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Version: V2-Next

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

Dataset

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

  • Defines the context in which data is processed and provided
  • Contains one or more Pipelines that use Data sources and Data structures
  • Includes access permissions and Status lifecycle management
  • Can be reviewed, released, and consumed within the Platform

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 entities, attributes (fields and data types), and relationships
  • Ensures consistent data modeling across the Platform
  • 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 to generate usable data (payload)
  • Ingests data from Data sources
  • Can use Data structures to interpret, validate, or transform data
  • Transforms and enriches data through defined processing steps
  • Produces data that can be accessed via APIs

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: Creates and maintains data-related elements
  • 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.