I. Background
Metadata provides information that supports the location, access and appropriate use o datasets, databases and other biodiversity information resources. Creation and standardization of metadata is critical for conducting successful data searches across institutions and networks. The need for standardized sets of metadata has become more apparent with the development of the Internet and importance of developing compatible environmental information systems accessible through the Web.
In the U.S., the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has developed metadata standards for digital geospatial datasets, while the U.S. Geological Survey is working on development of metadata standards and extensions for biological data. Institutions in other countries have also started the development of metadata to document their datasets and information on environmental topics.
For countries interested in developing biodiversity information systems, access to information and guidelines on available metadata standards, protocols and tools are critical. As a network of biodiversity information, the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (IABIN) can provide a valuable service by helping with the compilation of this information and development of guidelines and recommendations on the use of metadata standards, tools and protocols across IABIN. This information would enhance the ability of IABIN participants to retrieve comparable information from the network.
The work proposed consists of three main objectives: (1) preparation of a survey
of metadata standards, protocols and tools in the Americas; (2) development
of a biodiversity catalog for Central America; and (3) development of guidelines
and recommendations on metadata standards, protocols and tools for IABIN. Results
and experiences from the catalog development in Central America (InfoDev project)
will add the data providers perspective into the evaluation process for drafting
recommendations to IABIN.
II. Project Components and Products
1. Survey of metadata standards, protocol
and tools being used throughout the Americas.
Development of metadata and information systems is being conducted in various
countries of the Americas and key organizations dealing with biodiversity data
worldwide. Identification of existing metadata standards, formats and tools
is first needed. Only then can informed recommendations and guidelines be issued
for the IABIN network.
This component will consist of the following:
- Contact focal points at each IABIN participant country that will assist with identification of institutions and persons working on development and creation of metadata standards, formats, protocols and / or tools within their country.
- Development of a questionnaire on the use of metadata standards, formats, protocols and tools.
- Contact identified persons and institutions working with metadata in each country in order to collect needed responses.
- Identification of key existing biodiversity information systems worldwide (BICIS; NABIN, etc. ) and analysis of metadata types and formats used.
- Compilation and analysis of collected information.
- Preparation of a report outlining the results of the survey.
This component will be carried out during the first three months of the project.
2. Development of a prototype distributed catalog system for biodiversity data and information in Central America.
The development of the Internet and the realization of the importance of environmental data and information have come together to generate the need to develop environmental information systems throughout the Americas. The World Bank's InfoDev Program has provided funds for development of an environmental information system in Central America. This distributed catalog system is being installed in seven Central American countries and provides an infrastructure that will be utilized to support of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
This second component expands on the InfoDev project and aims to demonstrate a prototype of a distributed catalog system on biodiversity for Central America. It will include:
- Final selection of 2- 3 countries /institutions that will participate in the prototype development component. Two countries, El Salvador and Nicaragua, have already been identified as potential participants.
- An initial organizational meeting in each country with staff from organizations that are data providers.
- Develop metadata for biodiversity and related information, in order to obtain the critical number of entries that are needed so the catalog be useful.
- Develop a search and retrieval interface for biodiversity data, which be accessible through institutional home pages.
- Preparation of a report outlining an
analysis of results and experiences with the prototype development.
3. Start an evaluation process of existing metadata standards, protocols and tools by a group of experts and begin the preparation of metadata guidelines and recommendations for IABIN.
To facilitate exchange of information among network users and providers of data, guidelines and recommendations on standards, protocols and formats need to be promoted among IABIN participants. This is an issue that needs to be addressed as early as possible in the development of IABIN.
This third component is critical for the development of IABIN and will provide synthesis of the results from the first 2 components, which are being carried out simultaneously. It will include the following:
- Identification of a group of experts (5 experts) by the IABIN Interim Steering Committee (or replacement) on metadata standards that will comprise a Metadata Experts Committee for this project. Experts should represent the various countries and/ or regions in the Americas that have been involved in the development of metadata. It is envisioned that this group will serve as a core group for development of an IABIN Working Group on metadata and will continue working on metadata issues for IABIN after this project ends.
- A meeting of these expeerts will be organized in mid-October, 1999 in order to carry out:
1. The evaluation of metadata standards, protocols and tools from findings of survey report and prototype development.
2. Begin preparation of a report on guidelines and recommendations for metadta standards, protocols and tools promoted by IABIN.
The guidelines should include information about what metadata standards, protocols
and tools can facilitate the exchange of information among network participants
and recommendations should suggest how existing standards, protocols and tools
may be modified to better satisfy the needs of users and data providers.
III. Timetable of Activities
Duration of Contract: seven months
IV. Summary of Deliverables
1. A web page on metadata guidelines that
will also provide access to available metadata administration tools. At the
end of the project.
2. A metadata survey report. Four months
after the beginning of the project.
3. A prototype catalog system with at least
50 metadata entries in each of the three participating countries.- Dec. 1, 1999.
4. Report on guidelines and recommendations
for metadata standards- Dec 1, 1999.
V. Personnel
This project will be directed by Dr. Vincent J. Abreu at INFODEM S.A de C.V. in Mexico City.
Vincent J. Abreu
Email: abreu@umich.edu
Telephone:734-327-4388
VI. Supervision of Contract
Mr. Vincent J. Abreu will report to Mr. Douglas J. Graham of the World Bank.
Email: dgraham@worldbank.org
Telephone: 202- 473-6667
Fax: 202-522-0262
Mr. Graham will liaise with key IABIN focal points and with IABIN emerging governing structure.