Press Release

Cadcorp introduces first ever commercial MetaGenie compatible metadata tool

Cadcorp, the developer of the popular Cadcorp SIS – Spatial Information System digital mapping and GIS software suite is pleased to announce the development of a Cadcorp SIS based metadata tool that is wholly compatible with GIgateway’s MetaGenie software.

Cadcorp SIS user Elmbridge Borough Council was an early enthusiast for MetaGenie, the software that enables metadata to be created to the UK’s National Geospatial Data Framework standard. In a project initiated by Elmbridge BC, Cadcorp developed its own Cadcorp SIS based metadata software to complement MetaGenie. The result is the first commercial MetaGenie compatible software on the market. Now, not only does Cadcorp SIS read over 100 GIS, CAD and database data sources out-of-the-box, but it can manage metadata for those data sources as well.

The Cadcorp SIS metadata tool has been designed for data input, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistency in metadata creation. Windows based, it runs within Cadcorp SIS and has simple tabs between metadata input fields, making it swift and easy to use. It automatically creates essential metadata such as spatial extents, saves default versions of metadata pages and exports metadata into the MetaGenie XML schema. Metadata can then be published by the MetaGenie software on GIgateway. By taking this route, users are contributing to the national standard metadata scheme, rather than simply creating their own disparate internal systems. This widens and enhances high quality service delivery of geospatial information in the UK.

“Cadcorp has developed a free tool to produce metadata to national standards. The AGI have given us Metagenie with which we can publish our metadata on the GIgateway. When we begin to publish metadata, we will direct both staff and public to the GIgateway for searches because then we will have no need to establish an expensive bespoke metadata system”, stated James Rutter, GIS Manager, Elmbridge Borough Council. “The creation of large amounts of metadata can be mundane, but the Cadcorp tool makes it as easy as possible. Basically, I see this as an excellent partnership between Government sponsored software, standards and a commercial software house”, he added.

Louise Scofield, GIgateway Information Services Coordinator, stated: “GIgateway is both grateful for and enthusiastic about the release of Cadcorp's metadata tool. Not only does this release compliment MetaGenie by making the creation and management of geospatial metadata much simpler for organisations, it also illustrates the growing recognition of the value of GIgateway, the national metadata portal. Any tool which can make a necessary process more efficient, and the adherence to standards easier, is welcome support for the objectives of GIgateway and the overall mission of the AGI - to maximise the use of GI for the benefit of the citizen, good governance and commerce. GIgateway has recently delivered a series of workshops on the fundamentals of metadata where the need for a tool such as Cadcorp's has been consistently expressed in delegate feedback. Cadcorp have definitely set the pace by meeting their user's needs. Other commercial vendors will need to follow suit if they are to keep up”.

David Bray, developer of the Cadcorp SIS metadata tool commented: “During a recent MetaGenie training workshop, some attendees talked of the importance having a metadata manager responsible for all the organisation’s metadata. The fact that Cadcorp can provide a single tool which can create metadata for 100+ formats that is wholly compatible with the UK’s official metadata specifications must be of major interest. One can simply learn how to create metadata with one system rather than many. This should help reduce a logistical problem of needing staff trained in many systems, or having to involve many staff in an organisation with metadata production”.

About MetaGenie

MetaGenie is the new metadata creation tool from GIgateway™. This innovative piece of software enables you to easily create geographic metadata compliant with the GIgateway™ Discovery Metadata Specifications - the standard created and delivered by the UK’s National Geospatial Data Framework (formerly the NGDF Standard). The new tool comes with a comprehensive User Guide and useful ‘Help’ windows to steer you effortlessly through the creation of a metadata record. For more information see www.gigateway.org.uk

About Cadcorp

Established in 1991, Cadcorp is a leading developer of digital mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software. With offices in the UK, USA and Australia, Cadcorp's distribution and VAR network stretches worldwide. The company also plays a pivotal technical role in the Open GIS Consortium. Inc®. The Cadcorp SIS - Spatial Information System product range is fully integrated digital mapping and GIS software that uses OpenGIS® certified compliant interfaces. Cadcorp is an ISO9001:2000 certified company, an Ordnance Survey Licenced Partner and also holds an S-CAT agreement for category 15, GIS Software.

Cadcorp SIS applications exist in local government, central government, emergency services, insurance, oil & natural gas, mapping and surveying, commerce, utilities and many other markets.

ENDS

For further information, contact: Chris Holcroft, Tel: (44) 1438 747996, e-mail: chris.holcroft@cadcorp.com

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