Extension_Information:
	Name: Description_of_Geographic_Extent
	Short_Name: descgeog
	z3950: 4112
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Spatial_Domain
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Short description of the geographic areal domain of the data
		set.  Examples include, "Manistee River watershed", "extent of
		7 1/2 minute quads containing any property belonging to
		Yellowstone National Park", or "ponds and reservoirs larger
		than 2 acres in Jefferson County, Colorado".  This is
		especially important when the extent of the data set is not
		well described by the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates".
	Rationale:
		This description is especially important when the extent of the
		data set is not well described by the "Bounding_Rectangle_
		Coordinates", or in the case of data which is not specifically
		geospatial, to provide a geographic setting for the item being
		documented.  Assuming the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" do
		not adequately describe the extent of the data set, the
		discrepancy can be identified and described in this data
		element.  If the item being documented is not specifically
		geospatial, the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" can define a
		general polygon, such as a rectangle around a country, with
		this "Description_of_Geographic_Extent" element containing a
		disclaimer concerning the "Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates"
		or further detail concerning the geographic area of concern for
		the item being documented.  For example, a study of the
		diseases of salmon may not have a specific geographic extent
		associated with it, but the salmon involved in the study were
		collected in Washington and Oregon states, thus the
		"Bounding_Rectangle_Coordinates" might form a general rectangle
		around the states of Washington and Oregon, but the
		"Description_of_Geographic_Extent" might describe the fact that
		the extent within Washington and Oregon included only certain
		rivers within those states.

		This data element differs from the standard data element
		"Place_Keyword" in that it allows a free text description of the
		geographic extent, rather than just a list of words or phrases
		useful as an index of location names associated with the data
		set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Bounding_Altitudes
	Short_Name: boundalt
	Type: compound
	Child: Altitude_Minimum
	Child: Altitude_Maximum
	Child: Altitude_Distance_Units
	Parent: Bounding_Coordinates
	Optionality: optional
	Definition: The limits of coverage of a data set expressed by altitude.
	Rationale:
		To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in association with its horizontal extent. The term "altitude" is
		used instead of the common term "elevation" to conform to the terminology in Federal Information Processing
		Standards 70-1and 173.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Altitude_Minimum
	Short_Name: altmin
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		The minimum elevation extent of coverage along with units of
		measure.
	Rationale:
		To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in
		association with its horizontal extent.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Altitude_Maximum
	Short_Name: altmax
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Bounding_Altitudes
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		The maximum elevation extent of coverage along with units of
		measure.
	Rationale:
		To be able to locate the vertical extent of a data set in
		association with its horizontal extent.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomy
	Short_Name: taxonomy
	z3950: 4001
	Type: compound
	Rule: Taxonomy = 1{Keywords/Taxon}n + 0{Taxonomic_System}1 + (General_Taxonomic_Coverage) + Taxonomic_Classification
	Parent: Identification_Information
	Child: Keywords/Taxon
	Child: Taxonomic_System
	Child: General_Taxonomic_Coverage
	Child: Taxonomic_Classification
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Information on the taxa (1 or more) included in the data set,
		including keywords, taxonomic system and coverage information,
		and taxonomic classification system.
	Rationale:
		To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Keywords/Taxon
	Short_Name: keywtax
	Type: compound
	Rule: Keywords/Taxon = Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus + 1{Taxonomic_Keywords}n
	Parent: Taxonomy
	Child: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus
	Child: Taxonomic_Keywords
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Taxonomic ranks or common groups characterized by the data set.
	Rationale:
		To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users
		to identify potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus
	Short_Name: taxonkt
	Type: text
	Domain: "None" free text
	Parent: Keywords/Taxon
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or similar
		authoritative source of taxonomic keywords.
	Rationale:
		To provide for documentation of taxonomic information.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_Keywords
	Short_Name: taxonkey
	z3950: 4002
	Type: text
	Domain: "collection" "multiple species" "single species" "amphibians" "animals" "bacteria" "fungi" "invertebrates" "lichens" "mammals" "mosses" "plants" "protists" "reptiles" "vegetation" "vertebrates" "viruses" free text
	Parent: Keywords/Taxon
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Common-use words or phrases describing the taxonomy covered by
		the data set.
