Data element

In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has precise meaning or precise semantics. A data element has:

1. An identification such as a data element name
2. A clear data element definition
3. One or more representation terms
4. Optional enumerated values Code (metadata)
5. 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 data files 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 telecommunication, the term data element has the following components:

1. A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items.
2. A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database.
3. A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values.
4. In electronic record-keeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.

In Practice

In practice data elements (fields, columns, attributes, etc.) are sometimes "over loaded" meaning a given data element will have multiple potential meanings. While a known bad practice, never the less over loading is 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

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from Federal Standard 1037C. General Services Administration. Archived from the original on 2022-01-22.
• Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

External links

• Association for Enterprise Integration
• Federal XML Developer's Guide
• ISO/IEC 11179 Standards (see ISO/IEC 11179-3:2003 clause 3.3.36)