Before a dataset can be published by reBiND it is necessary to either upload a metadata file or create a metadata file using the reBiND software. We have implemented a tool consisting of a series of web-forms for capturing the metadata. The Metadata Editor tool is based on Ecological Metadata Language (EML). The specification for EML is available from 'The Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity'. We are using a subset of EML to describe the essential data most frequently used by our data providers. For example, Title, Abstract, Owner, Content and Usage Rights. Usage rights can be used to link to code of conduct, copyright statement and any license information. The tool can also be used to enter coverage information (Geographical, Temporal and Taxonomic) and scientific methods that were used to collect the data. The following screenshots show the series of forms for entering the metadata:
Figure 1: Description form showing fields for entering a title and abstract.
Figure 2: Keywords form. Entering keywords enable better categorisation and searching of the data. Keywords can
be entered in multiple sets by creating multiple thesauri.
Figure 3: Contact/Owner form for enteringdetails about the owner of the data.
Figure 4: Usage Rights form - free text description.
Figure 5: Geographical coverage form. You can enter the coordinates directly or use the zoom and drag to
re-position the boundary box on the map.
Figure 6: Temporal coverage form
Figure 7: Taxonomic coverage form
Figure 8: Methods form