MappingLogik

MappingLogik is a framework and associated terminology for expressing and executing mappings between disparate data schemas using logical rules. It combines aspects of schema mapping languages used in data integration with logic-based reasoning engines to derive inferred data and to enforce semantic constraints across heterogeneous sources. The core idea is to formalize how elements in one schema correspond to elements in another and to enable automated reasoning about these correspondences.

Origin and development: The term emerged in the data integration and knowledge representation communities in the mid-2010s as part of efforts to unify mapping specification with rule-based inference. It is not a single standard but a family of approaches that share a common philosophy: represent mappings declaratively, support validation, and allow composition with existing data processing pipelines.

Design and features: MappingLogik typically includes a declarative mapping language for specifying source-target correspondences, optional constraints written as logical rules, and an execution engine that can perform data transformation and query answering. It supports integration with relational, XML/JSON, or graph data models and can operate in batch or streaming modes. The system often includes a compiler or translator that converts mappings into executable plans and a reasoner for consistency checking and inference.

Applications and impact: Used in data migration, schema evolution, semantic integration, and knowledge graphs. It is compatible with related paradigms such as R2RML, SPARQL-based mapping, and Datalog rules. Critics note that expressiveness can increase complexity and that tooling maturity varies across implementations.