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METAINFORMATION

Metainformation is knowledge of objects described by statistical metadata. Statistical metadata comprise data and other documentation that describe objects in a formalised way. Statistical metadata provide information on data and about processes of producing and using data. Statistical metadata describe statistical data and - to some extent - processes and tools involved in the production and usage of statistical data.

For the ISO standard, metadata is defined as data that defines and describes other data and processes. This means that metadata are data that describe other data, and data become metadata when they are used in this way. This happens under particular circumstances and for particular purposes, as no data are always metadata. The set of circumstances and purposes (or perspective) for which some data are used as metadata is called the context. So, metadata are data about data in some context.
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Classifications

Classification is a hierarchical categorisation of specific phenomena or processes (economic, social or demographic). Classifications are characteristic by the subdivision of phenomena and processes from general to more detailed ones. There is a relation of superiority and subordination among classification levels. In classifications, phenomena and processes are usually subdivided into classes and sub-classes, groups and sub-groups, divisions and sub-divisions. According to its individual levels, classification can be split into several code lists.

All valid statistical classifications are binding both for the institutions performing the state statistical service, and for reporting units who provide data in statistical surveys conducted by the state statistical service.

Classifications form an integral part of the statistical metainformation system. Classifications are regularly updated.
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Code lists

Code list is an ordered enumeration of codes (numeric, alphabetic) and meanings attached to them. Usually, there is no hierarchy among individual items of a code list.

Code lists are integral part of the statistical metainformation system. Code lists are regularly updated.
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Indicators

Statistical indicator defines the content of an observed phenomenon. The structure of an indicator contains texts and attributes. Every indicator has a unique identification code attached to it. There are several texts belonging to indicators, such as “full name”, “definition” and “synonyms” which are used in questionnaires and output tables. Attributes specify whether an indicator refers to a period or a date, whether the data are numeric (a number) or character (letters), whether it is quantitative (e.g. “the number of...”) or qualitative (e.g. “married”), whether it is the result of a survey or an estimate, whether it is a countable or not, and whether it belongs to a group of surveys (e.g. property or insurance).
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