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An Overview of Metadata for GIS Data

Within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework, data is everything. Whether working with urban planning or environmental monitoring, GIS produces value for users based on its data. How can GIS practitioners ensure that the data they are using has reliability, discoverability, and comprehensibility? The answer is metadata.


In this particular blog we will cover the basics of GIS metadata, the importance of metadata, and best practices for managing metadata.


Metadata for GIS Data
Metadata for GIS Data

What is Metadata in GIS?


Metadata is described as "data about data". In the case of GIS metadata, it refers to the information an end-user needs about a spatial dataset, such as:


  • Source and Author - Who made the data and when.

  • Data Quality - Validity, precision and resolution of the data.

  • Coordinate System and Projection - How the spatial data were aligned to the Earth's surface.

  • Content Description - What the dataset contains, such as landuse, roads, or waterbodies.

  • Usage Constraints - Licensing, restrictions, and attributions.


Metadata is what allows GIS data to be usable, trustworthy, and interoperable.


Why GIS Metadata is Important:


  1. Increase Discoverability


When GIS datasets have sufficient metadata, it will be easier to find datasets in large repositories. Users can search by keywords, geographic extent, or data type, which can save time and allow for more efficient use of resources.


  1. Increased Quality and Reliability


Metadata gives users more transparency around how the data was generated, processed, and updated. This allows users to see limitations and possibly help avoid misinterpretation.


  1. Facilitation of Data Sharing and Collaboration


When organizations share GIS data, metadata allows users, even in different departments or countries, to use the data correctly and efficiently without extensive contact with data producers.


  1. Supports Compliance and Legal Demands


Many government or international GIS initiatives require documentation of proper metadata to meet the data standards and licensing agreements.


The Basic Components of GIS Metadata


An effective GIS metadata record should generally contain the following:


  1. Identification Information: Record title, abstract, purpose, and keywords.

  2. Spatial Reference: Coordinate system, projection, and geographic extent.

  3. Data Quality Information: Accuracy, lineage, and update frequency.

  4. Distribution Information: How the data can be accessed, including formats and sources.

  5. Metadata Reference: Who created the metadata, what standards, and when last updated.


Standards, including ISO 19115, FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee), and INSPIRE, provide a framework for consistency in GIS metadata.


GIS Metadata Best Practices


  • Utilize Standard Formats: Follow metadata standards such as ISO 19115 or FGDC.

  • Maintain the Metadata: Metadata should reflect any changes to the dataset.

  • Provide Clear Descriptions: Use descriptive terms that others can understand rather than jargon or similar terms.

  • Automate When Possible: Most GIS software packages, including ArcGIS and QGIS, will produce metadata automatically.

  • Audit Regularly: Review metadata for accuracy, completeness, and compliance regularly.


GIS Metadata Management Tools


Modern GIS software has made this task more user-friendly than ever.


  • ArcGIS Metadata Editor — For creating, editing, and validating metadata.

  • QGIS Metadata Tools — Open source solution, supporting ISO and FGDC standards.

  • GeoNetwork — A solid platform to catalog, share, and manage GIS metadata.


GIS Metadata is not some bureaucratic formality; it is an essential part of effective geospatial data management. You enrich and enliven your GIS dataset by documenting your dataset with rich and robust metadata, making it discoverable, defensible about desired data quality, while enhancing teamwork across teams and organizations.


As a GIS professional, researcher, or data manager, the key to maximizing knowledge of your spatial data requires you to understand and adopt best practices around metadata.


For more information or any questions regarding the Metadata, please don't hesitate to contact us at


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