Metadata is data that provides information about other data. It describes the elements, rules, and definitions that comprise a data system. A metadata repository is a database that stores metadata information in tables and indexes, including relationships between different metadata elements. Information differs from raw data in that information is contextualized and validated data that is useful, whereas data alone lacks meaning.

1. Meta Data What is it? How do we use it?

2. The Basics

3. What is Meta Data? Is Data about data… Is information about the elements of a Data based system. Is information about the rules that governs the behavior and validity of the Data. Is information about what defines an individual data element at the finest level.

4. What is a Meta Data Repository? Is a Database instance used to contain the Meta Data Information. Is the collection of tables and indexes used to physically store the Meta Data Information – and the relationships between them.

5. Information vs Data Data is the Raw form.. Information is Data given meaning by context, usefulness, relationships to other data and validation. Information is useful, Data is not.