The FGDC output includes multiple pages of LOG information that is redundant and not very informative, but which often accounts for the bulk of the metadata document. The fact that the FGDC output must always be edited to include additional information not collected by Document.aml is the crux of the problem. In addition, we understand that ESRI is developing a new metadata tool, which casts some doubt on the future development and support of Document.aml. Because of these problems, the ISGS has chosen not to continue using Document.aml for the collection of FGDC metadata. Not wanting to forego the convenience of these functions, Document.aml was used as a template to develop a related AML called Fgdcmeta.aml.
All data entry is done in xtme or another editor.
The Arc license is not constrained to text editing functions only. The user can continue to use the Arc session and write metadata simultaneously. Users need know only one metadata format. Fgdcmeta.aml supports the continued use and development of the FGDC tools mp and xtme. Re ordering of elements and sections, for example, would be less problematic for this tool than for mp and xtme, because it uses those two programs for template definition.