Data are numerical quantities or other attributes derived from observation, experiment, or calculation. ¶ Information is a collection of data and associated explanations, interpretations, and other textual material concerning a particular object, ev

Data are numerical quantities or other attributes derived from observation, experiment, or calculation. ¶ Information is a collection of data and associated explanations, interpretations, and other textual material concerning a particular object, event, or process. ¶ Metadata is data about information. Metadata includes descriptive summaries and high-level categorization of data and information. ¶ Knowledge is information that is organized, synthesized, or summarized to enhance comprehension, awareness, or understanding. That is, knowledge is a combination of data and an awareness of the context in which the data can be successfully applied. Although the concept of knowledge is roughly equivalent to that of metadata, unlike data, information, or metadata, knowledge implies a human – rather than a computer – host. ¶ Understanding is the possession of a clear and complete idea of the nature, significance, or explanation of something. It is a personal, internal power to render experience intelligible by assimilation of knowledge under broad concepts. Like knowledge, understanding is currently limited to homo sapiens.