Data mapping

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In computing and data management, data mapping is the process of creating data element mappings between two distinct data models. Data mapping is used as a first step for a wide variety of data integration tasks, including:[1]

  • Data transformation or data mediation between a data source and a destination
  • Identification of data relationships as part of data lineage analysis
  • Discovery of hidden sensitive data such as the last four digits of a social security number hidden in another user id as part of a data masking or de-identification project
  • Consolidation of multiple databases into a single database and identifying redundant columns of data for consolidation or elimination

For example, a company that would like to transmit and receive purchases and invoices with other companies might use data mapping to create data maps from a company's data to standardized ANSI ASC X12 messages for items such as purchase orders and invoices.