Metadata

Definition

Metadata is "data that provides information about other data". In short, it is data about data.

Why It Matters

Metadata provides context and makes data easier to find, use, and manage. It helps us understand the what, where, when, and how of a piece of data.

Contextual Example

A digital photo file contains the image data itself, but it also has metadata, such as the date and time the photo was taken, the camera model, GPS coordinates, and camera settings like aperture and shutter speed.

Common Misunderstandings

• Metadata can sometimes reveal as much or more than the data itself, creating privacy implications.
• Web pages use HTML meta tags to provide metadata to search engines, such as the page title and description.