What is the importance of metadata in Tableau?

Metadata plays a crucial role in Tableau by providing essential information about the data being used in visualizations and analyses. This includes details such as field names, data types, and descriptions, which help users understand the structure and content of the dataset. By having access to metadata, analysts can make informed decisions about how to manipulate and visualize the data effectively, ensuring that the analysis is both accurate and meaningful.

Additionally, metadata can also enhance collaboration among team members, as it allows everyone to understand the context and meaning of the data being shared or visualized. The clarity that metadata provides can lead to better communication and less room for misinterpretation, ultimately improving the quality of insights derived from the data.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of metadata in Tableau. Displaying data in 3D models, encrypting data for security, and preventing data loss are not functions of metadata, thus reinforcing that option B is the key aspect related to the importance of metadata in Tableau.