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D5714-95 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Categories of Use
ASTM D5714-95 (Reapproved 2002) specifies the information content for metadata of digital geospatial data. It establishes a common set of terminology and definitions for related concepts. This specification addresses minimum content and processing requirements for geospatial metadata. It identifies three primary use categories: (1) documentation for data transfers, (2) internal online documentation of processing steps and data lineage, and (3) stand-alone data set synopses for spatial data catalogs, indexes, and referral services.
⚙️ Key Terminology and Data Elements
The specification defines fundamental concepts for geospatial metadata. A data element is the logically primitive item of data, while a compound element groups data elements to represent higher-level concepts. Other important terms include accuracy, which is the degree of conformity to a standard, and coordinates, which are pairs or triplets of numbers for horizontal and vertical distances. Attributes are defined characteristics of entity types, such as composition, with attribute values like steel.
| 🟦 Term | 📖 Definition |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | The degree of conformity of a measured or calculated value to some recognized standard or specified value. |
| Attribute | A defined characteristic of an entity type (e.g., composition). |
| Chain | A directed non-branching sequence of non-intersecting line segments or arcs bounded by nodes. |
| Compound Element | A group of data elements and other compound elements representing higher-level concepts. |
| Data Element | A logically primitive item of data. |
📊 Referenced Standards and Quality
This specification incorporates several key external standards for geospatial data interoperability. These include ANSI standards for time and date representations (ANSI X3.51 and ANSI X3.30), the ANSI Z39.50 protocol for information retrieval, and the SDTS standard (FIPS 173). Military standards such as MIL-STD-600006 for Vector Product Format and MIL-A-89007 for ARC Digitized Raster Graphics are also referenced.
| 📚 Standard | 🆔 Description |
|---|---|
| ANSI X3.51 | Representations of Universal Time, Local Time Differentials, and US Time Zone Reference for Information Interchange |
| ANSI X3.30 | Representation for Calendar Date and Ordinal Date for Information Interchange |
| MIL-STD-600006 | Vector Product Format |
| MIL-A-89007 | Military Specification ARC Digitized Raster Graphics (ADRG) |
💡 Tip: For accurate geospatial metadata, ensure that all terms like accuracy, altitude, and coordinates are used consistently with the definitions in this specification.
⚠️ Warning: The specification notes that the term “geographic information system” is not intended to introduce a standard definition, so its use should be carefully contextualized.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the scope of ASTM D5714-95?
The scope covers the information content of metadata for digital geospatial data, providing common terminology and definitions for minimum content and processing requirements.
💡 How are data elements and compound elements defined?
A data element is a logically primitive item of data, while a compound element is a group of data elements that represent higher-level concepts.
⚡ What are the categories of use for geospatial metadata?
The three categories are: data transfer documentation, internal processing documentation, and stand-alone synopses for catalogs and indexes.
📌 Which standards are referenced in D5714-95?
Referenced standards include ANSI X3.51, ANSI X3.30, ANSI Z39.50, SDTS standard FIPS 173, and military standards MIL-STD-600006 and MIL-A-89007.