Near-term metadata challenges

Based on experience from the AGILE Working Group on interoperability, SDI component development projects, and from the INSPIRE metadata Implementation Rules Drafting Team, we describe our personal views on near-term metadata challenges in support of a fully functional and useful SDI under the INSPIRE umbrella. We address both current (and legacy) issues as well as future needs, focusing on advances that are judged as possible within the coming 5 years.