Insert multi-line metadata item description using python

[SamanthaNakata1]

I am trying to update ESRI Metadata (i.e. what is viewed as the Item Description), and am specifically trying to update the "Description" with a multi-line entry.  (Please see the attached example, which was created manually.)

My generalized workflow has been to

1) Export Metadata (to FGDC style) from a file geodatabase feature class/shapefile

2) Update the XML as needed

3) Import Metadata back to the feature class/shapefile.

(I can edit the xml successfully and import it back to the feature class fine.  This would work well if I didn't care about line breaks...)

So far I've tried:

- using \n and \t markers

- using <br> marker

- styling as <![CDATA[This is description line 1

                                     This is description line 2.]]> ...this preserves the line break in the XML, but not doesn't translate as desired in ESRI Metadata.

Has anyone accomplished this successfully?

Thanks you.

[JasonHrubizna]

I have the same problem as you've described, but no solution so far.  I'm editing my metadata in Enterprise Architect using a custom add-in, but this is an annoying hiccup in my plan. Did you ever fined a solution?