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IMAP: Integrated Microbiome Analysis Pipelines: End-to-End Practical User Guides Using Integrated Approaches

1 Understanding Sample Metadata

1.1 What is metadata?

  • Metadata is a set of data that describes and provides information about other data. It is commonly defined as data about data.
  • Sample metadata described here refers to the description and context of the individual sample collected for a specific microbiome study.

1.2 Metadata structure

  • Metadata collected at different stages are typically organized in an Excel or Google spreadsheet where:
    • The metadata table columns represent the properties of the samples.
    • The table rows contain information associated with the samples.
    • Typically, the first column of sample metadata is Sample ID, which designates the key associated with individual samples.
    • Sample ID must be unique.

1.3 Embedded metadata

  • In most cases, you will find the metadata detached from the experimental data.
  • Embedded metadata integrates the experimental data, especially for graphics.
  • Major microbiome analysis platforms require sample metadata, commonly referred to as a mapping file when performing downstream analysis.