Data storage media

ation. Unfortunately, it only exists for use on Win-

unfamiliar with the FTP commands and hesitate to

dows-based PCs. This makes it less likely that the

use them. Training in computer-related classes for all

metadata will get created, because a large number

GD&S staff would ease a situation that is caused only

of GD&S personnel are working on UNIX worksta-

by unfamiliarity. Again, all employees and all new

tions due to the large processing capacity needed for

employees in GD&S areas should be required to take

GD&S work.

a specific class in metadata that covers metadata cre-

ation, submission to the USACE Server, and search-

ing on the National Clearinghouse. Research should

Solutions

For those with UNIX workstations or Macs, this

be done on simplifying USACE Server metadata sub-

problem can only be overcome by going to another

missions.

computer to create metadata. CORPSMET will not be

written for UNIX or Macintosh platforms in the fore-

Data storage media

seeable future. If there are non-PC users doing GD&S

Data storage can be broken down into four main cat-

on site, they should have access to a public PC with

egories: active, online storage for immediate retrieval;

CORPSMET installed on it.

near-real-time storage, where the request must be

The next version of CORPSMET should be writ-

manually serviced prior to access of the data; archi-

ten in a software language that makes it transportable

val storage; and backup. Each type of storage has dif-

to all platforms, or it should run as a database appli-

ferent requirements and can be fulfilled by different

cation with a Web interface that is available from all

hardware. Each must have its place in a properly exe-

platforms. If CORPSMET is not going to be devel-

cuted data management system.

oped further, Headquarters should choose and stan-

dardize the Corps on another metadata creation plat-

Problem: Online storage

form that can be used on multiple systems.

Description

The inclusion in GIS software of metadata cre-

Active online storage is used when actively manip-

ation modules is a valid alternative to CORPSMET if

ulating the data.

they produce metadata in the required Content Stan-

dard format described by the Federal Geospatial Data

Solutions

Committee. Metadata creation is then integrated into

This type of storage must be fast and have enough

the normal workflow of data creation.

room to store the currently active datasets as well as

one or more working copies of each. It is used by

Problem: Putting metadata or data on USACE

programs that manipulate, massage, or analyze data,

Geospatial Server

generally with a person actively working with the sys-

tem. For this reason, it must have fast access times

Description

We found that many USACE employees do not

with no excessive delays prior to retrieval. It must be

know how to create metadata or how to submit it to

capable of working with data discovery tools, as dis-

the USACE Geospatial Clearinghouse Node, which is

cussed above in the first problem, Data Discovery,

aligned with the National Geospatial Data Clearing-

under Geospatial Data and Systems Management.

house. Metadata that is available on the USACE Server

Currently, this need is being served by hard drives.

is simultaneously available through the National Geo-

spatial Data Clearinghouse to anyone with an Inter-

Problem: Near-real-time storage

net connection. This supports Executive Order 12909

Description

by offering the general public one place to go for fed-

Near-real-time storage is used for commonly

erally owned geospatial data. If GD&S proponents

accessed datasets. These are datasets that do not

don't put their metadata on the Server, people will

change frequently but are referenced, copied, or used

not go to the National Clearinghouse and search for

by users and other datasets often.

their data requirements. People will not find the data

they need. This negative feedback loop reduces the

Solutions

chances of successfully offering centralized availabil-

Near-real-time storage must be readily available,

ity of geospatial metadata and data in the future.

but immediate. Real-time access is not necessary. It

does not need to be as fast as real-time storage, but it

must be reliable. It must also work with the data dis-

Solution

Metadata is moved to the USACE Server using

covery tools. Currently two main types of hardware

file transfer protocol (FTP) software. Some people are

are serving these data needs: hard drives and disk