Description: Logical data mapping is a fundamental process in data management that involves defining relationships between data elements from different sources. This process allows organizations to integrate and organize data coherently, facilitating its analysis and use. Through logical mapping, connections are established between data that may be scattered across various databases or systems, helping to create a unified view of information. This approach is crucial in environments where large volumes of data are handled, such as in Big Data, as it enables companies to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. The main characteristics of logical data mapping include data normalization, identification of primary and foreign keys, and the creation of diagrams that visually represent the relationships between data. In summary, logical data mapping is an essential tool for effective data integration and management in today’s information technology landscape.
History: The concept of logical data mapping has evolved since the early database management systems in the 1970s. With the rise of relational databases, the need to establish clear relationships between different data sets became evident. As technology advanced, especially with the advent of Big Data in the 2000s, logical mapping became even more relevant, enabling the integration of data from multiple sources and formats.
Uses: Logical data mapping is primarily used in data integration, database migration, and the creation of business intelligence systems. It allows organizations to consolidate information from various sources, facilitating analysis and reporting. It is also essential in Big Data projects, where combining structured and unstructured data is required.
Examples: A practical example of logical data mapping is the integration of sales data from different branches of a company into a single management system. Another case is the migration of data from an old system to a new one, where relationships between the tables of the old system and those of the new one must be established.
