To maintain data accuracy when migrating, integrating, or transforming data, it is important to first map the data and confirm source fields match the destination field. Data mapping software is responsible for designating a target location and data type when moving data from one system to another, while simultaneously ensuring the data itself transfers according to any set parameters.
Data mapping solutions are especially helpful when completing data migrations, integrations, transformations, and warehousing. Many data mapping tools offer a graphical display of the data, which helps end users visualize complex mapping relationships. It is primarily used by mid-market and enterprise companies who regularly handle large amounts of information. This software prevents the loss of data that can come with the migration and manipulation of large data sets. Overall, data mapping software is used within business and IT departments to facilitate clean, accurate data analysis, ultimately helping extract the most precise and actionable insights possible.
Data mapping software can be used in conjunction with data quality software and ETL tools, which transfer data between databases, before the data is housed using data warehouse software or data management platforms (DMP).
To qualify for inclusion in the Data Mapping category, a product must:
Define the data being moved and the format it should take in its new location
Offer the ability to sample and test the data to assess whether the reconversion was successful and make edits as necessary
Be compatible with a large number of data types
