Metadata helps people who use geospatial data to easily find the data they need and determine how best to use it. When they find existing data, it avoids duplication and reduces costs as they do not have to collect the information. Because metadata follows a standardized layout and uses common terms and definitions, users can quickly skim records and focus on what they are looking for.

Metadata also helps people who produce and supply geospatial data by:

• Organizing the data, thereby helping to protect their investment and to avoid duplication of effort; and
  
  
• Publicizing the availability of their data to potential users.

Metadata is a vital foundation for understanding, collaborating and sharing resources with others. It allows people to determine what the best resources are for their individual needs by permitting them to see the details of the data itself, and its history. It benefits data-producing organizations by ensuring that data holdings are well documented over time so their value for the data holder and user is maintained. Metadata is especially important in evaluating and comparing data in all its detail.

Did you know? Many data originators often forget about properly documenting their data so that others can use it now or later. When essential information is missing about data, its value to others is severely reduced, and leads other people in the community to question the accuracy and reliability of the information thereby reducing its usefulness. Lack of confidence in information, of course, can tarnish the results of any subsequent analysis of the data. Properly written metadata can help avoid confusion and uncertainty. If you use accepted metadata standards, your colleagues won’t have to question the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of your geospatial data. Their confidence in your data will be well founded.