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Data Mapping

Data mapping is a process of data management where a 'map' of the data is created to link fields from one database or dataset to those in another. A data map acts as a blueprint, illustrating how each piece of data from the source is associated with data in the target system. This is an important element of data integration and transformation, particularly in ETL (extract, transform, load) processes. 

Data mapping connects specific fields in a source dataset with corresponding fields in the target dataset. For instance, a field named "FirstName" in one database might be matched to "First_Name" in another. This often involves data transformation, where data is reformatted to fit the target system's structure, like changing date formats or converting data types. This process is often automated, as it can include complex manipulations, like applying conditional logic or dividing a single field into multiple components. 

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