Mapeos

Mapeos, in Spanish, refers to the process of creating a map or establishing correspondences between elements of different domains. The term is used across fields to describe the linkage, transformation, and alignment of data, concepts, or physical spaces.

In cartography and geographic information systems, mapeos involve translating geospatial data into map representations, including georeferencing, projection choices, and the alignment of layers for spatial analysis.

In data management and information systems, data mapping is the process of matching fields from a source dataset to a target schema, supporting data integration, ETL processes, data governance, and migration. In genetics, genetic mapping locates genes on chromosomes by linking features to markers, yielding linkage or physical maps. In computer science, mapeos may refer to mappings between software components, such as memory or address mappings, API mappings, or model-to-code mappings.

Common approaches include one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many mappings; manual curation and automated matching. Validation relies on sample data, metadata, and domain knowledge. Tools used include GIS platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS), database ETL tools, and specialized bioinformatics resources for genetic mapping.

Challenges include semantic heterogeneity, data quality issues, differing granularities, and evolving schemas. Proper mapeos enable data interoperability, integration, and accurate analytics, but require clear definitions, provenance, and ongoing maintenance.