Technical Metadata
Technical Metadata
Technical Metadata is a type of metadata that describes the technical characteristics of a digital resource, such as a file, document, or dataset. Technical metadata provides information about the format, structure, and properties of the resource, helping users understand how the resource is structured and how it can be accessed and used.
Types
There are several types of technical metadata, including:
- File Format: Describes the format of the digital resource, such as PDF, JPEG, or MP4.
- File Size: Indicates the size of the digital resource in bytes.
- Resolution: Specifies the resolution of images or videos in the digital resource.
- Compression: Describes the compression algorithm used to reduce the size of the digital resource.
Use Cases
Technical metadata is used in various contexts, such as:
- Digital Preservation: Technical metadata helps preserve digital resources by documenting their format and structure.
- Digital Asset Management: Technical metadata helps manage digital assets by providing information about their technical characteristics.
- Data Analysis: Technical metadata assists in data analysis by providing information about the format and structure of datasets.
Standards
Several standards and formats are used to encode technical metadata, including:
- MPEG-7: A standard for describing multimedia content, including technical metadata.
- Exif: A standard for storing metadata in image files, including technical metadata such as camera settings and date taken.
- PREMIS: A standard for preserving metadata for digital preservation, including technical metadata.
Conclusion
Technical metadata plays a crucial role in describing the technical characteristics of digital resources. By providing information about the format, structure, and properties of resources, technical metadata helps users understand and manage digital resources effectively.
