exif data?

[EdBray]

I was just looking at the exif data for my Chain shot in the 5D Mk2 thread and i noticed that it states I used pattern metering, I found this a little difficult to undersatnd as I pretty much always shoot in manual mode with spot metering and usually take my exposure and white balance from a grey card. I was sure I had done this as normal today and hadn't deliberately changed any settings. I have just checked my 5D2 and it is still on manual and spot metering from the shoot this morning.

So how does the exif get it's data and is pattern metering the same as spot under exif?