What is the difference between data and metadata?

Data is a collection of information, including observations, measurements, facts, and descriptions, which can be processed or unprocessed. It is used for analysis, decision-making, research, and other domain-specific purposes. Metadata, on the other hand, is "data on data" that provides specific details about data, such as file type, format, origin, and date. Metadata is always considered processed information and is used to facilitate data management, discovery, interpretation, and understanding.

Examples of data and metadata include:

• Spreadsheet: Column names are metadata, while rows containing names and email addresses are data.
• Notepad file: The content is data, while the file name, storage description, file type, and size are metadata.
• Image: The image itself is data, while metadata describes its size, color depth, resolution, creation date, and other details.

What are the main types of metadata?

There are three main types of metadata: descriptive, administrative, and structural. Descriptive metadata provides information about the content and context of the data, such as title, author, and keywords. Administrative metadata includes information related to the management and preservation of data, such as access restrictions, rights management, and provenance. Structural metadata describes the organization and relationships between data elements, such as the arrangement of pages in a book or the hierarchy of a database.

Each type of metadata serves a specific purpose in facilitating data management, discovery, and understanding.

How does metadata add value to data?

Metadata adds value to data by providing context and additional information that makes it easier to find, interpret, and manage data. Metadata helps users understand the origin, purpose, and characteristics of data, enabling them to make informed decisions about its use and relevance. By summarizing basic information about data, metadata simplifies the process of working with specific instances of data and improves overall data management efficiency.

Examples of metadata adding value to data include:

• File management: Metadata such as file names, types, and sizes helps users organize and locate files more efficiently.
• Data discovery: Metadata like keywords, descriptions, and authors enables users to find relevant data more easily through search and filtering.
• Data interpretation: Metadata such as date, origin, and format helps users understand the context and limitations of data, leading to more accurate analysis and decision-making.

How is metadata created and managed?

Metadata can be created manually or automatically. Manual creation involves users inputting metadata information directly, while automatic creation relies on software tools and algorithms to generate metadata based on data characteristics and patterns. Metadata management involves the processes of creating, updating, storing, and retrieving metadata to ensure its accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.

Metadata management tools and systems, such as Secoda, can help organizations centralize, automate, and streamline metadata creation and management, improving data discovery, documentation, and overall data team efficiency.

How do data teams use metadata in their work?

Data teams use metadata to improve data discovery, interpretation, and management. By leveraging metadata, data teams can more efficiently locate relevant data, understand its context and limitations, and make informed decisions about its use. Metadata also plays a crucial role in data governance, ensuring that data is properly documented, organized, and maintained according to organizational policies and standards.

Platforms like Secoda offer data teams AI-powered tools and no-code integrations to automate metadata creation and management, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in working with data.