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Version: 2.0-rc

Core Concepts

The following concepts are fundamental to working with CIVITAS/CORE. → Find more concepts in our Glossary

Platform​

A Platform is the central environment in which your organization operates.

  • Provides a workspace for managing your organization's data and the people who work with it
  • Organizes Users, Groups, and Roles
  • Contains all data-related elements within your organization
  • Controls access across different scopes

Datapool​

A Datapool provides a shared context for ownership, access management, and Data source availability across multiple Datasets.

  • Organizes related Datasets
  • Provides an additional scope for access management
  • Controls Data source availability for Datasets
  • Supports shared ownership and governance
  • Assigning a Dataset to a Datapool is optional but recommended

Dataset​

A Dataset is the central data-related element where data is prepared and made available.

  • Organizes Data structures, Pipelines, APIs, and access permissions
  • Contains one or more Pipelines that process data
  • Makes Dataset Payload available through one or more APIs
  • Includes Status lifecycle management

Data source​

A Data source represents the origin of data, such as databases, APIs, files, or data streams.

  • Connects external or internal data to the Platform
  • Uses a Data structure to define how the data is interpreted
  • Includes access permissions and Status lifecycle management

Data structure​

A Data structure defines the schema of your data.

  • Describes Classes, Attributes, and Relationships
  • Defines how data is organized
  • Is independent, reusable, and versioned
  • Includes access permissions and Status lifecycle management

Pipeline​

A Pipeline defines how data is ingested, processed, and prepared within a Dataset.

  • Runs within a Dataset
  • Loads data from one or more Data sources
  • Uses Data structures and Mappings to transform data
  • Stores processed data
  • Produces Dataset Payload that can be accessed through APIs

API​

An API provides access to the Dataset Payload.

  • Belongs to a Dataset
  • Provides the Dataset Payload in a defined format
  • Can be configured for different use cases
  • Can be protected through access permissions or made publicly available using Open Data

Standard roles in CIVITAS/CORE​

CIVITAS/CORE is used by different Roles, each with specific responsibilities in managing and governing data:

  • Tenant Admin: Manages Users, Groups, and access at Platform level
  • Data Architect: Defines Data structures and technical setups
  • Data Steward: Maintains Data structures, Data sources, Datasets, and Pipelines
  • Data Owner: Is responsible for data and approves its availability
  • Data Gatekeeper: Reviews and releases data for use

Detailed descriptions of each role are provided in the Role Guides section.