Sunday, July 30, 2006
Metadata Definition Tweak
I have slightly modified my Re-definition of metadata with one small but important change. Here is the latest:
Metadata – an external description of a distinct data resource. Common usages for metadata include providing the context of the data resource, managing its lifecycle and extending it to new uses. An example of metadata is the external description of an audio file specifying the artist that created it, when it was created, the length or play time, and the genre of music it belongs to. The purpose of metadata is to manage and improve the use of data thereby turning it into a strategic information asset.
The change comes at the end in the purpose statement for metadata. The statement makes an assertion that metadata is critical to transform data into information. I have heard information defined as "data in context". While that is certainly not a complete definition, it makes sense to think of information as a "refinement of data" much in the same way that raw materials get refined into finished products.
Metadata – an external description of a distinct data resource. Common usages for metadata include providing the context of the data resource, managing its lifecycle and extending it to new uses. An example of metadata is the external description of an audio file specifying the artist that created it, when it was created, the length or play time, and the genre of music it belongs to. The purpose of metadata is to manage and improve the use of data thereby turning it into a strategic information asset.
The change comes at the end in the purpose statement for metadata. The statement makes an assertion that metadata is critical to transform data into information. I have heard information defined as "data in context". While that is certainly not a complete definition, it makes sense to think of information as a "refinement of data" much in the same way that raw materials get refined into finished products.
