In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has precise meaning or precise semantics. A data element has:
-
An identification such as a data element name
-
A clear data element definition
-
One or more representation terms
-
Optional enumerated values Code (metadata)
-
A list of synonyms to data elements in other metadata registries Synonym ring
Data elements usage can be discovered by inspection of software applications or application through a process of manual or automated Application Discovery and Understanding. Once data elements are discovered they can be registered in a metadata registry.
In telecommunications, the term data element has the following components:
-
A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items.
-
A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database.
-
A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values.
-
In electronic record-keeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.
In the areas of databases and data systems more generally a data element is a concept forming part of a data model. As an element of data representation, a collection of data elements forms a data structure.[Beynon-Davies P. (2004). Database Systems 3rd Edition. Palgrave, Basingstoke, UK]
In practice
In practice, data elements (fields, columns, attributes, etc.) are sometimes "overloaded", meaning a given data element will have multiple potential meanings. While a known bad practice, overloading is nevertheless a very real factor or barrier to understanding what a system is doing.
See also
-
Application Discovery and Understanding
-
Data element definition
-
Data dictionary
-
Data hierarchy
-
ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry specification
-
Metadata
-
Representation term
-
Universal Data Element Framework
-
Data collection system
External links
