• Geographic Metadata
What is metadata? Basically, it consists of information that characterizes data. It answers the who, what, when, where, why, and how about every facet of the data that is documented. The Center for Geographic Information adheres to a content standard that was established by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). This standard provides a common set of terminology and definitions for the documentation of digital geospatial (geographic) data.

• Federal Geographic Data Committee Standards
The FGDC develops geospatial data standards for implementing the NSDI, in consultation and cooperation with State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector and academic community, and, to the extent feasible, the international community.

• Frequently-asked questions on FGDC metadata
This list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) carries no official sanction with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).