Metadata Basics

Metadata is documentation about data that describes the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of data. In other words, metadata describes the basics about a dataset that helps a data user determine when, how, and by whom the dataset was created. This information is extremely helpful when determining a dataset's usefulness, relevance, and currency. Metadata also provides important spatial and attribute information about the dataset. In addition to providing useful documentation about datasets, metadata also helps to reduce data duplication. This is critical in saving time, money, and resources.

The current metadata standard used in the United States is Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM Version 2 - FGDC-STD-001-1998).

What does metadata look like?

Here are two examples of what a metadata file looks like.

• Metadata - minimum FGDC required elements (FGDC Classic Style)
• Metadata - FGDC required applicable elements (FGDC Classic Style)

For further discussion on metadata standards and structure, please visit the standards page.

There are many different tools that one can use to create metadata. To learn more on metadata creation, please visit the Creating Metadata page.

Discussion List

If you are interested in participating in metadata discussion, please join the metadata discussion list. This list is maintained by GeoCommunity™ by ThinkBurst Media, Inc. You may also view the archives of this discussion list on the GeoCommunity metadata-L Archives page.