Web-accessible Metadata Tools. Bill Schuman GeoDecisions

Transcription

1 Web-accessible Metadata Tools Bill Schuman GeoDecisions

2 Overview of Presentation Challenges with metadata systems Spatial and non-spatial data Maintenance Distribution Goals to achieve for a web metadata tool Recent example solutions Pennsylvania DOT Kansas DOT San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

3 Metadata Challenges - Standards Complexity Even the minimum can be challenging for large datasets Spatial Focus Some system databases have limited or no spatial data reference (accounting) Agency Specific Metadata Existing metadata tools often do not allow userdefined metadata fields Data Dictionary Table and column descriptions are often the most important part of metadata for users of the system

4 Metadata Challenges - Maintenance Maintenance Interface Accessibility Some tools require desktop applications (licensing) Complex Interfaces Often difficult to navigate the user interfaces for metadata due to breadth of metadata standard(s) Change Detection Difficult to know when source system data structure has changed so metadata can be updated Secured Access Need to provide access for all to view, but only data owners to update metadata

5 Metadata Challenges - Distribution Accessibility Making the metadata accessible (as appropriate) to all who need it Portability Leveraging existing metadata and publishing to other systems (FGDC XML) System Database Relationships Linking fields that are used in table views, data warehouses, or snapshots. Enter metadata once at source all views and warehouse references access this metadata Finding what systems use a particular data field to manage change

6 Desired Goals Avoid replicating what already existed Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) Ramona - NSGIC Metadata Enterprise Resource Management Aid (MERMAid) - NOAA Homeland Security and FEMA efforts Provide more integration with existing systems Improved cross-system data information Comprehensive data dictionaries No map interface or COTS requirement

7 PennDOT Data Dictionary Provided a direct link to the application database source system tables to get column type, size, and nullability Provided linkages to between systems to identify other applications where data was used Helped users identify what table and column information was missing in the data dictionary Relate applications and databases for users

8 PennDOT Data Dictionary

9 PennDOT Data Dictionary - Applications

10 PennDOT Data Dictionary Missing Data

11 KDOT Data Dictionary PennDOT shared application with KDOT KDOT enhanced application for needs Provided for live connection to databases other than Oracle (included SQL Server and DB2) for column type, size, nullability, and default values Provided basic FGDC metadata page that could be used if needed for spatial tables Provided not only source information, but also a Used By function to find all other views/tables using the column

12 KDOT Data Dictionary RDB Compatibility

13 KDOT Data Dictionary FGDC Metadata

14 KDOT Data Dictionary System Relations

15 SANDAG Metadata Tool Needed a more GIS-focused tool FGDC standards followed more closely Primary focus is on emergency management Needed better internet security and user management Regional governments would update the metadata Some metadata/layers are sensitive and not accessible by all users Allow users to maintain their account Assign layers to new owner (retirements/job changes)

16 SANDAG Metadata Tool Needed an in process capability Save metadata in creation process Move in and out of public accessibility for editing Metadata import capability XML import Needed good cross-browser compatibility Internet Explorer Firefox

17 SANDAG Metadata Tool - Security

18 SANDAG Metadata Tool - Publishing

19 SANDAG Metadata Tool Access Request

20 SANDAG Metadata Tool FGDC Metadata

21 SANDAG Metadata Tool XML Import

22 SANDAG Metadata Tool - Search

23 SANDAG Metadata Tool - Mobile

24 Summary Addressed some unique problems Better use of internal database metadata (live links) Cross application use of data Source of data Used by information Sensitive metadata access Saving data in-process Improved ease of use/access Web accessible Simplified user interfaces Query and visualization tools

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