[OSGeo-Edu] Getting started on the dictionary...

[Landon Blake]

I'm not sure what the status is on the GIS dictionary software, but I
was doing some work on my metadata chapter of the Free GIS Book today
and I decided to get started on at least the content of the dictionary.

 

I put up a page on the OSGeo wiki for a starter dictionary. It currently
only has entries in English. If we have translators from another
language group that want to help out with the starter dictionary we can
get it set up for multiple languages. 

 

This work isn't meant to be an alternative to whatever software based
solution others are working on. It's just a temporary holding basin for
definitions I can write while working on the Free GIS Book.

 

I've come up with a basic format for the definitions. Each definition
includes the following:

 

-     A simple, one (1) or two (2) sentence definition of the term.

-     A section for additional explanation and clarification. This might
include a lengthier definition and identification of what the term DOES
NOT include.

-     A section for an example.

-     A section for associated terms with links to other entries in the
dictionary.

-     A section for terms the subject term is also known by.

-     A section for external references.

-     A section for external links related to the topic being defined.

 

At this point the dictionary only contains two (2) definitions. There is
one entry for "Geospatial Metadata" and another entry for "Geospatial
Dataset". I have included placeholders for other entries. I hope to
complete some of these in the next week or two. I will add additional
entries as I come across technical jargon in my Metadata chapter.

 

Should we ask for volunteers that can review the entries in the
dictionary? I know we will want to be objective, and the definitions
that I've written so far are definitely based on my own narrow
involvement with GIS. It would be good to have some other input on the
definitions I'm coming up with. 

 

I am willing to serve as the shepherd for this starter dictionary, at
least the English version of it, until we get the dictionary software
installed.

 

We'll give ESRI Press a run for their money yet. :]

 

Please let me know if you have any comments. You can find the starter
dictionary here:

 

http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php/Starter_Dictionary

 

The Sunburned Surveyor

 



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