The element MD_Metadata/distributionInfo describes how the information resource (dataset etc.) is distributed.

Guidelines

distributionFormat or resourceFormat

ISO 19115 allows at least three places to describe the data format in MD_Format structure:

• MD_Metadata
  • identificationInfo
    • MD_DataIdentification
      • ...
      • *resourceFormat* (1) most generic place
  • distributionInfo
    • MD_Distribution
      • *distributionFormat* (2) useful if format is different when delivered
      • distributor
        • MD_Distributor
          • *distributorFormat* (3) useful if format depends on distributor

WMO does not yet recommend specific style, but if you don't have specific reason to to choose one, (1) is the suggestion of the authors.

distributor recommended

MD_Distribution allows several styles of documentation.

1) flat style

• MD_Distribution
  • distributionFormat [0..*] (only when you really need... see above)
  • distributor [0..*]
    • MD_Distributor
      • distributorContact [1]
  • transferOptions [0..*]

2) distributor-explicit style

• MD_Distribution
  • distributor [0..*]
    • MD_Distributor
      • distributorContact [1]
      • distributorFormat [0..*] (only when you really need)
      • distributorTransferOptions [0..*]

WMO does not yet recommend specific style, but if you don't have specific reason to to choose any, the style 2) is the suggestion of TT-ApMD.

who is distributor

online distribution properties

offline distribution properties