The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD)'s Version 9.7 software, just released, now offers:

1. New GCMD Homepage and web site functionality.
2. New DIF & SERF metadata display.
   • 'Get-Data' tab for direct access to data.
   • 'Get-Service' tab for direct access to data services.
   • 'Text only' display for 508 compliance.
   • 'View FGDC format' display improved.
   • Multimedia sample display improved.
   • Spatial coverage display using Google Map.

3. Science keyword taxonomy extended to five levels.
   • The addition of the Data Set Topic,  "Biological Classification",  inspired this extension of the hierarchy.  Data set descriptions have been tagged to be properly represented in this classification.
   • The public view of the new taxonomies for several Topics will be delayed, pending the re-characterization of the keywords associated with data set descriptions within those topics [These changes will be incorporated before the release of MD9.8].

4. Expanded keyword hierarchies for geographic location and chronostratigraphic units (geologic time).
5. New Platform & Instrument hierarchical keyword options in docBUILDER.
• Orbit Types
• Spectral/Frequency Domain
6. New features within docBUILDER authoring tool.
• Additional Help option added to assist in usage of international
  characters and symbols.
  
• Expanded docBUILDER tools to create enhanced instrument and platform descriptions (now known as Ancillary Description-Instrument (AD-I) and
  Ancillary Description-Platform (AD-P)).
• Improved Writer's Guide for DIFs, SERFs, instruments, and
  platforms.
• Improved display of data set and services descriptions.
  

7. XML namespaces provided within the records.
8. Java 1.5 and Tomcat 5.0 upgrades incorporated in new release. Keyword Interface now driven by RDF SKOS data model backed by Berkeley XML database.
9. Subscription services revised for new/updated data set descriptions. New Daily Feed offered for new data set and data service descriptions.

To view the latest software enhancements for MD9.7, please see MD9.7.1 announcement.
For the previous software release, please see the MD9.6 announcement.