Is Conformance Optional?

The short answer is, “No”.

NASA has required that all Earth science data conform to the ISO 19115 metadata standard. The standard includes 19115-1, as well as 19115-2 and related ISO geospatial metadata standards. This requirement mirrors findings by the NASA MENDS Tiger Team, the National Research Council and the NASA Earth Science Data Systems Working Group - Standards Processes Group.

The requirements reference document, Version 2: Metadata Requirements – Base Reference for NASA Earth Science Data Products (423-RQMT-003, Dec 2011) is available for public download. Comments may be addressed to the responsible NASA official: Andrew.E.Mitchell@nasa.gov