Metadata is structured descriptive information about a document, such as its author, date, type, or keywords. In search and retrieval-augmented generation systems, it is one lever for improving how accurately and relevantly documents are found. section 7.2.4
Metadata sits alongside other search-system optimization choices:
- Document chunking determines how content is divided for retrieval. section 7.2.4
- Embedding models and retrieval methods affect how relevant content is identified. section 7.2.4
- Metadata contributes to the broader effort to deliver accurate, relevant results to users. section 7.2.4
