Metadata is frequently described as “data about other data.” It is important to have complete metadata for GIS items because it makes finding, using and preserving appropriate data easier. Metadata also helps users to feel confident about the items they are working with and understand of any limitations of the data prior to use. Updating metadata is the responsibility of the Data Owner (identified in the GIS Data Catalog). For the most detailed view of each item’s metadata, we recommend using the FGDC CSDGM style. You can select the style from the backstage (Project, Options, Metadata).
Tags - Use tags effectively (esri.com)
Tags are useful to search for items and are especially important for any items that will eventually be shared online (as a map or feature service). Work with your department or division to determine the best way to approach tags in a consistent manner.
Summary
Intended use of data - briefly summarize what purpose this data serves and why was it created?
Description
A description that allows readers to determine the relevance and usefulness of this data.
Be concise, but include sufficient detail to let readers quickly determine scope and limitations of the data
- Write in plain English, complete sentences with a maximum length of 4000 characters
- What: Describe what has been recorded and what form the data takes
- Where: Detail spatial coverage of your data and whether it is variable or not.
- When: The period over which the data was collected
- How: Briefly describe methodology
- Why: What is the purpose of this data, who would find it useful?
- Who: Who is the data steward, who collected, compiled and interpreted this data
Any other details that should be included, possible duplications with other data, how this data differs from its source material, and where customers should look to find related data they may be looking for.
Include a Status (Update Frequency as Needed)
- Active - Data is actively being edited or updated
- Inactive - Data is not actively being edited or updated
- Complete - The intended use for this data is completed and the data is no longer being actively edited or updated
- Archived - The data may have use in the future, but it serves no current use or need. Can also be used for unknown data that does not have a steward assigned to it.
- Depreciated - This data has no use, nor any future use. It can safely be marked for deletion after review by the assigned data steward. Status can be applied to duplicate data.
Credits
Provide information about the creator of the data or the data source. Answer the question of where the data came from and who created it. Include the name of the creator, the organization (if external) or department that created the data and the date of creation. Reference any outside data that was used in the preparation or creation of your data.
Use Limitations
Any information someone should know before using the data for any mapping or analysis purposes.
This can include missing values, incomplete fields, inaccurate sources or data, duplicate records or undefined analysis parameters.
Water & Sewer's example Metadata Standards document (LINK)