Showing papers on "Metadata repository published in 1996"

The Warwick Framework: A Container Architecture for Aggregating Sets of Metadata

Abstract: We describe a result of the June 1996 Warwick Metadata II Workshop. This Warwick Framework is a container architecture for aggregating logically, and perhaps physically, distinct packages of metadata. This architecture allows separate administration and access to metadata packages, provides for varying syntax in each package in conformance with semantic requirements, and it promotes interoperability and extensibility by allowing tools and agents to selectively access and manipulate individual packages and ignore others. At the conclusion of the paper we propose implementations of the Framework in HTML, MIME, SGML, and distributed objects.

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.

Creation of clone storage area with identification of base storage area and deferred cloning of metadata

Abstract: A system and method efficiently manage clones of an object group. A base storage area contains metadata for each of multiple objects in the object group. The metadata for each object identifies data within each object. The system receives a request to clone a base storage area, and in response, the system creates a clone storage area containing an identification of the base storage area but not the metadata. If there is a subsequent request to update a portion of one of the objects, then the system copies the portion, copies the metadata into the clone storage area for the one object, makes the update to the object copy and changes the metadata in the base storage area to identify the portion copy instead of the original portion. If there is no subsequent request to update any of the multiplicity of objects, then the system does not copy the metadata for any of the multiplicity of objects into the clone storage area.

Method and system for providing uniform access to heterogeneous information

Abstract: Our invention is a system and methodology for integrating heterogeneous information in a distributed environment by encapsulating data about existing and new information into objects (16). The process of encapsulating the information requires extracting from the information metadata. Creating from the metadata, a database (30), where the metadata is grouped into objects (26) and groups of objects (28) which are logically associated into collections (28). This database of object and collections is instantiated into runtime memory of a server (22), organized into repositories (24) of objects (20) and collections (28). A user (12) seeking access to the information would then, using an HTTP compliant browser (20), access the server (22) to access the information through the objects (26) created and stored in the server.

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

Method and system for filtering file manager attribute values

Abstract: In a computer including at least one client and at least one file system having an associated format, a system and method are provided for filtering requests for metadata from the client in a manner which is transparent to the client. An interface receives the client's request for metadata from the file system and forwards the request to a dispatcher. The dispatcher forwards the request to a format agent which fulfills the request. A third party filter system filters the requested metadata. If the filter system requires metadata to perform the filtering, the filter system requests additional metadata, and the format agent fulfills the client's request and the filter system's request. The format agent fulfills portions of the client's request and the filter system's request regarding metadata which is contained in the associated format of the file system directly from the file system. The format agent accesses a storage means to fulfill portions of the client's request and the filter system's request regarding metadata which is not included in the associated format of the file system. If the client's request is to write or modify metadata, the filter system filters metadata to be written or modified by the format agent. If the client's request is to retrieve metadata, the filter system filters metadata retrieved by the format agent. In this manner, third parties can modify metadata which is requested by a client from a file system or compute metadata based on the client's request without altering the format of the file system and can benefit from the modification and/or computation of such metadata by other parties.

Geospatial metadata querying and visualization on the WWW using Java/sup TM/ applets

Abstract: This paper presents the query and visualization interfaces of the Master Environmental Library (MEL) system. MEL uses the World Wide Web (WWW) to make accessible distributed data whose metadata conform to the Federal Geographic Data Committee's (FGDC) content standards for digital geospatial metadata. The interfaces are implemented as Java/sup TM/ applets and are more intuitive, interactive and possess greater functionality than their Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) counterparts. As well as querying, the interface allows users to visualize and manage the list of query results so that users can more quickly discover the datasets of real interest. Several new tools used to visualize attributes of the metadata are presented.

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.

Database models and query languages for relational data and metadata query processing

Abstract: Relational database systems do not effectively support queries which are independent of specific metadata context. The conventional relational query languages require that all queries, even the metadata independent queries, be formulated in strict accordance with the metadata of the database. Therefore, any change in metadata requires the reformulation of metadata independent queries--a very unnatural way of dealing with such queries. We call this phenomenon the metadata dependence problem of relational query languages. This dissertation describes our approaches to incorporate effective metadata query processing in relational database systems using reflective and meta-level techniques. We classify the approaches for achieving combined relational data and metadata querying capabilities in relational database systems into two categories: (1) extending the relational query languages with reflection principles, and (2) embedding the relational database model into a richer data model. We present our research in each of these categories, which serves to provide theoretical insights into the expressiveness and complexity of query languages that allow combined relational data and metadata querying capabilities. Reflection in relational query languages is achieved by storing and manipulating queries as relations and by adding an evaluation operator to the query language. Van den Bussche, Van Gucht, and Vossen introduced a reflective relational algebra and showed that extending a query language with reflection mechanism not only increases its expressive power but also has several applications involving various forms of procedural data management. An useful application of a reflective query language is that it allows metadata independent expression of queries which suffer from metadata dependence problem. We extend the work done by Van den Bussche, Van Gucht, and Vossen and also present the reflective extension of the nested relational algebra. As an approach belonging to the second category, we introduce a new model, the uniform database model, and its query languages. This approach permits the metadata to be treated as data. This uniform treatment of metadata and data allows for design of query languages that are immune to the metadata dependence problem. Besides providing metadata query processing capabilities, these uniform query languages can efficiently simulate conventional relational query languages. We present the properties of this model and its query languages and also situate this research in terms of expressiveness and complexity classes.

First experiences in implementing a spatial metadata repository

Abstract: Part of the GeoComputation '96 Special Issue 96/25; follow the "related link" to download the entire collection as a single document

Geospatial Metadata Querying and Visualization on the WWW Using

Abstract: This paper presents the query and visualization interfaces of the Master Environmental Library (MEL) system. MEL uses the World Wide Web (WWW) to make accessible distributed data whose metadata conform to the Federal Geographic Data Committee’s (FGDC) content standards for digital geospatial metadata. The inte$aces are implemented as JavP applets and are more intuitive, interactive and possess greater functionality than their Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) counterparts. As well as que ying, the interface allows users to visualize and manage the list of query results so that users can more quickly discover the datasets of real interest. Several new tools used to visualize attributes of the metadata are presented.

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