Synchronizing metadata manually

You can synchronize metadata whenever you like using the Synchronize Metadata geoprocessing tool. Use this tool to create metadata for an item or to update existing metadata with the item's current properties if you have turned off synchronizing metadata when it is opened. You might run this tool to ensure the metadata is current after updating the item's data.

Legacy:

In ArcGIS Desktop 9.3.1 and earlier releases, this capability was provided using the Create/Update Metadata button on the Metadata toolbar in ArcCatalog.

Steps:

1. Click Geoprocessing > Search For Tools.

   The Search window opens.

2. Type synchronize metadata in the Search text box.
3. Click Search Tools.

   The Search window lists tools related to the search string including the Synchronize Metadata tool.

4. Click the name of the Synchronize Metadata tool in the Search window's results list.

   The Synchronize Metadata tool's dialog box opens.

5. Identify the item whose metadata will be synchronized in the Source Metadata text box.
6. Click the Synchronize Type drop-down list and choose how you want the metadata to be synchronized, if appropriate.
   • Click ALWAYS to create metadata if it doesn't already exist and to update existing metadata with the item's properties. Properties in the metadata are only updated automatically if they weren't typed by a person.
   • Click CREATED to create metadata if it doesn't already exist for the item. If metadata already exists for the item, it won't be updated. The new metadata will contain all information that can be recorded automatically for the item.
   • Click NOT_CREATED to update existing metadata with the item's properties. Metadata won't be created for the item if it doesn't already exist. Properties in the metadata are only updated automatically if they weren't typed by a person.
   • Click OVERWRITE to create metadata if it doesn't already exist and to update existing metadata with the item's properties. All information that can be recorded automatically for the item will be recorded. Properties typed in by a person will be overwritten with the item's actual properties.
7. Click OK.