Prepared for the the G-7 ENRMproject by the Metainformation Topic Working Group
(Update 26/11/97)

This update included mapping of GELOS elements and the GILS version 2 Abstract Record Structure - and to similar Dublin Core
elements - draft

INTRODUCTION

The Metainformation Topic Working Group (MITWG) of the G-7 Enrvironment and Natural Resources project has developed a minimum
set of metadata elements that can be used internationally for the description and location of information resources.
This metadata scheme forms one component of the GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION LOCATOR SERVICE (GELOS)
of the G-7 ENRM project.

Members of the G-7 ENRM project will use this metadata element set in combinatron with the Z39.50 information search and retrieval
protocol in the GELOS pilot project, which will demonstrate the integration of environment and natural resources information held in
numerous locations world-wide.

The GELOS element set was developed to be compatible with the Z39.50 information search and retrieval protocol. It includes commonly
used metadata elements from exisitng metadata standards/schemes such as the Government Information Locator Service (GILS), Dublin
Core, European Environmental Agency Catalogue of Data Sources, etc. Therefore most countries/organisations using metadata schemes
will be able to easily create GELOS records. GELOS records can be used to describe any type of information resource such as a report,
service, organization or database, in any format such as HTML, paper, CD-ROM, etc.

The GELOS element set is structured to enable a GELOS server to host GELOS records from another organization, whichmay not have
the resources to set up its own GELOS server. This supports a broader goal of the G-7 Information Society project that developing countries
must be provided with the chance to fully participate in the transition towards a global information society.

Comments or questions about the Element Set should be directed to:

• Sigfiís Bjarnason, European Environment Agency (sigfus.bjamason@eea.dk)
• Pia Cole, Environment Canada (pia.cole@ec.gc.ca)
• Josef Aschbacher, Centre for Earth Observation (josef.aschbacher@jrc.it)

LIST OF ELEMENTS

Key to Elements:

M = Mandatory
Elements suggested as being essential to adequately describe a GELOS resource
m = Mandatory if applicable
Elements suggested as being essential under certain conditions
O = Optional
Elements that can be include to provide additional information
R = Repeatable elements
Elements that can be repeated to provide additional information

Please Note: Some elements have multiple sub-elements. The designations M, m, O or R following the element name apply
to all the corresponding sub-elements

Order of Elements

The elements are presented below in the following order:

1. Elements describing the information resource
2. Elements related to the availability of the information resource
3. Elements related to the administration of a GELOS server

A sample record showing all elements and sub-elements is attached as "Appendix A".