12-metadatImport.Rmd

# Batch Import Metadata to GDB Features from XML Metadata Directory {#imMeta}

## Overview
This tool provides an automated method to import metadata for each Feature Dataset and Feature Class (within Feature Datasets) in the input geodatabase, following the output .xml file naming convention created with the [Batch Export Metadata] tool, and potentially updated using the [Batch Metadata Modifier Tool](http://insideidaho.org/helpdocs/batch_metadata_modifier_tool.html) developed out of the University of Idaho's Interactive Numeric & Spatial Information Data Engine (INSIDE) geospatial data clearinghouse.
As per SDSFIE standards, it is recommended that you view this metadata using the [SDSFIE-M Metadata Style for ArcGIS](https://www.sdsfieonline.org/Standards/Metadata)^[When installing this tool, be sure to install it to the location of your current ArcGIS distribution on your computer, typically located at C:/Program Files (x86)/ArcGIS/Desktop10.6/, replacing with the approproate ArcGIS version].

Alternatively, if you wish to import metadata from Feature Classes in a Esri geodatabase, you should use the [Batch Import Metadata from GDB] tool.

## Parameters
The tool has 2 parameters^[More information may be found on the help page for ArcMap's [Metadata Importer](http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/tools/conversion-toolbox/metadata-importer.htm).]:  

1. **Input Geodatabase (data type: Workspace/File Geodatabase)** - The input geodatabase to export Feature Dataset/Feature Class metadata from.
2. **Input Metadata Directory (data type: Folder)** - The folder with the .xml files to import into the geodatabase features.


## How to Use
### Begin by opening the toolbox  
Navigate to the location of the script toolbox, then right-click the 'Batch Import Metadata' script tool to open (Fig. \@ref(fig:imMetaopen)).
```{r imMetaopen, cache=FALSE,echo=FALSE,message=FALSE,error=FALSE,warning=FALSE,fig.cap="Opening the Batch Import Metadata tool",fig.align = 'center'}
knitr::include_graphics("figures/imMeta-open.jpg",auto_pdf = TRUE)
```
###  Fill out the parameters 
Next, fill out the parameters for the tool. Here, we want to export metadata for all Feature Datasets and all Feature Classes (within those Feature Datasets) within the Example.gdb geodatabase using the default ARCGIS2FGDC metadata translator that comes with ArcGIS to a new directory called 'metadata' (Fig. \@ref(fig:imMetaparams)). 
```{r imMetaparams, cache=FALSE,echo=FALSE,message=FALSE,error=FALSE,warning=FALSE,fig.cap="Batch Import Metadata tool parameters",fig.align = 'center'}
knitr::include_graphics("figures/imMeta-params.jpg",auto_pdf = TRUE)
```
## Run the Tool and View Results
While the tool runs, we can see which .xml files are being imported to each Feature Dataset's/Feature Class' metadata, as well as which Feature Datasets/Feature Classes do not have matching .xml files in the output directory (Fig. \@ref(fig:imMetamessages)). 
```{r imMetamessages, cache=FALSE,echo=FALSE,message=FALSE,error=FALSE,warning=FALSE,fig.cap="Batch Import Metadata tool messages",fig.align = 'center'}
knitr::include_graphics("figures/imMeta-messages.jpg",auto_pdf = TRUE)
```

After running the tool, we can view the update Item Descriptions for the Feature Classes and Feature Datasets imported with the .xml files (Fig. \@ref(fig:imMetaafter)). You can also change the way ArcMap displays the metadata by going to Customize > ArcMap Options in ArcMap, then clicking the Metadata tab and changing the Metadata Style in the drop-down menu. You can find more information on Item Descriptions on Esri's [Item Desecription Help Page](http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/map/working-with-arcmap/documenting-items-in-the-catalog-window.htm).

```{r imMetaafter, cache=FALSE,echo=FALSE,message=FALSE,error=FALSE,warning=FALSE,fig.cap="Opening the Item Description to view updated Metadata",fig.align = 'center'}
knitr::include_graphics("figures/imMeta-after.jpg",auto_pdf = TRUE)
```