metadata gets used.
Does your organisation have records in the portal or are there data there you could use?
Practical to follow!

12. MEDIN Metadata Editor Practical
Open Internet Browser
Log-in:
Username:
Password: medinmetadata
Follow instructions on the handout