Metadata is basically the legend of a map. It documents each individual studies data and describes the content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of the data. Using the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata, the Federal Geographic Data Committee has created a generic form that professionals should follow when publishing their metadata. The metadata should show what data is available, where to find the data, how to access the data and whether or not the data meets the users particular needs. The content standard will enable Online systems to be predictable in form and content.
Predictability is assured only by conformance to standards.