# Metadata and documentation

In research, the value of your data extends beyond its initial collection and analysis, it also lies in how well it is documented and described for future use. This is where metadata and documentation play a crucial role. Metadata refers to the structured and unstructured information that describes, explains, or locates your data, providing context and making it easier to discover, interpret, and reuse. Proper documentation, on the other hand, includes detailed explanations about the data’s creation, structure, and how it should be handled or analysed.

Together, metadata and documentation ensure that your research data remains comprehensible and accessible over time, even by individuals who were not involved in its original collection. In this chapter, we will explore the importance of metadata and documentation in research, best practices for creating them, and how they contribute to data integrity, sharing, and long-term preservation. Whether you are working with datasets, surveys, or experimental results, understanding how to effectively document your research is essential for maintaining transparency and ensuring the reproducibility of your work.