Data versus Information

Data (especially computer data):

The presentation of facts, information or concepts which are created in a computer readable form or are translated into such a form.

Information:

Information is a useable answer to a concrete question. (ZEHNDER 1998)

Something is information if a specific question is answered and that answer increases the understanding of the questioner and enables them to come closer to a specific objective. (Translation from (ZEHNDER 1998))

Information has the following aspects:

• structured and syntactic
• semantic (as regards content)
• pragmatic (relevant to applications)

Relationship between Data and Information

The terms data and information are often used interchangeably and in the wrong context. Therefore a list of distinguishing features is presented below

• Semantic aspects of data are often coded. These codes need to be defined and interpreted after conventions previously agreed upon (e.g. Grades from 1 to 6 with the convention 6 = very good).
• Generally, information needs to be reconstructed or derived from data (e.g. the average rainfall of the month July over the last 10 years).
• Normally, data do not contain aspects relevant to applications (e.g. it is not possible to derive information for applications like tax, developement, flood risk, etc. from the coordinates of a parcel of land).