Metadata gives us the background information we need to understand the potential uses and limitations of any geographic database. Seeing the need for a complete, user-friendly, FGDC-compliant metadata authoring tool, Gannett Fleming has engineered a new software package: EZ Meta. EZ Meta allows users to view, edit, report, import, and export FGDC-compliant metadata in a relational database while maintaining a direct link with ArcInfo coverages and ArcView GIS shapefiles. This paper will examine the benefits of metadata, some pitfalls associated with creating metadata, and how EZ Meta is a unique tool for developing a quick, accurate, and effective metadata database.