	Rationale:
		To provide general keywords for searching, and to allow users
		to identify potential data sets addressing taxa of interest.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_System
	Short_Name: taxonsys
	z3950: 4028
	Type: compound
	Rule: Taxonomic_System = 1{Classification_System/Authority}n + 0{Identification_Reference}n + (1{Identifier}n) + Taxonomic_Procedures + 0{Taxonomic_Completeness}1 + 0{Vouchers}n
	Parent: Taxonomy
	Child: Classification_System/Authority
	Child: Identification_Reference
	Child: Identifier
	Child: Taxonomic_Procedures
	Child: Taxonomic_Completeness
	Child: Vouchers
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Documentation of taxonomic sources, procedures, and treatments.
	Rationale:
		The set of data elements contained within this compound element
		represent an attempt to provide better documentation of
		taxonomic sources, procedures, and treatments as strongly
		recommended in the American Institute of Biological Sciences
		Review to the National Biological Service on the Content
		Standard for Non-Geospatial Metadata Workshop, 1995.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Classification_System/Authority
	Short_Name: classsys
	z3950: 4029
	Type: compound
	Rule: Classification_System/Authority = Classification_System_Citation + 0{Classification_System_Modifications}1
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Child: Classification_System_Citation
	Child: Classification_System_Modifications
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Information about the classification system or authority used.
	Rationale:
		Together, the classification system and any modifications made
		to it represent a significant piece of information concerning
		the data being documented.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Classification_System_Citation
	Short_Name: classcit
	z3950: 4030
	Type: compound
	Child: Citation_Information
	Parent: Classification_System/Authority
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		A citation for the classification system or authority used,
		this might include monographs (e.g., a regional flora) or
		on-line data sets (e.g., the USDA PLANTS database), etc.
	Rationale:
		This data element defines the authority used for classifying.
		When appropriate, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System
		(ITIS) <URL:http://www.itis.usda.gov/itis/> should be used.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Classification_System_Modifications
	Short_Name: classmod
	z3950: 4037
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Classification_System/Authority
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		A description of any modifications or exceptions made to the
		classification system or authority used.
	Rationale:
		Many times a standard system is used, but exceptions are made
		for specific taxa or groups, this element allows for these
		exceptions or modifications to be described.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Identification_Reference
	Short_Name: idref
	z3950: 4031
	Type: compound
	Child: Citation_Information
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Information on any non-authoritative materials (e.g. field
		guides) useful for reconstructing the actual identification
		process.
	Rationale:
		This information can be useful for someone who wishes to make
		use of a data set, and perhaps expand on it, following similar
		procedures.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Identifier
	Short_Name: ider
	z3950: 4032
	Type: compound
	Child: Contact_information
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Optionality: Optional
	Definition:
		Information about the individual(s) responsible for the
		identification(s) of the specimens or sightings, etc.
	Rationale:
		If there are any questions on the identification of specimens
		or field sightings, this should provide some insight into the
		data creator.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_Procedures
	Short_Name: taxonpro
	z3950: 4035
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Description of the methods used for the taxonomic
		identification.  Could include specimen processing, comparison
		with museum materials, keys and key characters, chemical or
		genetic analyses, etc.
	Rationale:
		In order to be able to make appropriate use of a biological
		data set, often it is important to know not just who identified
		the individuals or specimens, but what process did they used to
		do so.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_Completeness
	Short_Name: taxoncom
	z3950: 4036
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Information concerning the proportions and treatment of
		unidentified materials (i.e. materials sent to experts, and not
		yet determined); estimates of the importance, and identities of
		misidentifications, uncertain determinations, synonyms or other
		incorrect usages; taxa not well treated or requiring further
		work; and expertise of field workers.
