Metadata is descriptive documentation that provides important context about datasets and products. Consistent, standardized metadata that is both machine and human readable makes environmental data easier to find, understand, and use.
Good metadata also allows NCEI to effectively manage data submissions. Metadata templates give providers a standardized way to document essential context and history (characteristics of quality metadata), which allows NCEI to properly categorize the data and effectively promote it through data access portals, websites, and other distribution methods.
Learn
Learn about the characteristics of good metadata, FAIR principles, and how metadata helps NCEI manage data more effectively.
Create
Find tools, templates, and relevant NOAA/NCEI policies for creating and submitting metadata.
Maintain
Use our Metadata Maintenance Guide to keep your metadata in working order.
Use
Use the NOAA Metadata catalog to find the data you're looking for, or browse other access tools and platforms.