# How to Locate Layer Metadata

Metadata refers to the general information about a data file, and the
metadata for QGreenland layers can be accessed in two ways. 

```{note}
For more information on layer properties and metadata, see our Tutorial on
[Interacting with Geospatial Data in QGreenland
Core](/user/tutorials/03-interacting-with-geospatial-data.md).
```

(using_qgis)=
## Via QGIS Layer Properties

If you have the QGreenland Core base package downloaded, you can easily locate and view
layer metadata within QGIS. First, open the `qgreenland.qgz` QGIS project file that was
included in the QGreenland Core download package. Next, locate your layer of interest in
the **Layer Panel**.  The **Layer Panel** is a panel on the left side of the **Map
View** containing a list of layers that are in your QGIS project.

![layer_panel_2.png](/_images/layer_panel_2.png)

Right click on the layer and select the **Properties** option. This will open the Layer
Properties window.  Next, find the metadata tab on the left side window panel. This will
show any available information that is associated with the data layer, including the
title and abstract.

![metadata.png](/_images/metadata.png)

Information about the layer's coordinate reference system and spatial extent can
be found in the **Information** tab.

## Via Text Files in Layer Directories

In each layer directory inside the QGreenland package, you should see 2 text
files, one `provenance.txt`, which includes information on how the data is
processed, and one `metadata.txt`.

Open up `metadata.txt` to read through the layer metadata including layer
description, dataset abstract, and citation information.

Open the `provenance.txt` file to see all of the processing steps applied to
the data for QGreenland.

![layer_dir.png](/_images/layer_dir.png)

```{note}
To see the layer's geospatial metadata (e.g., the coordinate reference system
and spatial extent), we recommend [using QGIS](using_qgis).
```