	Rationale:
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Vouchers
	Short_Name: vouchers
	z3950: 4033
	Type: compound
	Rule: Vouchers = Specimen + Repository
	Parent: Taxonomic_System
	Child: Specimen
	Child: Repository
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Information on the types of specimen, the repository, and the
		individuals who identified the vouchers.
	Rationale:
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Specimen
	Short_Name: specimen
	z3950: 4038
	Type: text
	Domain: "herbarium specimens" "blood samples" "photographs" "individuals"      free text
	Parent: Vouchers
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		A word or phrase describing the type of specimen collected
		(e.g. herbarium specimens, blood samples, photographs,
		individuals, or batches).
	Rationale:
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Repository
	Short_Name: reposit
	z3950: 4034
	Type: compound
	Child: Contact_Information
	Parent: Vouchers
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Information about the curator or contact person and/or agency
		responsible for the specimens.
	Rationale:
		If, for any reason, the specimens should need to be referred
		to, information about where they are being housed and who is
		responsible for them should be kept along with the
		documentation of the data set.  If they have not been archived,
		this should be noted.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: General_Taxonomic_Coverage
	Short_Name: taxongen
	z3950: 4105
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Taxonomy
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		A description of the range of taxa addressed in the data set or
		collection.  For example, "all vascular plants were identified
		to family or species, mosses and lichens were identified as
		moss or lichen."
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to document the taxa addressed in the
		data set or collection via a free text description.  This is
		especially important with data sets or collections which
		contain examples of a many taxonomic levels.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxonomic_Classification
	Short_Name: taxoncl
	z3950:
	Type: compound
	Rule: Taxonomic_Classification = Taxon_Rank_Name + Taxon_Rank_Value + (0{Applicable_Common_Name}n) + 0{Taxonomic_Classification}n
	Parent: Taxonomy
	Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
	Child: Taxon_Rank_Name
	Child: Taxon_Rank_Value
	Child: Applicable_Common_Name
	Child: Taxonomic_Classification
	Definition:
		Information about the range of taxa addressed in the data set or
		collection.  It is recommended that one provide information
		starting from the taxonomic rank of kingdom, to a level which
		reflects the data set or collection being documented.  The levels
		of Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and
		Species should be included as ranks as appropriate.  For example,
		if the data set deals with the species "red maple" or Acer rubrum
		var. rubrum, then the contents might look like the following:

		Taxonomic_Classification:
			Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
			Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
			Applicable_Common_Name: plants
			Taxonomic_Classification:
				Taxon_Rank_Name: Division
				Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliaphyta
				Taxonomic_Classification:
					Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
					Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliopsida
					Taxonomic_Classification:
						Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
						Taxon_Rank_Value: Rosidae
						Taxonomic_Classification:
							Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
							Taxon_Rank_Value: Sapindales
							Taxonomic_Classification:
								Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
								Taxon_Rank_Value: Aceraceae
								Applicable_Common_Name: maples
								Taxonomic_Classification:
									Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
									Taxon_Rank_Value: Acer
									Applicable_Common_Name: maples
									Taxonomic_Classification:
										Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
										Taxon_Rank_Name: Acer rubrum var. rubrum
										Applicable_Common_Name: red maple

		If the data set pertains to many species, then the
		Taxonomic_Classification structure can be built by adding
		additional families under the Taxonomic_Classification rank of
		order. If the taxon of interest is undefined at any taxonomic rank,
		omit that rank from the structure.  (One authority for this
		information is the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
		located at: "http://www.itis.usda.gov/plantproj/itis/").

	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
		addressed in the data set or collection.  This can be
		accomplished using a hierarchical structure to specify from
		Kingdom down to the appropriate taxonomic level.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxon_Rank_Name
	Short_Name: taxonrn
	z3950:
	Type: text
	Domain: "Kingdom" "Division" "Phylum" "Subphylum" "Superclass" "Class" "Subclass" "Infraclass" "Superorder" "Order" "Suborder" "Infraorder" "Superfamily" "Family" "Subfamily" "Tribe" "Subtribe" "Genus" "Species" free text
	Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		The name of the taxonomic rank for which the Taxon_Rank_Value
		is provided.  See the example included in the definition of
		Taxonomic_Classification.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
		addressed in the data set or collection.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Taxon_Rank_Value
	Short_Name: taxonrv
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		The name representing the taxonomic rank of the taxon being
		described.  See the example included in the definition of
		Taxonomic_Classification.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
		addressed in the data set or collection.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Applicable_Common_Name
	Short_Name: common
	z3950: 4012
	Type: text
	Domain:  free text
	Parent: Taxonomic_Classification
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		Specification of applicable common names.  These common names
		may be general descriptions of a group of organisms if
		appropriate (e.g. insects, vertebrate, grasses, waterfowl,
		vascular plants, etc.)
