How to Search for Data

How to Search for Data

A metadata record is the link between you and the data the record describes. It provides information describing the data and how to access it. Searching a Geoportal's metadata catalog is a quick way to find the data you need. If you are a registered user in the Geoportal, it is possible to save your search criteria.



Two search options are available in the Geoportal extension - (1) basic and (2) advanced. Each is described below. For details about the various search options, see Using Geoportal extension Search. The more information you provide in the search fields, the more likely you are to find results that match your needs.

1. Basic search is accessed from the Portal homepage. There is a field on the homepage labeled 'Search'. Simply enter a search term keyword in the field, click the 'Search' button, and the results of your text search will display in the search results page.



2. Advanced Search provides more search functionality, enabling you to define more details for your search. Click on the "Search" tab to access the advanced search interface.

How to Save a Search

If you find that you enter the same search criteria often, you may want to save the search. Saving the search automatically loads your search criteria and runs the search without you having to input all your specific values on the advanced search page form. You can access the list of searches you saved by clicking the "My Saved Searches" link to the right of the Search button on the Advanced Search Page. Click on the search name to load the search criteria and run the search. Click on the delete link to delete the saved search. Please note that you can maintain up to 10 saved searches at a time.