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                       Subject:                               Time:1:04 PM
  OFFICE MEMO          Data Cataloging                        Date:9/8/93
Regarding the recent messages on the subject of cataloging data:
 
The Directory Interchange Format(DIF) is a data structure used to exchange
directory level information about data sets among information systems. The DIF,
developed by NASA, is used by NASA and other agencies to describe data in the
Global Change Master Directory. The Consortium for International Earth Science
Information Network(CIESIN) is cataloging metadata on the human dimensions of
global environmental change, also in the Directory Interchange Format(DIF).
 
You can look at some examples of CIESIN's metadata in the Directory Interchange
Format in the CIESIN Information Gateway. Telnet to gopher.ciesin.org and
login: gopher. Select the main menu topic "Resource Discovery at CIESIN", then
"Data and Information Services", then "CIESIN's DIFs". Open any of the DIFs to
get a sense for the information contained and layout. You can also look at map
DIFs through CIESIN's Information Gateway by selecting the main menu item
"Search the CIESIN Menu Tree," and entering the search term "USGS." You can
then query USGS with the term "maps," and raise an assortment of map DIFs.
 
 For more information on Directory Interchange Format, contact the Master
Directory User Support Office at (301)513-1687 or [log in to unmask]