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to describe precisely the taxa
		addressed in the data set or collection.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Analytical_Tool
	Short_Name: tool
	z3950: 4013
	Type: compound
	Rule: Analytical_Tool = Analytical_Tool_Description + Tool_Access_Information + (Tool_Contact) + (Tool_Citation)
	Parent: Identification_Information
	Child: Analytical_Tool_Description
	Child: Tool_Access_Information
	Child: Tool_Contact
	Child: Tool_Citation
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Tools, models, or statistical procedures that the data set is
		intrinsically bound to and are available for use in analyzing
		the data set.  Examples include reconstructions of phylogenies,
		population viability analyses, community ordinations, most
		atmospheric and hydrological transport analyses, and inferences
		on the effects of climate change on forest composition and
		productivity. Enough information should be included such that a
		potential data user can easily determine why they might wish to
		acquire the analytical tool, and the methodology to acquire it.
	Rationale:
		Some biological data sets are intrinsically bound to models or
		statistical procedures used to generate them.  In these cases,
		a description of the analyses and contact, citation, and access
		information for the tools used are needed to properly interpret
		the data.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Analytical_Tool_Description
	Short_Name: tooldesc
	z3950: 4014
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Analytical_Tool
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Description of the analytical tool, model, or statistical procedure.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Tool_Access_Information
	Short_Name: toolacc
	z3950: 4015
	Type: compound
	Rule: Tool_Access_Information = 0{Online_Linkage}n + Tool_Access_Instructions + (Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System)
	Parent: Analytical_Tool
	Child: Online_Linkage
	Child: Tool_Access_Instructions
	Child: Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Information on the steps required to access the tool.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Tool_Contact
	Short_Name: toolcont
	z3950: 4016
	Type: compound
	Child: Contact_Information
	Parent: Analytical_Tool
	Optionality: Optional
	Definition:
		The party from whom the tool, model, or statistical procedure
		may be obtained.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Tool_Citation
	Short_Name: toolcite
	z3950: 4017
	Type: compound
	Child: Citation_Information
	Parent: Analytical_Tool
	Optionality: Optional
	Definition:
		Citation information about the tool, model, or statistical
		procedure.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group


Extension_Information:
	Name: Tool_Access_Instructions
	Short_Name: toolinst
	z3950: 4019
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Tool_Access_Information
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Instructions on the steps required to access the tool, model,
		or statistical procedure.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System
	Short_Name: toolcomp
	z3950: 4020
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Tool_Access_Information
	Optionality: Optional
	Definition:
		The brand of computer and its operating system that the tool,
		model, or statistical procedure requires.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology
	Short_Name: method
	z3950: 4021
	Type: compound
	Rule: Methodology = Methodology_Type + (1{Methodology_Identifier}n) + Methodology_Description + 0{Methodology_Citation}n
	Parent: Lineage
	Child: Methodology_Type
	Child: Methodology_Identifier
	Child: Methodology_Description
	Child: Methodology_Citation
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition:
		Information about a single step of field and/or laboratory work.
	Rationale:
		This element represents a critical element of the documentation
		required to interpret important biological data sets.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Type
	Short_Name: methtype
	z3950: 4022
	Type: text
	Domain: "Field" "Lab" free text
	Parent: Methodology
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		The type of methodology being documented, such as field or
		laboratory methodology.
