What Is It?
Metadata is often described as “data about data”. It is information that helps users understand data structure, semantics, relationships, and correctly interpret the figures or indicators presented. Without metadata, statistical tables or databases would be difficult to understand and unsuitable for use in decision-making.
Metadata is generally divided into two main groups: structural and descriptive. Structural metadata indicates how data is technically organized (e.g., format), while descriptive metadata provides context about the content (e.g., units of measurement, accuracy). A good everyday example is a library catalog, where the book itself is the data, while information about its author, title, and location on the shelf is metadata.
Who Is It For?
Data analysts
Business professionals
Researchers
Information systems developers
How to Use It?
To make effective use of government data or official statistics, always start by reviewing the metadata. On the Official Statistics Portal and in open data collections, metadata is typically provided alongside the data file or in the dedicated Survey Information section. There you will find details on how the data was collected, which classifications were used, and how the indicators are defined. This information helps prevent misinterpretation and ensures accurate analysis.
For businesses and software developers, metadata is essential for building automated solutions. By using standardized data structure descriptions and public metadata catalogs, you can configure your systems to automatically retrieve and update information, ensuring data integrity and keeping datasets up to date.