Metatietomalleja

Metatietomalleja, known in English as metadata models, are conceptual frameworks or structures used to define and organize metadata. Metadata, in essence, is data about data. A metadata model provides a standardized way to describe, manage, and understand information resources. These models specify the types of metadata elements that should be captured, their relationships, and the rules governing their use.

The purpose of a metadata model is to ensure consistency and interoperability of data across different systems and applications. By adhering to a common model, organizations can more easily share, discover, and reuse information. Different domains and industries have developed various metadata models tailored to their specific needs. For example, in the library world, MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) is a well-known metadata standard. In the geospatial domain, ISO 19115 is a widely adopted standard.

Metadata models can vary in complexity, from simple schemas defining basic descriptive attributes to sophisticated models incorporating technical, administrative, and structural metadata. They often include definitions for fields such as title, author, date, format, keywords, and access rights. The adoption of metadata models is crucial for effective data governance, data warehousing, digital asset management, and the implementation of semantic web technologies. Ultimately, metadata models provide the backbone for organizing and making sense of the vast amounts of digital information available today.