The purpose of data models is to enable the analysis, design and implementation of the data presentation, handling and storage functionality of an information system. A data model is the representation of an information model in a form that is specific to a particular paradigm or theory on the representation, storage and handling of data, often reflecting a certain type of data store or repository technology. Data models are often distinguished as logical or physical data models.

The Logical Data Model is a generalized formal structure in computer science. As such it directly reflects the paradigm or theory oriented mapping from the information model to the data model.

The Logical Data Model enables the analysis of a system's data definition aspect, without any consideration of implementation specific or product specific issues. It is also used to provide a common dictionary of data definitions to consistently express subviews wherever logical-level data elements are included in the descriptions.