Development of a Metadata Quality Index (MQI) for Bathymetric Data Assessment in Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure

Abstract

Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) serves as the foundational framework for managing and disseminating marine geospatial data, with bathymetric data being one of its most critical components. However, the usability and reliability of bathymetric datasets within MSDI are fundamentally dependent on the quality and completeness of accompanying metadata. This paper introduces a new Metadata Quality Index (MQI) framework is presented with special focus on bathymetric data evaluation of the MSD. MQI framework measures metadata completeness on eight fundamental categories including general information, identification information, description, extent, accuracy parameters, point of contact, meta-metadata, and processing information. A weighted grading scale (0-100) was created on the basis of the importance of individual parameter in data accuracy and a decision to be made by a user. The framework was applied to 12 bathymetric datasets (1991-2024) from Sri Lanka, covering various technologies including Single-Beam Echo Sounders (SBES), Multi-Beam Echo Sounders (MBES), and modern integrated systems. Findings showed that there were strong temporal patterns in metadata quality with pre-2000 datasets having a mean MQI of 18.4 (Poor), 2000-2010 datasets had a mean MQI of 32.7 (Fair), 2010-2020 datasets had a mean MQI of 71.3 (Good) and post-2020 datasets had a mean MQI of 78.5 (Good). The most significant gaps were found during all periods, with the most significant being the lack of any calibration documentation (0% compliance) and the systematic missing links in uncertainty reporting (8.3% compliance in pre-2010 datasets). The suggested MQI framework is a quantitative, standardized assessment of metadata quality tool that may be used to offer evidence-based prioritization of retrospective documentation tasks and set minimum metadata requirements to integrate MSDI. The study will add to the operationalization of the quality management of MSDI and the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles of data in the marine scene.