Metadata

Images: Metadata

1.2.4c Data Storage: Images

Data Storage: Images — Note 3 of 4

What you need to know

Image metadata is additional data stored alongside the image that describes its properties. This information helps software correctly display the image.

What to know

Image metadata can include: file format, resolution, colour depth, date taken, device used, file size.
Metadata is needed so that software knows HOW to correctly display or process the image.
Metadata adds a small amount to the overall file size but is essential for the image to be interpreted correctly.

Key terms

Metadata: Data about data — additional information stored with a file that describes its properties.

Exam technique

Tip:If asked to give examples of metadata, always link them to the IMAGE context — height, width, colour depth, date, geolocation, file size, file type, author.
Mistake:Saying metadata 'stores the colour of each pixel'. Metadata stores PROPERTIES of the image (like dimensions, colour depth), NOT the pixel data itself.
Tip:'Resolution' counts as ONE metadata item. If you also give 'height' and 'width' separately, max 2 marks for all three combined (resolution = dimensions = height + width).
Tip:'Colour' alone is NE. Write 'colour depth' or 'bit depth'. 'Size' alone is NE — write 'file size'.

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Practise 1.2.4c questions

← Previous noteHow an image is represented as a series of pixels, represented in binary1.2.4c Data Storage: Images Next note →The effect of colour depth and resolution on:quality of the image, size of an image file1.2.4c Data Storage: Images

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