You can search the MRC Master Catalogue without registration. In order to access data from the MRC Master Catalogue you need to register. Registration takes only a few minutes, but your data user account type will be verified by the MRC (usually within 24 hours).
You can use the Quick Search, which is based only on a combination of keywords. Hardcopy datasets are not searched by default because this returns a large number of MRC library records. Your search may return many results, so try a combination of keywords or try the Advanced Search
In the advanced search, you have options to search by Keyword and to restrict the search to the title or abstract. You can select hardcopy of digital formats. The GIAI identifier is a unique dataset ID. A Topic is assigned to all MRC data according to the ISO19115 standard.
The [?] provides tips for each search field.
You can use decimal degree coordinates or a Google Map to search for datasets link to particular areas. This is particularly useful to find geographic information system (GIS) data and other monitoring data.
You can also narrow your search by a time period.
The total number of datasets is displayed.
Information on the other keywords within your search results is also available.
The metadata for each result is shown. Important information on the license is provided:
If a dataset is electronic, it can be added to your shopping cart for download (or postal delivery).
You can sort your results by relevance and title
Datasets that are added to your shopping cart can be reviewed. Your shopping cart is emptied at the end of each shopping session.
You can add or remove data from your shopping cart before proceeding to the checkout.
There are five steps in the checkout process. At any step in the process you can Return to Shopping Cart:
1.) Constraints– this page summarises the access constraints
2.) License- if a license is required to access the data, you must accept the license by fax
3.) Delivery – the preferred option is download, but postal option is available for additional costs.
4.) BillingAddress – you must complete billing address details, but verification is handled separately through PayPal in the next step
5.) Payment- all payments are handled externally by PayPal, and all major credit cards and PayPal accounts are accepted.
6.) Complete order – internal MRC users can directly download the data. However, license verification and/or payment verification may take up to 72 hours for other users.