This file contains the root element for a metadata file comprised of dataset resources. The Dataset type extends the ResourceBase type defined in resource.xsd and defines or imports all other elements required to define a dataset resource. The information contained at this level is primarily logical - it is a description of the information independent of the particular format in which it may be distributed. This file is used twoways. This file defines three complex types for describing the activities that produced a particular dataset.
Associated elements provide ways of expressing related info like source data, software, etc.
Protocol descriptions may be included in the dataset, entity or attribute descriptions. For each logical entity, there can be one or more physical distributions of that information. The distribution element binds object and connection information to provide all the necessary data for locating and reading a digital resource over the internet. External standards referenced by the draft One of the goals of the collaborative metadata standards effort was to integrate, to maximum extent possible, existing standards or portions thereof. The documents above make extensive use of entire sections of the FGDC, NBII and ISO standards which have been rendered here as XML Schemas.