Showing papers on "Meta Data Services published in 1996"

Mechanism for metadata for an information catalog system

Abstract: An extension of an information cataloging metadata model allows metadata users to link objects in a linear or peer-to-peer relationship (not hierarchical). Additional elements include adding a metadata functional category whoes object instances logically attach to other metadata objects in an information catalog (or information directory). Finally, the information cataloging metadata model is extended to enable metadata users to launch applications which can use values from any metadata object type as parameters to applications.

Metadata for building the multimedia patch quilt

Abstract: Huge amounts of data available in a variety of digital forms has been collected and stored in thousands of repositories. However, the information relevant to a user or application need may be stored in multiple forms in different repositories. Answering a user query may require correlation of information at a semantic level across multiple forms and representations. We present a three-level architecture comprising of the ontology, metadata and data levels for enabling this correlation. Components of this architecture are explained by using an example from a GIS application.

Interpreting the ASTM “Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata”

Abstract: ASTM and the Federal Geographic Data Committee have developed a content standard for spatial metadata to facilitate documentation, discovery, and retrieval of digital spatial data using vendor-independent terminology Spatial metadata elements are identifiable quality and content characteristics of a data set that can be tied to a geographic location or area Several Office of Management and Budget Circulars and initiatives have been issued that specify improved cataloguing of and accessibility to federal data holdings An Executive Order further requires the use of the metadata content standard to document digital spatial data sets Collection and reporting of spatial metadata for field investigations performed for the federal government is an anticipated requirement This paper provides an overview of the draft spatial metadata content standard and a description of how the standard could be applied to investigations collecting spatially-referenced field data

MetaData for Database Mining

Abstract: At present, a machine learning application is accomplished by carefully crafting a single table from an often complex, multi-table database. The metadata necessary to create this table is rarely formally recorded, and is sometimes implicit in the structure of the database or the typing of the attributes. We categorize the types of metadata that we have encountered in our work with machine learning applications in agriculture, and describe a first generation tool that we have built to aid in the recording and use of metadata in database mining.

A metadata approach to statistical query processing

Abstract: Concerning the task of integrating census and survey data from different sources as it is carried out by supranational statistical agencies, a formal metadata approach is investigated which supports data integration and table processing simultaneously. To this end, a metadata model is devised such that statistical query processing is accomplished by means of symbolic reasoning on machine-readable, operative metadata. As in databases, statistical queries are stated as formal expressions specifying declaratively what the intended output is; the operations necessary to retrieve appropriate available source data and to aggregate source data into the requested macrodata are derived mechanically. Using simple mathematics, this paper focuses particularly on the metadata model devised to harmonize semantically related data sources as well as the table model providing the principal data structure of the proposed system. Only an outline of the general design of a statistical information system based on the proposed metadata model is given and the state of development is summarized briefly.

The use of a metadata repository in spatial database development

Abstract: Database schemas currently used to define spatial databases are deficient in that they do not incorporate facilities to specify business rules/integrity constraints. This shortcoming has been noted by GŸnther and Lamberts [GŸnther & Lamberts, 1994] who commented that geographical information systems (GIS) do not generally offer any functionality to preserve semantic integrity. It is desirable that this functionality be incorporated for reasons of consistency and so that an estimate of the accuracy of data entry can be made. Research into constraints upon spatial relationships at the conceptual level is well documented. A number of researchers have shown that the transition from conceptual to logical spatial data models is possible [Firns, 1994; Hadzilacos & Tryfona, 1995]. The algorithmic accomplishment of this transition is a subject of current research. This paper presents one approach to incorporating spatial business rules in spatially referenced database schemas by means of a repository. It is demonstrated that the repository has an important role to play in spatial data management and in particular automatic schema generation for spatially referenced databases. 1 Address correspondence to: Ms S.K.S. Cockcroft, Asst Lecturer, Department of Information Science, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Fax: +64 3 479 8311 Email: scockcroft@commerce.otago.ac.nz 2 User or business rules are a superset of integrity constraints. They include domains and triggering operations as well as entity integrity and referential integrity constraints. 3 A place where design information may be stored, retrieved and manipulated by design tools.

Metadata for balanced performance

Abstract: Data and information intensive industries require advanced data management capabilities incorporated with large capacity storage. Performance in the environment is, in part, a function of individual storage and data management system performance, but most importantly a function of the level of their integration. This paper focuses on integration, in particular on the issue of how to use shared metadata to facilitate high performance interfaces between Mass Storage Systems (MSS) and advanced data management clients. Current MSS interfaces are based on traditional file system interaction. Increasing functionality at the interface can enhance performance by permitting clients to influence data placement, generate accurate cost estimates of I/O, and describe impending I/O activity. Flexible mechanisms are needed for providing this functionality without compromising the generality of the interface; the authors are proposing active metadata sharing. They present an architecture that details how the shared metadata fits into the overall system architecture and control structure, along with a first cut at what the metadata model should look like.

OMNI--Alternative Approaches to Internet Metadata.

Abstract: The growth in the size of the Internet has resulted in much effort being spent on indexing its contents. The most popular solutions are created by automatic methods, and although offering impressive coverage, they are disappointing where precision of meaning is required. Alternative services created by human beings arrange and index resources according to concept and offer more relevant retrieval, but cannot hope to achieve 100% coverage. New developments are imminent which may support both the automated and non-automated approaches, and vastly improve the quality of Internet metadata. This paper demonstrates that the task of locating information on the Internet has not been and will not be accomplished by the use of sheer computing power alone. It reviews the topic of metadata creation, with special reference to the OMNI project (Organizing Medical Networked Information) and describes two encouraging new initiatives: PICS (Platform for Internet Content Selection) and the Dublin Core Metadata Set/Warwick Framework. All users need improved search tools with which to navigate the Internet. The answers to the present dilemma will be based on more than one tool, on both human intervention and intelligent automated data gathering. Metadata, as exemplified by the old catalog card, is set to become a key concept in the future of the new information world. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/SWC) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** 00 kr) 00 1.1 v4 OMNI alternative approaches to Internet metadata Sue Welsh The OMNI Project, National Institute for Medical Research, UK "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY