> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://v2.dataos.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://v2.dataos.info/build/stage-1-discover/inspect-metadata.md).

# Inspect metadata

Before using any data, understand its context.

Use DataOS metadata experiences to inspect schemas, columns, ownership, lineage, quality signals, and related assets. Metadata helps you understand where the data comes from, how it is structured, who is responsible for it, and whether it is trustworthy enough for your use case.

***

Metadata inspection has two parts:

#### Explore metadata

Use this when metadata is already available, and you need to understand the asset.

When inspecting metadata, look for:

<table><thead><tr><th width="213.4219970703125">Metadata type</th><th>Why it matters</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Name and description</td><td>Helps you understand what the asset or product represents.</td></tr><tr><td>Owner</td><td>Shows who is responsible for the asset or product.</td></tr><tr><td>Source</td><td>Shows where the data comes from.</td></tr><tr><td>Schema</td><td>Shows tables, columns, types, and structure.</td></tr><tr><td>Tags and classifications</td><td>Helps identify domain, sensitivity, tier, and business context.</td></tr><tr><td>Lineage</td><td>Shows upstream and downstream relationships.</td></tr><tr><td>Quality</td><td>Indicates whether the data meets expected checks.</td></tr><tr><td>Freshness</td><td>Shows whether the data is current enough for the use case.</td></tr><tr><td>Usage</td><td>Helps identify whether the asset or product is actively used.</td></tr><tr><td>Access</td><td>Shows whether you can use the asset or need permission.</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Scan metadata

Use this when metadata from a source system is not yet available for discovery in DataOS.

Metadata scan makes assets discoverable by collecting metadata from connected systems. Nilus metadata scan workflows register the collected metadata in the metadata store in DataOS.


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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://v2.dataos.info/build/stage-1-discover/inspect-metadata.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

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