ECHO Data Model

Metadata Overview

The ECHO Science Metadata Model is developed based on Earth Observation System Data and Information Core System (ECS) Science Data Model. Modifications of the original ECS-based model have been necessary. Data partners are responsible for generating metadata files in the Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) format that comply with published ECHO Data Model. These metadata files are used to describe additions, removals, and changes to a provider's data holdings. It is the responsiblity of the Data Partner to regularly publish metadata reflecting the ongoing changes to its Earth Science data. The following three metadata constructs are utilized by the ECHO system:

• Collection - A grouping of science data that all come from the same source, such as a modeling group or institution. Collections have information that is common across all the granules they contain and a template for describing additional attributes not already part of the metadata model.
• Granule - The smallest aggregation of data that can be independently managed (described, inventoried, and retrieved). Granules have their own metadata model and support values associated with the additional attributes defined by the owning collection.
• Browse - An image which provides a high-level view of the associated granule or collection metadata item. Browse images are not spatially enabled, but are very useful during data discovery and cross-referencing to other granules or collections.

The ECHO Team will work with new Data Partners to develop their metadata export process. Data Partners are encouraged to utilize a commercial XML tool to perform a first level valiation and syntax check of their metadata files. This will reduce the effort spent fixing such trivial errors and allow for a focus on the data being represented. Upon successful ingest, submitted metadata is made available to the user community via the ECHO API and Client Partners.

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