As the FGDC standards evolve beyond the current publication, we anticipate corresponding refinements in GAP documentation. Date of the metadata, contact for metadata updates. Demands for metadata will increase as electronic networks expand across the national and international scene and more requests are made for distribution of information. As the number of users and the diversity of disciplines and programs sharing the data expand, the information carried by metadata will become increasingly important. One of the goals in defining today's metadata standards is to anticipate these future needs.
All information is created with a specific end use or uses in mind.
This is especially true for GIS data, which is expensive to produce and must be directed to meet the immediate program needs. Recognizing, however, that GAP would be the first, and for many years likely the only, source of statewide biological GIS maps, the data were created with the expectation that they would be used for other applications. Therefore, we list below both appropriate and inappropriate uses. This list is in no way exhaustive but should serve as a guide to assess whether a proposed use can or cannot be supported by GAP data. For most uses, it is unlikely that GAP will provide the only data needed, and for uses with a regulatory outcome, field surveys should verify the result.