Introducing myself

[Robert Geier <robert_gei@antdiv.gov.au>]

Having been a silent observer on this mail list since its creation, I
feel that I should introduce myself prior to adding to the discussions.

I am currently the system administrator of the Australian Antarctic Data
Center, and as such, I am responsible for database development
(Oracle/Oracle Webserver), data collection and archival, and unix/pc
administration, as well as filling the role of webmaster for the
Australian Antarctic Division.  Previously I worked for Queensland
Transport as a database/GIS developer and data analyst.

Projects that I am currently involved in are largely based on applying
www interfaces to databases (using oracle webserver,perl,java) and
include 
-a metadata database with www interface to record datasets associated
with Australian research in Antarctica,
-a web searchable Australian Antarctic Gazetteer, 
-general www interfaces to database tables for data mining/data
analysis/data visualisation(graphing or vrml)/data export, 
-developing a new data logging system for the icebreaker Aurora
Australis

I have been following metadata discussions/trends for a while now, being
happy to let the standards evolve without participation, but now, having
been given the job of implementing a standard(ANZLIC) I have found that
the rules and structures developed by others do not fit my needs and
need expansion - hence this email.

I know that there are a lot of organisations/people in Australia/the
world who are currently sitting on the fence when it comes to metadata,
knowing that they must eventually invest in a particular standard, but
waiting for a winner of "the war of the standards".  Different
organisations have differing requirements from a metadata standard, but
for Australian organisations sharing metadata records with each other
the choice has been made (rightly or wrongly) to use and develop the
ANZLIC standard.  The ANZLIC standard has been in development for a
number of years, but it is only within the last year or so that it has
actually started to be implemented, and, until it is comprehensively
used and added to by the widest spectrum of organisations it will remain
in its infancy, never quite suiting anyone.

Everyone on this list should have received an email titled "ANZLIC
METADATA WORK GRP SUMMARY" from "Mark Taylor"
<mtaylor@walis01.walis.wa.gov.au>
This email asked for input to the ANZLIC standard by all interested
parties, giving the chance to expand and clarify the standard to more
fully meet YOUR needs. 
I urge all members of this mail group to closely examine the ANZLIC
standard for relevance to their metadata, and participate fully in the
discussions that will follow regarding additions/modifications to the
standard.  The more input that you have to the development of this
standard, the easier it will be to implement within your organisation.

_________________________________________________________________________
Robert Geier                    |System Administrator 
robert_gei@antdiv.gov.au        |Australian Antarctic Data Centre
PH(03)62323474 FAX (03)62323351 |Australian Antarctic Division
_________________________________________________________________________

The life cycle of a metadata standard ...

All the standards out there are far too complex for us, let's create a
simple standard that makes sense.
Hey, great standard, simple, small, and almost perfect, but I just need
to add one field then I'll be happy.
Hey, great standard, simple, small, and almost perfect, but I just need
to add one field then I'll be happy.
Hey, great standard, simple, small, and almost perfect, but I just need
to add one field then I'll be happy.
All the standards out there are far too complex for us, let's create a
simple standard that makes sense.