Metadata

Metadata is data about data. It is information about the database and can also be called a Data Dictionary. It can include information about data resolution, availability, age, ownership, price, copyright and accuracy.

There are two types of metadata.

• Active metadata. These operate on the database itself eg - perform checks for correct coding.
  
  
• Passive metadata. These include factors such as scale, resolution, name of fields in the database, codes used and what they mean.
  

Recent information about metadata standards is available through the ANZLIC site: http://www.anzlic.org.au

How can metadata help with managing data quality in a GIS? You might like to discuss this in the discussion forum.