The following are metadata formats adopted as IABIN standards:

Bibliographic Data

Dublin Core: Dublin Core is a standard that defines a basic set of metadata elements that may be used to describe resources. A majority of the time, Dublin Core is used to describe digital resources. These resources can include web sites, databases, publications, images, etc. Dublin Core catalogs a resource by applying 15 elements (i.e. Title, Author, Description, etc.) to a resource to aid in the discovery and retrieval of information. For more information see http://www.dublincore.org.

Specimen Collections and Observations

Darwin Core: The Darwin Core (DwC) is a metadata profile describing the minimum set of standards for search and retrieval of natural history collections and observation databases. It includes only the core data elements that are likely to be available for the vast majority of specimen and observation records. This standard is utilized within both the Species Analyst and REMIB networks, among others. DwC is also a GBIF approved data standard for specimen collections and observations data. More information on Darwin Core is available at: http://tsadev.speciesanalyst.net/DarwinCore/darwin_core.asp

ABCD Schema: The Access to Biological Collections Data (ABCD) Schema is the product of a joint TDWG and CODATA initiative to develop a standard for distributed data retrieval from specimen collection databases. The schema supports data exchange for all kingdoms, and for both specimen and observation records. The ABDC Schema is a GBIF approved data standard that incorporates DwC elements. More information on ABDC Schema is available at:
http://bgbm3.bgbm.fu-berlin.de/TDWG/CODATA/Schema/default.htm

Spatial Data

CSDGM (IS0 19115): The Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) was developed by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FDGC) to provide a common set of terminology and definitions for the documentation of digital geospatial data. The standard was developed by the Federal Geographic Data Committee, an agency in the United States representing a 19 member interagency committee composed of representatives from the Executive Office of the President, Cabinet-level and independent agencies. The FGDC has developed the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in cooperation with organizations from State, local and tribal governments, the academic community, and the private sector. The NSDI encompasses policies, standards, and procedures for organizations to cooperatively produce and share geographic data. Several "profiles" have been developed to support domains applying geographic data. The FDGC standard is utilized extensively throughout the Western Hemisphere with enhancements to support local terminology. More information is available at www.fdgc.gov.

General Biological Resources

CSDGM with Bio Profile (NBII): The purpose of this standard is to provide a user-defined or theme-specific profile of the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata to increase its utility for documenting biological resources data and information. Included in this standard, is the ability to fully document associated species level information within a particular dataset, study area, or geographic region. This standard supports increased access to and use of biological data among users on a national (and international) basis. It also helps to broaden the understanding and implementation of the FGDC metadata content standard within the biological resources community. This standard also serves as the metadata content standard for the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) and the IABIN catalogue services related to "datasets". More information on this metadata standard is available at: http://metadata.nbii.gov/.

Taxonomic Nomenclature and Standards

CSDGM with Bio Profile (NBII): The purpose of this standard is to provide a user-defined or theme-specific profile of the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata to increase its utility for documenting biological resources data and information. Included in this standard, is the ability to fully document associated species level information within a particular dataset, study area, or geographic region. This standard supports increased access to and use of biological data among users on a national (and international) basis. It also helps to broaden the understanding and implementation of the FGDC metadata content standard within the biological resources community. This standard also serves as the metadata content standard for the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) and the IABIN catalogue services related to "datasets". More information on this metadata standard is available at: http://metadata.nbii.gov/.

Other Data Themes

It is recognized that specific metadata standards will be required for other biological themes supported by IABIN (e.g., species, protected areas, neotropical flora, etc.). For many of these themes, predominant or emerging standards do not exist. As one of its primary functions IABIN will facilitate the development of new standards or adoption of existing standards (e.g. standards adopted by TDWG, www.tdwg.org) through consensus building processes that involve the major players within the theme of interest. The first step in this process is to have the IABIN stakeholders identify the priority themes of interest and pertinent players.

Geoprocessing

It is recommended that IABIN adopt the emerging standards for geoprocessing from the Open GIS Consortium (OGC). OGC is an international industry consortium of 258 companies, government agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available geoprocessing specifications. Open interfaces and protocols defined by OpenGIS® Specifications support interoperable solutions that "geo-enable" the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream Information Technology, and empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications. Several efforts, including the NBII, are applying OpenGIS® standards and protocols to aid in interoperability of web-mapping applications throughout a distributed network.