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.