Create metadata for multiple datasets simultaneously in ArcGIS 10

Question

I am trying to find a way to create metadata through Arc Catalog for multiple datasets simultaneously. I'm working within a file geodatabase, which composes of multiple feature classes and rasters. The data has common theme so I'd like to create template of metadata for one item and then populate other datasets within the same metadata information. I'm planning to use ISO standard metadata template.

I've done some research and it appears that there are three options (but neither of them too successful so far): - use 'Metadata Importer' tool within Conversion Toolbox (however I will be able to copy metadata on one-to-one basis only) - X-tools pro have 'Batch Metadata Editing' option available but after setting the parameters within ArcMap I can't see these canges through Arc Catalog - third option is adding 'Batch Importer' (http://edndoc.esri.com/arcobjects/9.0/Samples/Metadata/Importers/Batch_Importer/Batch_Importer.htm). I managed to add it to ArcCatalog but I'm not able to run it (I get error message 'ICommand_OnClick() ).

I'm working with ArcGIS 10.

Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Answer 1

Sorry to say your not going to find a quick way to do it as of SP2; primarily because Metadata is badly broken @ ArcGIS 10. I really would not expect that sample code you see to work cleanly, I suspect it might even damage the metadata. Your real only option is going to be to do it manually.

We undertook a major metadata update project over the last 2 months and because of the issues in ArcGIS 10 we had to perform it manually; layer by layer.

I wish there was better news for you; I wish you luck.