Background
Development of a framework for statistical metadata was initiated by member states at the Joint ECE-Eurostat-OECD Work Session on Statistical Metadata (METIS) meeting in February 2004. Participants concluded that various models, definitions and concepts of statistical metadata had been proposed over the years, and that national statistical offices were missing a common framework to help them build their metadata systems.
With the support of the Conference of European Statisticians (CES), a Task Force was convened in 2004, to prepare a draft framework for discussion at the METIS session in April 2006. The feedback from this meeting has been incorporated in this publication.
This valuable work has been due to the collective input by CES member countries, and coordination efforts of UNECE secretariat staff. As an online publication, it will evolve in line with the field of statistical metadata.
Feedback and suggestions for improvement are encouraged, and can be sent to the UNECE secretariat (support.stat@unece.org).
How to use this website
The Common Metadata Framework, published online, is divided into four parts:
Each part concentrates on different theoretical and practical aspects of statistical metadata systems, vital knowledge for any person working with statistical metadata. The METIS FRAMEWORK menu, on the left side of every page, provides links to each section.
Some parts of this framework are partially developed. The contents will change as the framework is enhanced.
Brief description of each part
A |
Corporate Context
Describes the issues surrounding management and governance of statistical metadata system projects. |
B |
Metadata Concepts, Standards, Models and Registries
Clarifies the importance of well-defined, standard terminology. Provides information about relevant concepts, international standards and models. |
C |
Metadata and the Statistical Cycle Information, case studies, best practices and other material. It will assist metadata developers in a national statistical office to design and develop a statistical information system that is relevant to business requirements. |
D |
Implementation
Focus on the experiences of national statistical offices that have recently implemented or re-engineered their statistical metadata systems. |
Contacts for more information and contributions
Contact Mr. Juraj Riecan (juraj.riecan@unece.org),
or Ms. Jessica Gardner (jessica.gardner@unece.org), of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Statistical Division, Geneva.
Members of the METIS Steering Group are: