Darwin Core Archive Format, Reference Guide to the XML Descriptor File Description: This document incorporates and extends the Darwin Core Text Guide located at http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/guides/text/index.htm. It provides a detailed overview of the XML descriptor file used to document the Darwin Core Archive format. The descriptor file describes how biodiversity data files are organized. Abstract: The Darwin Core Archive format relies on a special XML file, called a metafile (typically named “meta.xml”), whenever the data is published across more than one file. This file serves as a map that enables parsers and human readers to properly interpret the published files. It provides a means to link data in a particular column of a file to a specific defined term in the standard set of terms used by GBIF. GBIF Secretariat Author(s):Döring, M., Robertson, T., Remsen, D., Contributor(s): 2011-04 Biodiversity data standards & protocols, Biodiversity data publishing/sharing English http://links.gbif.org/gbif_dwc-a_metafile_en_v1/ application/msword http://www.gbif.org/orc/?doc_id=2819 Digital document Requests related to this metadata record should be addressed to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Secretariat, gbif@gbif.org, +4535321470 Rights: This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License Right holders: GBIF Secretariat