Automatic and semi-automatic methods for metadata creation and maintenance : long term implementation of the INSPIRE directive

Abstract: Metadata is an important part of any Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). Without proper and sufficient documentation of spatial data, resources are lost when pre-existing data has to be recreated or if data sets overlap. At the same time, creating and updating metadata can be a resource intensive task. Lantmäteriet seeks to optimize the creation and updating of metadata according to the new INSPIRE directive, as well as the Swedish National Geodata Strategy. INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe) seeks to increase cooperation between nations in Europe through harmonization of certain spatial data themes, increased data and software interoperability, as well as the creation of a European spatial data infrastructure.  INSPIRE lays the judicial foundation for this European cooperation. Sweden has been involved with INSPIRE since May 15th 2009. This thesis is aimed at developing the most optimal business process model for how the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral, and Land Registration Authority (Lantmäteriet) can create and update metadata according to the new INSPIRE directive based on best practice case studies and extensive literature review. The European Commission (EC) INSPIRE directive will be fully implemented in 2010. Furthermore, a survey of current metadata practices has been carried out to establish a starting off point for metadata creation at Lantmäteriet as well as a best practice business process model using ArcGIS Desktop.