	Rationale:
		This element should set a basic definition for the type of
		methodology being documented.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Identifier
	Short_Name: methodid
	z3950: 4023
	Type: compound
	Rule: Methodology_Identifier = Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus + 1{Methodology_Keyword}n
	Parent: Methodology
	Child: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus
	Child: Methodology_Keyword
	Optionality: Optional
	Definition:
		Keywords or phrases summarizing the field or laboratory methods
		used.
	Rationale:
		Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
		all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
		possible to identify some standard terms describing the
		methodology being documented.  In some cases, standardized
		references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus
	Short_Name: methkt
	z3950: 4024
	Type: text
	Domain: "None" free text
	Parent: Methodology_Identifier
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Reference to a formally registered thesaurus or a similar
		authoritative source of methodology keywords.
	Rationale:
		Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
		all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
		possible to identify some standard terms describing the
		methodology being documented.  In some cases, standardized
		references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Keyword
	Short_Name: methkey
	z3950: 4025
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Methodology_Identifier
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		The name of a method used in the field or laboratory work.
	Rationale:
		Although there are no simple sets of standardized methods for
		all data collection, for most classes of data, it should be
		possible to identify some standard terms describing the
		methodology being documented.  In some cases, standardized
		references or thesauri may exist or may be under creation.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Description
	Short_Name: methdesc
	z3950: 4026
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Methodology
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		Equivalent to "Materials and Methods" in a journal article.
		Describe the physical methods used to gather data, the
		experimental design, sample frequency, treatments or strata,
		statistical and spatial design of the sampling, and sample
		completeness, representativeness, and biases.  For example, in
		a bird survey, relevant elements would include the methods used
		to detect species occurrences (casual sightings, transects,
		focal point surveys, vocalizations, mist nets), whether or not
		evidence of breeding activity was required, descriptions of the
		habitat strata in a stratified design, and known biases (e.g.,
		non-territorial birds were undersampled, and some juveniles
		could not be identified to species.)
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Methodology_Citation
	Short_Name: methcite
	z3950: 4027
	Type: compound
	Child: Citation_Information
	Parent: Methodology
	Optionality: Mandatory-if-applicable
	Definition: Information referencing the methods used.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: ASCII_File_Structure
	Short_Name: asciistr
	Type: compound
	Rule: ASCII_File_Structure = 0{Record_Delimiter}1 + Number_Header_Lines + (Description_of_Header_Content) + Orientation + Case_Sensitive + 0{Authentication}1 + 0{Quote_Character}1 + 1{Data_Field}n
	Parent: Digital_Transfer_Information
	Child: Record_Delimiter
	Child: Number_Header_Lines
	Child: Description_of_Header_Content
	Child: Orientation
	Child: Case_Sensitive
	Child: Authentication
	Child: Quote_Character
	Child: Data_Field
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		Information about the content and format of an ASCII data file.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the content and format of an ASCII data file.  This structure
		was created with the goal of automatic machine processing of
		this information for file transfer, data loading, and quality
		assurance.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Record_Delimiter
	Short_Name: recdel
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: Mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		The character(s) which indicate the end of a record.
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Number_Header_Lines
	Short_Name: numheadl
	Type: Integer
	Domain: Number_Header _Lines >= 0
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		The number of lines at the beginning of the file before the
		data content actually begins.
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Description_of_Header_Content
	Short_Name: deschead
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		Description of the information content of the header lines.
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Orientation
	Short_Name: orienta
	Type: text
	Domain: "columnmajor" "rowmajor"
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Definition of the direction of information content as
		represented in the ASCII file.  Typical data sets are
		represented in column-major format, where each attribute in the
		data set is represented as a column and each observation is a
		row.  In contrast, row-major data sets represent attributes as
		rows and observations as columns.  For example, if one has 3
		observations (1,2,3) of two attributes (A,B), in column-major
		format the first record of the datafile would contain the first
		observation for both attributes (values A1,B1), but in row-
		major format the first record would contain all of the
		observations for only attribute A (values A1,A2,A3).
