FGDC Metadata Tools that work

[JenniferBorlick]

I have been struggling with the FGDC metadata tools since they were implemented in 10.0, even with the patch. The number of options, the "black box" nature of the tools, the "Completed Successfully" message when it hasn't, translators, etc. make it very difficult. to do any kind of FGDC metadata management. I should be able to create metadata, export it, import it (and choose which elements I want to import) in 2 steps. Export... Then import... I shouldn't have to translate. I shouldn't have to Upgrade. It should just work.

[JenniferBorlick]

Aha.. After a long phone call with support...

NIM061185: Import Metadata tool completes successfully with warnings, but no metadata is imported in ArcSDE geodatabase.

and

NIM061199: The default output file name is invalid when an ArcSDE geodatabase item is dropped onto a metadata tool from a database connection accessed from the Database Connections folder.

[curtvprice]

I have posted some helpful information on FGDC metadata that may help you somewhat, including a toolbox that uses the conversion tools (and mp)  to make the process a little less painful. One thing that is an improvement over 9.3 is that there are GP tools to do these things so you can build models that cover your workflow.

ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/nonvisible/cr/cprice/MetadataAt10.pdf
ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/nonvisible/cr/cprice/MetadataTools.zip

[JenniferBorlick]

Thanks!

[RandyKreuziger]

I've wasted 3 staff weeks of work calling in Metadata bugs to ESR, testingI and looking for work arounds.  In some cases there are no work arounds making existing work flows useless.  Spatial Views in 10.0 SQL Server can't hold metadata.  It is a known bug that ESRI has listed as medium level bug but last I checked haven't assigned a deveoper to fix it even though it was identified over 12 months ago.  That was just one example.  I wish my agendy could roll back ArcGIS 10.0 to 9.3.1 and wait for 10.1 assuming they fix the multitude of Metadata bugs.

[JenniferBorlick]

Wanted to add that I'm running ArcGIS 10 SP 4

[AletaVienneau]

Hi @JenniferBorlick 

This idea was written with regards to the transition from ArcGIS Desktop version 9.x to version 10.x. ArcGIS Desktop retired on March 1, 2026 so we won’t be considering this idea. We recommend that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro, our fully supported desktop GIS application.

The overall workflow for creating FGDC CSDGM-compliant metadata using ArcGIS Pro is documented in the help topic Create FGDC CSDGM metadata: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/metadata/create-fgdc-csdgm-metadata.htm. If there is ever a need, you can save a copy of an item’s metadata to an external file as a backup of your work, or as a temporary measure while issues with upgrading or migrating a geodatabase are resolved This workflow is documented in the help topic Save a copy of an item's ArcGIS metadata: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/metadata/save-a-copy-of-an-item-s-metadata.htm.

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. We truly appreciate your contributions to continuously improving the software to help you do your work and look forward to what ideas you have for ArcGIS Pro.

Aleta

[JenniferBorlick]

I mean... This idea is 14 years old... And I've been on Pro for a few years now. I don't really think I needed this update. But thanks.