Metadata and the DIG35 Initiative
Metadata is information about an image (or other item), beyond the pixels in the image itself. It is valuable in a variety of ways, from providing in-depth information on the image and its creation, such as subject, date and time, GPS location, focus distance, light levels, etc., to offering embedded data that can link the image to websites for copyright action, or further user interactions while simplifying requirements for user intervention. Increasingly sophisticated technology will lead to new uses and new types of metadata, while creating a need for new standards and best practices, such as guidelines for preserving individuals' privacy while still taking advantage of valuable communication channels. The Metadata Interest Group will identify these opportunities and challenges and will create initiatives that deliver solutions and recommendations.
A related past initiative was the DIG35 initiative, which defined a standard set of metadata for digital images in XML that could be widely implemented across multiple image file formats.
About DIG35
Formed in April of 1999, the vision of the DIG35 Initiative Group was to provide a standardized mechanism that allows end-users to perceive digital image use as easy, convenient and flexible as the traditional photographic methods, while enabling additional benefits that are possible only with a digital format."
The key focus areas of the DIG35 Initiative Group included:
- Defining a standard set of metadata for digital images that can be widely implemented across multiple image file formats
- Providing a uniform underlying construct to support interoperability of metadata between various digital imaging devices
- Ensuring that the metadata structure provides both a common inter-application exchange format and a high-degree of extensibility for enhanced use by specific applications
- Educating the industry at large regarding the importance of metadata usage, preservation and exchangeability
Leveraging XML
A key decision made by the DIG35 Initiative Group was the choice of XML (Extensible Markup Language) as the recommended reference implementation structure. XML offers a ready-made environment within which vendors of digital imaging applications and devices can rapidly incorporate the advantages of metadata structures.
Use-Case Modeling
One of the ways that the DIG35 Initiative Group process ensured the real-world viability of its metadata recommendations was through the use of a defined process of Use-Case Modeling. This involved outlining and testing all of the metadata implications with regard to how the user would perform specific scenarios, as well as how device manufacturers and applications developers would implement underlying structures.
Fostering Coordination
In keeping with I3A's overall role as a cross-organizational, industry-wide coordinating organization, the DIG35 Initiative and other DIG Initiatives maintained close interaction with related standards-setting bodies. Primarily, these included ISO's JPEG-2000 and MPEG-7 committees. In addition, the group closely tracked the development of XML, as well as other Internet standards.
DIG35 Participants
- Adobe Systems
- AGFA
- Canon
- PictureIQ
- digitella
- Eastman Kodak Company
- FUJIFILM
- HP
- NetImage
- PhotoChannel
- PhotoWorks
This initiative is now closed.
Contact I3A for more information.
Download the DIG35 Initiative Group documents.
