diff --git a/specification/gedcom-3-structures-3-meaning.md b/specification/gedcom-3-structures-3-meaning.md index 24b8b346..3b7159ab 100644 --- a/specification/gedcom-3-structures-3-meaning.md +++ b/specification/gedcom-3-structures-3-meaning.md @@ -660,6 +660,32 @@ See also `INDIVIDUAL_EVENT_STRUCTURE`. A reference to an external file. See the [File Path datatype](#file-path) for more details. +External files may contain embedded metadata, +which may be of value to family history work. +Applications should not remove or edit metadata except as requested by the user. +Applications are encouraged to show the metadata in referenced external files to the user +and provide ways of integrating that metadata into appropriate structures with user guidance. + +:::note +Conversion between file metadata and GEDCOM structures generally requires user input, as the mapping is often content-dependent. +For example, the if `image.jpg` has a `dc:title` field and is used in the following way + +```gedcom +0 @I1@ INDI +1 SOUR @S1@ +0 @S1@ SOUR +1 OBJE @O1@ +0 @O1@ OBJE +1 FILE image.jpg +``` + +that field might belong in a `NAME` of `@I1@`, or a `TITL` in `@S1@`, or a `NOTE` in `@O1@`, or possible other locations depending on what the field contains. +::: + +:::note +Information about embedded metadata of interest to family history can be found at . +::: + #### `FORM` (Format) `g7:FORM` The [media type](#media-type) of the file referenced by the superstructure.