A computerized method for generating a metadata model for use in classifying and searching for information objects maintained in heterogeneous data stores, the method comprising:
- constructing an n-dimensional graph based on metadata categories and relationships among the metadata categories;
- acquiring instances of metadata for use in classifying information objects and in searching for information objects in the data stores, each metadata instance falling under one of the metadata categories;
- and
- constructing a n-dimensional metadata model by placing the acquired metadata instances into the n-dimensional graph according to the metadata category under which each metadata instance falls and the relationships among the metadata categories.