One of the main objectives of the Spatial Data Infrastructures is to facilitate the means for searching and viewing existing spatial information. This requires spatial data to be catalogued and then loaded onto a metadata catalogue. This section offers users the information and applications required to create metadata and its subsequent publication in a catalogue service.
Metadata 

There are numerous free and pay IT applications which permit the creation of metadata in a fast and easy manner. Of the free tools available, CatmEdit, ISO Metadata Editor, and MetaD are the most widely used in Spain and permit the creation of metadata which conforms to the ISO-19115 standard and its subsequent exportation to XML format. These applications also feature practical user manuals to facilitate the learning process.

• Download MetaD v.3.0.4 software (format EXE, size 35.7 MB).
• Download MetaD v.3 Manual (PDF format, size 1.4 MB).
• Download Catmedit software (Link to download site).
• Download ISO Metadata Editor software (Link to download site).

Geonetwork is a free metadata catalogue developed by the FAO, which allows users to generate, upload, administer, and view metadata online. This application conforms to the ISO-19115 standard for metadata and the z39.50 standard.