Which of the following best describes metadata?

Metadata is fundamentally defined as data that provides information about other data. This includes details such as the origin of the data, its format, when it was created, how it can be accessed, and its characteristics. The purpose of metadata is to make it easier to find, use, and manage data effectively. For example, in a geographic information system (GIS), metadata might describe the source of a dataset, the coordinate system used, the accuracy of the information, and any limitations associated with it.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of metadata. Data that is constantly changing refers to dynamic datasets, which could be subjected to frequent updates, but this concept does not encompass the definition of metadata. Categorizing data by size addresses a different attribute of data management without implying information about the data itself. Lastly, the notion that metadata is only found in databases limits its context; while metadata is commonly associated with databases, it also exists in other forms such as files, documents, and even physical records, reinforcing that metadata is vital in diverse environments.