An Introduction to Metadata
" Metadata is information about data. Similar to a library catalog record, metadata records document the who, what, when, where, how, and why of a data resource. Geospatial metadata describes maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files, imagery, and other location-based data resources. "
Metadata provides answers to questions you may have about your own or another’s data.
Why Use Metadata
Metadata helps you do your job. Looking for a geospatial dataset? Geospatial clearinghouses, such AZGeo, rely on metadata. Did you find a dataset but you are not clear about what it represents? Read the descriptions, definitions and process steps in the metadata. Do you offer data for download and get repeated questions from users? Write the answer once in the metadata.
Use metadata to support...
Data Management requirements to:
- re-use or adapt a dataset to a new project
- capture and archive a dataset for “before-and-after” comparisons and future reference
- assess the age and character of data holdings to determine which data should be retained, updated, or deleted
- be accountable for the data — state what you know (or don’t know) about the data
Project Management requirements to:
- plan and document the data types and content needed to support a project
- monitor data development by regular review of process steps—write and update metadata as you go
- document a common set of data fields and definitions for all project participants
- clarify what contractors produced — require robust metadata that describes the lineage and content