# Package org.apache.sis.metadata.iso.distribution

package org.apache.sis.metadata.iso.distribution
Information about the options for obtaining a resource (data or service). An explanation for this package is provided in the OpenGIS® javadoc. The remaining discussion on this page is specific to the SIS implementation.

## Overview

For a global overview of metadata in SIS, see the `org​.apache​.sis​.metadata` package javadoc.

Package overview
Class hierarchy | Aggregation hierarchy
--- | ---
ISO 19115 metadata `├─` Distribution `├─` Distributor `├─` Medium `├─` Format `├─` Standard order process `├─` Digital transfer options `└─` Data file Code list `├─` Medium name `└─` Medium format | Distribution `├─` Format `├─` Distributor `│ └─` Standard order process `└─` Digital transfer options `└─` Medium `├─` Medium name «code list» `└─` Medium format «code list» Data file

## Null values, nil objects and collections

All constructors and setter methods accept `null` arguments. A null argument value means that the metadata element cannot be provided, and the reason for that is unspecified. Alternatively, users can specify why a metadata element is missing by providing a value created by `NilReason​.createNilObject(Class)`.

Unless otherwise noted in the Javadoc, all getter methods may return an empty collection, an empty array or `null` if the type is neither a collection or an array. Note that non-null values may be `NilObject`s.

Unless the metadata object has been marked as unmodifiable and unless otherwise noted in the Javadoc, all collections returned by getter methods are live: adding new elements in the collection modify directly the underlying metadata object.

Since:
  0.3

- Related Packages
  Package
  Description
  org.apache.sis.metadata.iso
  Root package for ISO 19115 metadata about resources (data or services).
- Classes
  Class
  Description
  DefaultDataFile
  Description of a transfer data file.
  DefaultDigitalTransferOptions
  Technical means and media by which a resource is obtained from the distributor.
  DefaultDistribution
  Information about the distributor of and options for obtaining the resource.
  DefaultDistributor
  Information about the distributor.
  DefaultFormat
  Description of the computer language construct that specifies the representation of data objects in a record, file, message, storage device or transmission channel.
  DefaultMedium
  Information about the media on which the resource can be distributed.
  DefaultStandardOrderProcess
  Common ways in which the resource may be obtained or received, and related instructions and fee information.