Metadata can be defined as "data that define and describe other data" whereas statistical metadata are "data about statistical data, and comprise data and other documentation that describe objects in a formalised way" (both definitions come from the 2009 edition of the SDMX Metadata Common Vocabulary). Some metadata, however, describe other resources that are relevant to the collection, processing and dissemination of data (for example, questionnaires and publications) rather than relating directly to data themselves, so a slightly wider definition of metadata may need to be considered. With this in mind, the SDMX Metadata Common Vocabulary definition of a Statistical Metadata System (SMS) can be used: "A data processing system that uses, stores and produces statistical metadata". The term system refers to the people, processes and technology involved in managing statistical metadata.
Metadata have two basic functions. The first is to uniquely and formally define the content and links between objects and processes in the statistical information system. The second is to determine all related technical parameters.
With rapidly developing technologies, it can be challenging to implement efficient strategies for the production and dissemination of statistics. The growing use of the Internet has caused significant changes in the priorities for managing statistical metadata. In the past, priority was often given to technical metadata and information technology challenges, whereas now there has been a clear shift to focusing on content and methodological issues. When designing the SMS, priority should be given to the content of the system. The primary focus should be achieving business outcomes and ensuring the expected benefits can be realised through effective governance and processes.
Due to these changes, transparent and integrated descriptions of information flows within and outside the statistical office are vital. The use of technology for data collection, interactive communication with users, and dissemination of statistics, calls for a coherent and well functioning metadata system.
The implementation of an SMS should be independent of the technology used for statistical data processing. However, the links between the SMS and electronic processing systems must be ensured. Processing of statistical data should be driven by metadata stored in the SMS.
The success of an SMS can be measured by the extent to which the needs of diverse groups of statistical metadata users are satisfied. The need for metadata is defined by the various activities, tasks and processes carried out in a statistical organization. Therefore, the role of SMS should be understood in the context of these processes and activities.
A basic framework for the role of the SMS in statistical organizations is defined in:
The principles relevant to metadata management are highlighted below:
Principle 2. To retain trust in official statistics, the statistical agencies need to decide according to strictly professional considerations, including scientific principles and professional ethics, on the methods and procedures for the collection, processing, storage and presentation of statistical data. Principle 3. To facilitate a correct interpretation of the data, the statistical agencies are to present information according to scientific standards on the sources, methods and procedures of the statistics. Principle 5. Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be they statistical surveys or administrative records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents. Principle 8. Coordination among statistical agencies within countries is essential to achieve consistency and efficiency in the statistical system. Principle 9. The use by statistical agencies in each country of international concepts, classifications and methods promotes the consistency and efficiency of statistical systems at all official levels. |
Principle 1. High quality international statistics, accessible for all, are a fundamental element of global information systems. Principle 2. To maintain the trust in international statistics, their production is to be impartial and strictly based on the highest professional standards. Principle 4. Concepts, definitions, classifications, sources, methods and procedures employed in the production of international statistics are chosen to meet professional scientific standards and are made transparent for the users. Principle 5. Sources and methods for data collection are appropriately chosen to ensure timeliness and other aspects of quality, to be cost-efficient and to minimize the reporting burden for data providers. Principle 7. Erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics are to be immediately appropriately addressed. |
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The SMS should be a tool enabling a statistical organization to effectively perform the following functions: