Corresponding every element of a given set to a unique element of another set or it may refer to a process of creating data element mappings between two distinct data models (objects)
In this context, mapping refers to the process of creating data element mappings between two distinct data models (objects).
When it refers to mapping in data integration, it is a set of source and target definitions linked by the transformation objects that define the rules for data transformation. Mappings represent the data flow between sources and targets.
Data mapping is typically used as a first step for a wide variety of data integration tasks such as:
Data transformation or data mediation between a data source and a destination
Identification of data relationships as part of data lineage analysis
Replication of data between two entities with different key-value assignments
Discovery of hidden sensitive data such as the last four digits 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 data base and identifying redundant columns of data for consolidation or elimination.