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Case_Sensitive
	Short_Name: casesens
	Type: text
	Domain: "y" "Y" "n" "N"
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		If the content of the data set is encoded in case-sensitive
		ASCII (the capital and small letters have meaning), then this
		element should contain "y" or "Y", otherwise this element
		should contain "n" or "N".
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Authentication
	Short_Name: authent
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		Information allowing verification of file contents to ensure
		accurate transmission of the file.  This is generally a named
		checksum that uses a standard algorithm or a cryptographic
		signature.  For example, a MD5 checksum could be provided and,
		if it matches a MD5 checksum calculated for the received file,
		one would conclude that the file is identical to the original.
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Quote_Character
	Short_Name: quotech
	Type: text
	Domain: " " "   " ` "   " ` "   free text
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		Character used to quote fields in the data representation so
		that the field delimiter can be used as part of the field
		value.  This character is typically a single quote mark or
		double quote mark. For example, in a field representing a
		person's name, one might use double quotes around the field
		(e.g., "Johnson, M.") to indicate that the embedded comma in
		the text string is not a field delimiter.
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Data_Field
	Short_Name: datafiel
	Type: compound
	Rule: Data_Field = Data_Field_Name + 0{Missing_Value_Code}1 + [ Data_Field_Width_Delimiter | Data_Field_Width ]
	Parent: ASCII_File_Structure
	Child: Data_Field_Name
	Child: Missing_Value_Code
	Child: Data_Field_Width_Delimiter
	Child: Data_Field_Width
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Information describing the individual data fields (this would
		be equivalent to  columns in most databases).
	Rationale:
		To provide accurate machine processable information for
		transfer of ASCII files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Data_Field_Name
	Short_Name: dfieldnm
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Data_Field
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Name of the data field.  This name should be the same as an
		Attribute Label documented in Section 5.1.2 Attribute (within
		Detailed Description which is itself within Entity and
		Attribute Information).  The definition, domain, units of
		measure, and measurement resolution are all important pieces of
		information for ASCII file use.
	Rationale:
		The definition, domain, units of measure, and measurement
		resolution are all defined as part of 5.1.2 Attribute, thus
		should not be defined again.  This information should be
		entered, thus the name entered as the Attribute Label should be
		referred to here, so the appropriate information can be
		correlated with the fields of the ASCII data file.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Missing_Value_Code
	Short_Name: missingv
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Data_Field
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		The code which represents missing data.
	Rationale:
		In order to differentiate between missing data and null data, a
		code to indicate that the data value is missing is often used.
		This code is required to make effective and accurate use of
		ASCII data files.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Data_Field_Width_Delimiter
	Short_Name: dfwidthd
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Data_Field
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		The character which indicates the end of the data field contents.
	Rationale:
		To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files.
		Although entire data sets are generally characterized as fixed_
		width format or variable_width format, this characterization is
		more accurately reflected at the field level, as fixed_width
		fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
		fields.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Data_Field_Width
	Short_Name: dfwidth
	Type: integer
	Domain: Data_Field_Width >=1
	Parent: Data_Field
	Optionality: Mandatory
	Definition:
		The number of characters of the data field.
	Rationale:
		To make effective and accurate use of ASCII data files.
