Dataset metadata
Datasets published on DataStream are accompanied by comprehensive metadata (information about the dataset). This includes an abstract, dataset license, recommended citation, and information about who collected the data, methods used and QA/QC protocols and processes.
We recommend you prepare this information in advance of uploading your dataset, so you have the details on hand when you fill in the online form.
You can use either the Dataset Metadata Form or the Dataset Metadata tab of the Upload Template to prepare this information.
Dataset level metadata fields
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Dataset Name | Yes | A short self-explanatory title of the dataset |
Data Steward Email | Yes | Email address publicly associated with the dataset |
Data Upload Organization | Yes | The name of the organization (or researcher) that is uploading the data to DataStream |
Abstract | Yes | A description of the dataset including purpose and nature of monitoring efforts |
Data Collection Organization | Yes | Name of the organization or other parties responsible for collecting the data |
Data Collection Information | No | Information about how the data were collected such as sampling methods, equipment, calibration, QA/QC protocols |
Data Processing | No | Description of data cleaning, processing and/or QA/QC that was done to the data |
Funding Sources | No | Funders of the monitoring project |
Other Data Sources | No | Cite any third-party sources of data included in the dataset |
Topic Category | Yes | ISO 19115 Topic Category (dropdown list) |
Keywords | No | Keywords related to the dataset |
Licencing & Attribution | Yes | Choose from Attribution Licence (ODC-By) or Public-Domain Dedication and Licence (ODC-PDDL) or Open Government licence (OGL) |
Data Disclaimer | No | Any additional disclaimer text regarding the data that is not covered in data licence |
Data Source URL | No | When data is being cross-posted from another Open Data Platform |
Monitoring Program Progress | Yes | Ongoing or Completed (indicates if a dataset relates to active monitoring and is likely to have updates in the future) |
Maintenance Frequency | Yes | ISO 19115 Maintenance Frequency code (dropdown list) indicating the frequency with which modifications and additions are expected to be made to the dataset |
Citation | Auto-generated | How the data should be cited if it is used by others, can be overwritten by uploader |
Date Published | Auto-generated | Date the dataset is published on DataStream |
Date Last Updated | Auto-generated | Date of last update to the dataset on DataStream |
Version Number | Auto-generated | Version number of the dataset |
DOI | Auto-generated | Digital Object Identifier (assigned by DataStream unless a pre-existing DOI for data is entered) |
Spatial Extent | Auto-generated | Geographic area covered by dataset |
Vertical Extent | Auto-generated | Height/Depth range of the dataset |
Temporal Extent | Auto-generated | Timespan of the dataset |
Editing metadata for an existing dataset
You can update your dataset metadata for an existing dataset at any time. Follow the steps under Update your dataset – Edit metadata.