IHerbSpec Metadata Spreadsheet v1

Dataset Description This dataset contains version 1 of the metadata schema developed by the International Herbarium Spectral Digitization Working Group (IHerbSpec) to support standardized documentation of spectral reflectance measurements of herbarium specimens. The spreadsheet defines session-, specimen-, and tissue-level metadata fields as column headers for recording data according to the IHerbSpec Base Protocol v1.0. The dataset includes two CSV files: IHerbSpec_metadata_v1.csv – A clean version containing only the column headers (field names) used for metadata capture. The simpleFilename and filename fields are populated with example entries to demonstrate the recommended filename prefix structure, following the format described in Part 3 of the IHerbSpec Protocol v1.0. IHerbSpec_metadata_v1-examples.csv – The same template, but populated with example records for spectral measurement files to illustrate proper field usage and formatting. This metadata schema is intended to promote consistent, interoperable data practices across projects and institutions, in alignment with FAIR data principles. It can be used during or after measurement sessions to organize and export structured metadata for each spectral sample. Future updates will reflect community feedback and protocol revisions. Users are encouraged to cite the specific version used in any shared dataset or publication.