Metadata

There are three cases for how metadata should be stored:

1. Key metadata (see below) should be populated into the attribute table of the mosaic dataset for rapid user access and to support queries and sorting.
2. Metadata that is readable by ArcGIS may be easily reviewed via the properties of the mosaic dataset.
3. Metadata that is not fully readable by ArcGIS may be stored in a network-accessible location, with hyperlinks recorded in the attribute table to enable user access.

The recommended field names (and data types) for commonly used metadata fields related to aerial imagery are listed below. It is recommended that this key metadata be included for all data collections; users may choose to add other fields to the mosaic datasets.

• Year [Long Integer]—It is recommended to use a custom field to define the order of which image appears on top within a mosaic by setting the default Mosaic Method property to By Attribute and using the attribute Year. See below for configuring Mosaic Method.
• FirstDate [Date], LastDate [Date]—Since any raster dataset (such as data case 1 tile or 2 multi-image mosaic) may be composed of data from more than one image, and the individual image dates may not be available, enter the beginning and ending dates for the imagery. If unknown, type January 1, YYYY for First and Dec 31, YYYY for Last.
• Dataset_ID [Text16]—Create and enter a unique ID for each data collection.
• Source [Text24]—Use this optional field to note the original source of the data (for example, perhaps an agency like USGS, or the data provider for a custom project).
• Metadata_URL [Text64]—This optional field can direct users to the original metadata files stored on an accessible network location.
• SensorName [Text20]—It is recommended to record which sensor was used to capture your orthophoto collections. Examples could include digital camera name (such as UltraCam or DMC) or film camera type (such as RC30 or RMK-TOP).
• Leaf_Status [Short]—It can be helpful to identify Leaf On versus Leaf Off imagery. Recommended entries are 1 = Leaf_On, 2 = Leaf_Off, or 0 = Unknown.

These fields should be added to the source mosaic datasets and will then be copied into the derived mosaic datasets described below to enable users to select imagery by any of these key attributes.