1.1本规范涵盖了一组数字地理空间数据的元数据信息内容。本规范为与这些元数据相关的概念提供了一组通用术语和定义。 1.2本规范中使用术语“地理信息系统”及其定义并非旨在引入标准定义。 1.3本规范涵盖了地理空间元数据的最低内容和处理要求。 1.4地理空间元数据至少有三种用途:（1）作为文档伴随数据传输，（2）处理步骤和数据沿袭的内部在线文档，以及（3）作为独立数据集概要，供空间数据目录、索引和参考服务使用。

1.1 This specification covers the information content of metadata for a set of digital geospatial data. This specification provides a common set of terminology and definitions for concepts related to these metadata. 1.2 The use of the term "geographic information system" and its definition in this specification is not intended to introduce a standard definition. 1.3 This specification covers minimum content and processing requirements for geospatial metadata. 1.4 There are at least three categories of use for geospatial metadata: (1) to accompany data transfers as documentation, (2) internal, on-line documentation of processing steps and data lineage, and (3) as stand-alone data set synopses for use by spatial data catalogs, indexes, and referral services.