Abstract
This chapter introduces the reader to metadata as well as the standards and tools that can be used to generate and manage standardized metadata during a research project. First, metadata is defined and many of the benefits that accrue from creating comprehensive metadata are listed. Second, the different types of metadata that may be necessary to understand and use (e.g., analyze, visualize) a data set are described along with some relevant examples. Third, the content, characteristics, similarities and differences among many of the relevant ecological metadata standards are presented. Fourth, the various software tools that enable one to create metadata are described and best practices for creating and managing metadata are recommended.
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Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Laura Russell and Dave Vieglais of the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute for explaining some of the details related to biodiversity data and metadata publication.
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Michener, W.K. (2018). Creating and Managing Metadata. In: Recknagel, F., Michener, W. (eds) Ecological Informatics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59928-1_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59928-1_5
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