Which international metadata standards have been adopted in North America?

The selection of ISO 191xx as the correct answer is based on its specific focus on geographic information and related services. This standard series encompasses a variety of elements including data quality, geographic information datasets, services, and metadata. The adoption of ISO 191xx in North America is significant because it provides a structured framework for documenting, managing, and sharing geographic data through standardized metadata practices.

ISO 191xx is essential in ensuring interoperability and compatibility among various spatial data systems, facilitating data sharing and reuse, which is crucial in fields such as environmental management, urban planning, and natural resource management. This series is widely acknowledged and utilized in GIS applications across North America, aligning practices with international standards that promote data consistency and reliability.

In contrast, the other mentioned standards serve different purposes. ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems across various industries, ISO 30300 pertains to information and documentation management, and ISO 26000 provides guidance on social responsibility. These do not directly address the unique needs and challenges associated with geographic information and its metadata, which is why they are not the most relevant choices in this context.