Final answer:
Metadata is structured information that describes an information resource. It provides essential details about the data and is used to organize and retrieve information efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metadata can best be described as structured information that describes an information resource. It provides essential details about the data such as its format, location, and content. Metadata is used to organize, manage, and retrieve data efficiently. For example, in a library, metadata about a book would include its title, author, publishing date, and genre.
Metadata serves as a means to understand and interpret data, making it easier to identify and access specific information. It plays a crucial role in various domains, including archives, databases, websites, and digital content management systems. By adding descriptive metadata, organizations can enhance search capabilities, improve data governance, and enable effective data discovery and analysis.
For instance, metadata tags in an online photo gallery can include details like the date the photo was taken, the location, and the people in the picture. This metadata can then be used to filter and search for specific photos based on these attributes.