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Data Type

What is a Data Type?

A Data Type describes the range of possible values that each Data Element may take.

How are Data Types used?

There are four different Data Types stored within Data Models of Mauro Data Mapper:

  • Enumeration Data Type
    This is a constrained set of possible Enumeration values, which are typically used to describe lists of data.
    For example, an ethnicity Enumeration Data Type would include a list of different ethnic categories, each defined by a coded key and a human readable description.

  • Primitive Data Type
    Data without further details on structure or referencing. Primitive Data Types include ‘String’, ‘Integer’ or ‘Date’.

  • Reference Data Type
    Data which refers to another Data Class within the same Data Model.

  • Terminology Data Type
    A structured collection of Enumerated Values which have relationships between different data terms.

When adding a new Data Type to a Data Element, you will need to select the relevant Data Type from the dropdown menu on the 'Data Element Details' form. For more information on how to do this, go to step '5.1 Add Data Elements' on our Document a Health Dataset user guide'

Data Type dropdown menu

Each Data Type has a:

  • Label
    This is the unique name of the Data Type.

  • Aliases
    Alternative names that can help locate the Data Type when searched for.

  • Description
    A definition written in either html or plain text which explains any contextual details relating to the Data Type.

  • DataModel
    The Data Model that the Data Type belongs to.

  • Type
    The Data Type (Enumeration, Primitive, Reference or Terminology).

  • Classifications
    These are effectively tags that you can apply to the Data Type.

Data Type details panel

Other characteristics are displayed in the tabs underneath the details panel, when the Data Type is selected in the Model Tree.

  • Properties
    Arbitrary additional metadata about this Data Type.

  • Data Elements
    The Data Elements that use the selected Data Type.

  • Comments
    Any relevant comments or notes.

  • Links
    Semantic links between relevant Data Types.

  • Attachments
    Files can be added to provide additional information and context.