Contents of a Data Catalog
A data catalog is a metadata management tool in Hopex. It references data sources that contain physical metadata.
Data catalogs are available with the “Data Asset Manager” profile.
To access the data catalogs:
In the navigation bar click Catalogs then Hierarchy.In a data catalog you can define:
• the organizations at stake, which use or consume the data in the catalog.
• the regulatory frameworks and business policies that apply to the metadata in the catalog, and to which the organizations involved are subject. See Regulations Associated with the Data Catalog.
• a concept domain map
Data Sources
Catalog data sources are deployed data stores.
Data sources are grouped together by technology within a catalog.
For more information on data source infrastructure, see Data Source Infrastructure.
A deployed data store is a collection of metadata. It can contain:
• Meta dataset schemas, which group meta datasets
• Meta datasets (e.g. tables).
Meta dataset
A meta dataset represents the structure of a collection of related data held in a data source.
The data structure represented can be:
• relational (a table), or
• NoSQL (flat file, triplestore, etc.)
Metadata field
A metadata field describes information carried by a meta dataset. It generally corresponds to a column in a table or an Excel sheet column.
Metadata field types
A metadata field can be of the following types:
• simple meta field
• structured meta field: metadata field consisting of other fields. Example: postal address (consisting of: street, city, postal code, country)
• identifier meta field: type used to identify data in a unique way (example: customer Id, Product code, Employee Id)
Connecting a metadata field to a meta dataset
There are three possible ways to connect a metadata field to a meta dataset. Specify whether it should be:
• an identifier meta field
The field identifies the object. It can be a simple or structured field. It typically corresponds to a primary key.• a referenced meta field
The field establishes a link to another meta dataset. It can be a simple or structured field. It typically corresponds to a foreign key.• a standard meta field: meta field that is neither identifier nor referenced.
The metadata field is neither identifier nor referenced. It can be a simple or structured field. It typically corresponds to a standard column (neither primary nor foreign).To connect a metadata field to a meta dataset:
1. Open the properties of the meta dataset.
2. In the MetaFields page, three buttons are available:
• Add Standard Meta Field
• Add Identifier Meta Field
• Add Referenced Meta Field
Regulations Associated with the Data Catalog
You can connect regulatory frameworks or business policy frameworks to the catalog.
To connect a regulation to the catalog:
1. Under the catalog name, hover over the Regulatory Frameworks and Business Policies folder.
2. Click the link that appears to the right of the folder.
The query dialog box appears.
3. Select the type of regulation and click the Search button.
A list of matching regulations appears.
4. Select the desired regulation and click Connect.
You can further define which sections of a regulation and/or business rule an entity must comply with.
Example
An organization is constrained by the regulation concerning building accessibility and the adaptation of working conditions for handicapped persons.
To define the elements of a data catalog regulation:
Click the catalog icon and select Edit the data catalog.The data catalog editing window appears.
On the left side of the editor are the regulatory frameworks or business policy frameworks attached to the data catalog. On the right you can see the data catalog. To define the data catalog items, drag and drop the regulatory sections from the left tree into the right tree
Concept Domain Map of a Data Catalog
A Concept Domain Map organizes into domains the use of business data that is implemented by the meta dataset and metadata fields. Thus, the data catalog not only references physical and technical data sources but also provides a business-oriented entry point via this map.
For more information on Concept Domain Maps, see Concept Domain Map.To connect a concept domain map to a data catalog:
1. Move the mouse over the data catalog.
2. Click + New > Concept Domain Map.
Business data connected to the data catalog through the map is displayed in the Business Data page of the catalog properties.
See also: Collecting Business Data.