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A professional-level summary covering key definitions, frameworks, and exam-relevant points.
DMBOK Definition
The DAMA DMBOK v2 defines Metadata as "data about data, or more precisely, data that describes the context, content, and structure of data, as well as the systems that hold it." Metadata Management is the planning, implementation, and control of activities to enable access to high-quality, integrated metadata.
The Three Metadata Types
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Meaning and business context | Data definitions, business rules, data ownership, glossary terms |
| Technical | Technical characteristics and structure | Database schemas, data types, data lineage, system names |
| Operational | Usage and management information | Access logs, job histories, data quality scores, performance metrics |
Key Metadata Management Activities
Core activities include: creating and maintaining a business glossary, building and maintaining a data catalogue, managing data lineage documentation, establishing metadata standards and governance, integrating metadata from multiple source systems, and providing metadata access to data consumers through self-service tools.
Metadata Architecture
A metadata repository (or metadata store) is the central system that holds all metadata. A data catalogue is the user-facing tool that allows business users to search and browse metadata. The distinction between the repository (back-end storage) and the catalogue (front-end discovery tool) is tested in the CDMP exam.
CDMP Exam Weight: 11%
Key exam topics: the three metadata types, the difference between a business glossary and a data dictionary, the role of a metadata repository vs a data catalogue, passive vs active metadata management approaches, and the relationship between metadata management and data governance.