PROBLEM

Unable to view item metadata in the Item Description window

Last Published: September 17, 2020

Description

In ArcMap, the Item Description window provides concise item metadata. In some instances, the item metadata is not displayed in the Description tab of the Item Description window. A message suggesting a change to the metadata style is displayed in the window, as shown in the image below.

Image showing the message shown when trying to view an item metadata from the Description tab.

Cause

This issue occurs when item metadata is viewed in a different metadata style than was used when it was created. The metadata available for viewing and editing in the Description tab is determined by the current metadata style. Refer to ArcMap: About viewing metadata for more information.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve the issue, change the metadata style to the one that was used when the metadata was created. Complete the steps below:

  1. Navigate to Customize > ArcMap Options…

Image showing the Customize option under ArcMap Options.

  1. In the Metadata tab, select the metadata style from the Item Description drop-down list and click OK. In this example, the style used when creating the metadata was FGDC CSDGM Metadata.

Image showing how to select the item metadata style from the Metadata tab.

  1. Ensure the desired item metadata is displayed. Right-click the item in the Catalog pane, and select Item Descriptions…

Image showing how to view the item metadata from the Catalog pane.

The item metadata is displayed according to the selected metadata style, as shown below.

Image showing the metadata is displayed according to the selected metadata style.

Article ID: 000024044

Software:
  • ArcMap

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