Module 4 - FAQs

1. Who uses metadata?
   
   
2. Should I be writing metadata?

1. Who uses metadata?

Anyone looking for information, since metadata describes information. Metadata in the CGDI describes geospatial data sets to help users determine if the data is appropriate for their use.

2. Should I be writing metadata?

If you are a data creator, you should definitely be writing metadata. If your organization creates data, then someone in the organization needs to be writing metadata. Metadata helps people who use geospatial data find the data layers they need and determine how best to use them.

Metadata helps publicize and support the data you and your organization have produced or modified. It also protects an organization's investment in data. As personnel change in an organization, undocumented data may lose its value. Furthermore, lack of knowledge about other organizations' existing data can lead to duplication of effort.

Metadata creation may seem burdensome, but in the long run it's worth it.

Click on the value of metadata for additional examples from the FGDC. Click on more metadata FAQs for additional questions and answers from the USGS.