Tools listed on the Metadata Tools section of the MMI site are categorized using a set of terms established by the DIVE team. This list of terms is currently being developed. What follows is three distinct sets of keywords that are used to completely characterize metadata tools.

Maturity Levels :: Functions :: Types

Definition of Maturity Levels

1. Missing: The stage of maturity of the item cannot be determined
2. Emerging: The item is actively being developed (for example, in draft, under community review, discussed on mailing lists or forums, mentioned in abstracts), but has not been formally released
3. Existing: The item is available for public use, has been released or widely adopted, and is sponsored or maintained
4. Engaging: The item is available for public use, has been released or widely adopted, has undergone and is currently undergoing updates, based on community input
5. Declining: The item has less use, and is either no longer maintained on a regular basis, or is routinely superceded by another emerging or existing standard in the community

Definition of Functions / Behaviours

1. Acquire / Obtain: To obtain information external to a system (for example, to import a piece of metadata)
2. Aggregate: To collect a set of objects or metadata, and present as a cohesive resource
3. Archive: To place into a long-term storage solution
4. Automate: To replace or enhance a specific activity with machine-driven routines
5. Browse: To inspect or survey a collection of objects
6. Compare / Inspect: To estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between multiple objects
7. Connect: To bring together to provide access, integration and/or communication
8. Convert: To transition an object from one system (for example, vocabularies, structure, standards) into another (replicates original system into a new system)
9. Create: To bring an object (for example, metadata instance, vocabulary) into existence
10. Crosswalk: To map metadata elements between different metadata standards (maintains original and mapped elements)
11. Design / Architect: To purpose, plan or decide upon the look and function of a system (for example, metadata template, user interface)
12. Discover: To use metadata values or vocabularies to identify metadata or data sets
13. Display: To show information
14. Document: To furnish with information that assists in implementation or use
15. Edit: To change information (replaces original information with new information)
16. Extract / Harvest: To take by selection - to derive from a body of information
17. Format: To arrange or put into a specific structure and/or syntax
18. Georeference: To associate an object with a specific location
19. Harmonize: To represent two different vocabulary files in the same language (for example, OWL), so that further mappings or mergings can be accomplished
20. Integrate: To combine multiple systems so they become one whole to the user community (the design of the original systems will probably be modified)
21. Interoperate: To enable the exchange and use of information between multiple systems (the design of the original systems may or may not be modified)
22. Map: To transition one system (for example, vocabularies, structure, standards) into another (maintains original system, along with mapped system)
23. Measure / Observe: To record a value, remark, statement or comment based on something seen or noticed
24. Mediate (Semantically): To intervene between the semantics of two systems (the two systems remain unchanged, and an intermediate transition is created/maintained)
25. Merge: To combine two digital files (for example, metadata, data, or ontology) into a single coherent file
26. Model: To display information in a relational way (for example, display relationships between vocabularies, individual concepts)
27. Parse: To split a file or other input into bits of data that can be easily stored or manipulated
28. Publish: To prepare and present metadata for use by other individuals and systems
29. Query: To make a request of a computer system, for the purpose of information retrieval
30. Reason / Infer: To form conclusions by associating available information (for example, to examine information in one or more ontologies and deduce classifications that are not explicitly stated)
31. Register: To submit information (for example, metadata descriptions of data or services, vocabularies, or terms) to a centrally managed repository
32. Report: To present single or aggregated instances of information, often in a specific or agreed format
33. Share: To expose information for acquisition or use in external systems
34. Store: To put information into a specific location (for example, for digital information, computer memory, database records, or off-line media)
35. Transform: To create an instance of metadata in a prescribed format, based on an existing metadata instance (maintains original instance, along with the newly formatted instance), or to convert vocabulary files into an ontology representation language, such as RDF or OWL
36. Validate: To authenticate that mandated characteristics have been satisfied; to test against a specification;
    for example, show through software or other audit that a metadata instance conforms to the applicable standard(s)
37. Verify: To ensure that the desired requirements have been documented in systems development
38. Visualize: To create a graphical representation of information (for example, metadata, vocabularies, or data)

Definition of Tool Interaction Models