Data Repository and Metadata Integration: A case study
Nick Spencer, Susan Wiser, Larry Burrows. Landcare Research, PO BOX 69 , Lincoln 8152, New Zealand.Metadata has become increasingly critical in the management and integration of datasets held in the National Vegetation Survey databank (NVS). NVS is New Zealand ’s largest archive for plot-based vegetation observational data. It has a large number of datasets concentrating on indigenous plant communities but there is some variation in content and data standards. There is an ever increasing need to integrate these datasets internally as well as with remote datasets to facilitate re-synthesis for both global-scale and national-scale biodiversity questions. A comprehensive metadata schema (XML) and system architecture has been developed to address these needs. The system provides for the ability to search and identify data resources, determine suitability of use , and secures both personal and institutional knowledge of datasets overtime. B eyond these traditional functions, we can extend the value and usefulness of these datasets through integration with additional information resources, such as taxonomic authority databases, specimen collection databases and spatial services.