I have my metadata in a csv file. I am having a hard time using this metadata to create layers or shapefiles or whatever so I can isolate these data fields to create a nice looking map. I downloaded the metadata on yellowfin tuna from fishbase.org so I am really just trying to recreate those maps that reflect water quality parameters/expected distribution "events" for the year 2100 I mean I have taken 4 GIS courses. I just I don't know what I am missing here. I am approaching a deadline fast. I was not expecting so many issues. Please help!
you will have to show a sample of what you have. You need coordinates or references to published maps in order to produce a map, so, I am not clear on the contents of your metadata file... it could be in a variety of forms...a csv isn't one data structure that I would automatically associate with metadata