		Although entire data sets are generally characterized as fixed_
		width format or variable_width format, this characterization is
		more accurately reflected at the field level, as fixed_width
		fields may be mixed in the same data file with variable_width
		fields.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Beginning_Geologic_Age
	Short_Name: beggeol
	Type: Compound
	Rule: Beginning_Geologic_Age = Geologic_Age
	Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
	Child: Geologic_Age
	Definition:
		A name, code, or date for the beginning of an event or period
		in geologic time.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Ending_Geologic_Age
	Short_Name: endgeol
	Type: Compound
	Rule: Ending_Geologic_Age = Geologic_Age
	Parent: Range_of_Dates/Times
	Child: Geologic_Age
	Definition:
		A name, code, or date for the end of an event or period in
		geologic time.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Age
	Short_Name: geolage
	Type: Compound
	Rule: Geologic_Age = Geologic_Time_Scale +  Geologic_Age_Estimate +  0{Geologic_Age_Uncertainty}1 +  0{Geologic_Age_Explanation}1 +  (1{Geologic_Citation}n)
	Parent: Single_Date/Time
	Parent: Beginning_Geologic_Age
	Parent: Ending_Geologic_Age
	Child: Geologic_Time_Scale
	Child: Geologic_Age_Estimate
	Child: Geologic_Age_Uncertainty
	Child: Geologic_Age_Explanation
	Child: Geologic_Citation
	Definition:
		A name, code, or date describing an event or period in geologic
		time, expressed either as an absolute date calculated using a
		named dating method, or as a relative date that is drawn from
		stratigraphy or biostratigraphy.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to describe the geologic dates
		relevant to a data set.  Calendar dates as provided in the ISO
		8601 dating system used in the standard CSDGM are not adequate
		to describe geologic time periods.  Absolute geologic time is
		usually measured in "millions of years" before present, but may
		use different units and relative base times.  Relative geologic
		time is measured by subdivisions of the earth's geology in an
		order based upon relative age, most commonly, vertical or
		stratigraphic position.  The actual dating systems used in
		geologic studies often tie relative times measured through
		stratigraphy or biostratigraphy to a particular absolute time
		using radioisotope dating techniques, among others.  As these
		methods for absolute dating have improved, the estimates of the
		dates for strata have changed, consequently, it would be
		inaccurate to record absolute dates in situations where
		relative dates were measured.  This structure is provided as an
		optional alternative to the standard calendar dates provided by
		ISO 8601.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Time_Scale
	Short_Name:geolscal
	Type: text
	Domain: "Absolute" "Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale" "International Geological Time Scale" "Oxygen-Isotope" free text
	Parent: Geologic_Age
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Name of a recognized geologic time scale.  This includes
		"Absolute" as the name of the time scale for measuring geologic
		dates before the present and names of geologic dating systems
		that are arrangements of symbols or names in order of relative
		geologic time.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Age_Estimate
	Short_Name: geolest
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Geologic_Age
	Optionality: mandatory
	Definition:
		Either an absolute geologic date or a relative geologic age
		name describing an event or period in geologic time based on
		the Geologic_Time_Scale.  For example, "300 Ma" (300 million
		years before present) is a Geologic_Age_Estimate based on the
		"Absolute" Geologic_Time_Scale, "C28r" is a chron name from the
		Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale, and "Maastrichtian" and "
		Jurassic" are names from the International Geological Time
		Scale.  Since different relative geologic time scales are often
		not aligned, multiple geologic dates may need to be specified.
		For example, the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale chron "C29r",
		at the K/T boundary lies in both the Maastrichtian and the
		Danian stages from the International Geological Time Scale,
		thus if you were documenting this event using the International
		Geological Time Scale, both "Maastrichtian" and "Danian" should
		be included here.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Age_Uncertainty
	Short_Name:geolun
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Geologic_Age
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		The error estimate for the geologic time.  This should include
		the units of measure, a description of what the error estimate
		represents and how it was calculated.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Age_Explanation
	Short_Name:geolexpl
	Type: text
	Domain: free text
	Parent: Geologic_Age
	Optionality: mandatory if applicable
	Definition:
		The name and/or description of the method used to calculate the
		Geologic_Age_Estimate.  Detailed information about the method
		may be provided through references contained in the
		Geologic_Citation.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group

Extension_Information:
	Name: Geologic_Citation
	Short_Name: geolcit
	Type: compound
	Rule: Geologic_Citation = Citation_Information
	Parent: Geologic_Age
	Child: Citation_Information
	Optionality: optional
	Definition:
		Citation for works providing detailed information about any
		element of the Geologic_Age.  For example, a publication
		describing the methodology used for carbon dating or describing
		the basic geologic time scale in more detail could be cited
		here.
	Rationale:
		To provide the capability to completely and accurately describe
		the geologic dates relevant to a data set.
	Source: National Biological Information Infrastructure, USGS Biological Resources Division, FGDC Biological Data Working Group