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097. Why do we need metadata for data?

By Office of Science Quality and Integrity

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Metadata enable users to find, understand, and reuse the data, thus extending the life of the data. In addition, a metadata record is required by the USGS for including data in the Science Data Catalog. Federal Government mandates (including Executive Order 12906 and OMB Circular A-16) and USGS policy SM 502.7 require metadata as an integral part of data released to the public.