What is the recommended amount of metadata to include with your data?

The recommended amount of metadata to include with your data is based on the minimum required by the standard you are following. This approach ensures that the metadata is sufficiently detailed to meet necessary compliance and usability standards while avoiding excessive or unnecessary information.

Different metadata standards exist, such as FGDC, ISO 19115, and Dublin Core, each with its own set of required elements. By adhering to these minimum requirements, data producers can provide essential information that facilitates understanding, sharing, and using the data without overwhelming users with superfluous details. This strategy balances clarity and conciseness, enhancing data discoverability and interoperability.

In contrast, the other options focus on varying approaches that may not serve as well as following established standards. Providing only the Item Description lacks comprehensiveness, while offering excessive metadata might result in confusion or dilution of critical information. Fulfilling two different views might lead to inconsistency if those views do not align with established best practices.