Get a New Strategy Continued from page 47 The EME database is located in the EME installation directory. By default, it's called metadata.mdb and is installed in C:\Program Files\ Innovate! Inc\EPA Metadata Editor. However, you can change the location of the EME database and specify that EME point to this new location. This can allow your organization to share the EME database across multiple parties. To change the location of the EME database, access the "Setting up the EME Database" section of the EME help file. Step Five Using the EPA Synchronizer Create Metadata Templates Once you have a standard approach for developing metadata, you may want to consider creating metadata templates. Using templates can provide even greater consistency and automation within your metadata creation practices. As the name implies, metadata templates are used as a basis for developing metadata by providing default information. You can create a template by starting from scratch or by using a pre-existing metadata record. If you already have a record that contains information that your organization can reuse, export it to XML format (FGDC CSDGM specifically) and save the file on your machine. Then you can import that file and use it as a basis for other resources. Be careful when importing metadata templates, as they overwrite all pre-existing metadata. More information on creating templates is available in the introductory section of module 3 at the Innovate metadata training Web site. Depending on the nature of your data, it may be useful to create a series of templates organized around different topics. For example, you may consider creating templates that reflect the different types of geospatial assets used by your organization (e.g., downloadable data, live data and maps, or applications), or it may make more sense to create a series of templates that reflect the types of data maintained by your organization. While going through all the steps listed in this article is recommended for improving metadata creation, it can be beneficial to start by incorporating just one or a combination of these suggestions. Whatever your needs, taking a little time to initiate some better metadata practices will be well worth your investment and will increase the value of your resources in the long run. Exporting a metadata record Step Four Customize and Share Your EME Database One of the biggest benefits of EME is the ability to customize it by changing information in the EME database. EME utilizes a simple Microsoft Access database to populate the drop-down lists and defaults within the user interface (UI). You can modify the contents of the database to reflect your defaults using Microsoft Access, then use that information in the EME UI. To do this, click the Open DB button in the EME UI. When the database opens, you will see a list of tables that are available for editing. The table names reflect their location within the EME UI. For example, table 1b_Publisher contains information found on tab 1 of the EME UI. Similarly, table 2a_Completeness contains information found on tab 2 of the EME UI. This design simulates the flow of elements as shown in the EME UI so that it is easy for users to identify which tables they would like to edit. You can add information to your table of choice to suit your metadata needs. To make your information the default within EME, select the check box for your entry in the default column within the table. If you select a new default for your information, make sure to deselect the currently existing default. Importing a metadata record The EME database structure For more information, see Creating and Maintaining Metadata Using ArcGIS Desktop, a Web course, and Metadata: Tips and Tricks, a free Web training seminar. Both are available at www.esri.com/training. 48 ArcUser Spring 2009 www.esri.com