What is “interoperability” and how does it relate to metadata?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers defines interoperability as “the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged.” Metadata can enable interoperability of this kind, particularly when it is in a standardized format. Metadata can also facilitate semantic interoperability, which may be defined as the ability to properly interpret and preserve the meaning of information when it is exchanged. Distinguishing between the property being described and the description of the property makes it easier to understand the meaning being conveyed.
