Datamodelointi

Datamodelointi, or data modeling, is the process of creating a data model for an information system. It involves defining data elements, their attributes, and the relationships among them to support requirements such as storage, retrieval, and analysis.

Models are typically organized into levels: conceptual, logical, and physical. Conceptual models describe high-level entities and their relationships; logical models specify data types, constraints, and normalization rules; physical models map the design to a specific database schema and storage structures.

Common techniques include entity-relationship modeling, UML class diagrams, and dimensional modeling used for data warehouses. Outputs include diagrams, data dictionaries, and schemas that document entities, attributes, keys, constraints, and relationships.

Datamodelointi supports database design, data integration, and governance by improving data quality, consistency, and interoperability across systems. Roles involved include data modeller and data architect, often in collaboration with business analysts and database administrators.

In practice, the process proceeds from requirements to implementation, with attention to constraints, naming conventions, and documentation. Standards and tools vary, but the goal remains a clear, maintainable model that reflects the domain and supports analytics.