By Li Guangqian, Information Center, DRC

Research Report, No.213, 2018 (Total 5488) 2018-12-6

Abstract: At present, people's understanding of small data is quite different. Strictly speaking, small data is related to the description and management of the attributes of big data. Specifically, it includes three types of data, namely data about data attributes of big data; management data which describes the basic characteristics of subjects and objects contained in big data; data which describes the behaviors of big data in various aspects. Technically, these small types of data can be classified under metadata and main data. As metadata and master data have established relatively mature international standards and norms, small data has a mature technical basis. Small data is not only the core content of data management system, but also the basic guarantee for the development of big data industry. In recent years, China's big data industry has developed rapidly, but it is facing some bottlenecks and constraints due to the inadequate data management system. Consequently, it is especially important to strengthen the construction of small data management system, establish and improve the national data management system as soon as possible, and lay a solid foundation for the healthy development of China's big data industry.

Key words: big data, small data, metadata, main data, data management system