MetaNet: An Overview

Establishing, maintaining and using computerised data storage systems introduces a demand for ‘metadata’; often loosely defined as the documentation about the content so stored. It has long been acknowledged that, in the case of the statistical database, rather specific documentation requirements are raised. Nevertheless, just what constitutes a reasonable and valuable documentation of statistical data has remained largely undecided, due to a crucial dependency on both the type of data and the purpose of data usage in question. Consequently, a variety of largely uncoordinated approaches have emerged.

The MetaNet network of excellence sought to harmonise and synthesise the numerous statistical metadata developments taking place by providing a much-needed focal point, bringing together theoretical and practical expertise spanning the entire spectrum of statistics. Part of the Information Society Technology strand of the European Union Fifth framework Research and Development program (IST-1999-29093), MetaNet started in November 2000 and finished at the end of July 2003

The various activities conducted by the network are described in more detail, based round five Work Groups, together with two successful Conferences. The key Results are also summarised and a number of Deliverables, bringing together in-depth insights from a range of leading theoretical and practical experts, are available for download. Although MetaNet has now concluded, possible future directions for the statistical metadata community are considered in What Happens Next?