GETTING THE FACTS RIGHT A guide to presenting metadata with examples on Millennium Development
Feb 24, 2016
GETTING THE FACTS RIGHTA guide to presenting metadata with examples on Millennium Development
What are metadata? data that defines or describes other data “information that is needed to be able to
use and interpret statistics” (Eurostat)
With metadata Without metadata
Source: United Nations Statistics Division (2003). Indicators for Monitoring the Millennium Development Goals.
UNDP Guide to Measuring Human Development
“… a reference tool that provides guidance on statistical principles…”
Metadata: particularly important for MDG-related reports and data
Metadata management:a strategic priority for statistical systems
Statistical metadata
Structural metadata
Reference metadata
Concepts Methods Quality
Types of metadata
Uses of statistical metadata Data discovery Define and describe data
resources Drive statistical production Capture information about
sources Integral to the IT environment Describe quality of outputsSource: Graeme Oakley, Australian Bureau of Statisticswww.unescap.org/stat/apex/2/APEX2_S.4_conference_Statistical%20Metadata%20Standards.pdf
International standards and guides Excellent resources already exist UNECE Working Group on Statistical
Metadata (METIS) Little guidance on metadata for
development indicators
Common Metadata Framework Evolving online
reference Statistical
metadata portal Developed by
experts Maintained by
UNECE www.unece.org
Handbook on Data and Metadata Reporting Comprehensive
guide to publishing metadata
Available in English and French
www.oecd-ilibrary.org
Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)
Generic Statistical Information Model (GSIM)
A guide for managers Principles of good
management
Explains Statistical Metadata in a Corporate Context
Central systems and tools Vocabularies Classification
management Question databases
Benefits of managing metadata
Everyone uses up-to-date classifications and definitions
Gain resources Higher morale and productivity Capitalising on lessons learned Easier for data users to
understand Increased trust in official
statistics
Producing
statistics
Using statistics
Improving
statistics
Interpret data being presented
Understand comparability
Detailed metadata
General and related information
Metadata for MDG indicators
Specific and succinct
General and detailed
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
Metadata for MDG indicators
Specific and succinct
General and detailed
UNECE Recommendations
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
1. Title describing data being presented2. Data provider3. Statistical concepts and definitions4. Comparability (geographical/time)5. Source data6. Symbols or abbreviations7. Accuracy8. Contact information9. References / Relevant links
Mandatory metadata
1. Title describing data being presented
2. Data provider
3. Statistical concepts and definitions
Conditional metadata
4. Comparability (geographical and over time)
5. Source data
6. Symbols or abbreviations
Total employment by status in employment (thousands)
Source: LABORSTA (laborsta.ilo.org)
Optional metadata7. Accuracy
8. Contact information
9. References / relevant links
Use as a checklistMandatory 1. Title describing data being
presented2. Data provider3. Statistical concepts and definitions
Conditional 4. Comparability (geographical / over time)5. Source data6. Symbols or abbreviations
Optional 7. Accuracy8. Contact information9. References / Relevant links