PostgreSQL + PostGIS - "mining" FGDC metadata of GIS datasets

Hello,

I am looking in to building a web site with PostgreSQL, PostGIS,
MapServer, and OpenLayers so users can access an online catalogue of
what GIS data is available within an organisation - spatially,
temporally and/or with other criteria.

Most the existing data in ESRI geodatabases and "so forth"...

Any pointers on automating mining the FGDC metadata 'in the backend'
from the existing spatial datasets and getting the data into PostgreSQL
+ PostGIS (I can build the templates I guess but was hoping someone else
had (!), both for the text data and the spatial extent data to poke into
the geographic component of the record.)

The web front end will just be a learning curve I think rather than
meeting anything insurmountable.

I see as much as possible this system being 'automated' - with "it"
'reaching out' to the geodatabase/s on a regular basis, triggers (sic?)
to add new metadata details, sync any changes, etc....

Note that at this stage the database would NOT be handling the GIS data
itself, just its metadata (the hopefully the GIS managers and analysts
will keep maintained using ESRI's tools in the geodatabase/s...)

I am new to a lot (most!) of this, so was hoping for advice on:

  (i) does this seems like a 'reasonable approach'? (and I know I have
only described it broadly)

  (ii) can it be made flexible enough? (esoteric question I know), and

  (iii) is this a "big job" for me, a relative newbie as mentioned?

Thanks in advance...


----------
Regards,
GREG COCKS
Data Management Specialist / Scientist / GIS Analyst IV
gcocks@stoller.com
S. M. Stoller Corp
105 Technology Drive, Suite 190
Broomfield, CO 80021
www.stoller.com
303-546-4300
303-443-1408 fax
303-546-4422 direct
303-828-7576 cell