Navigate data models (Beta)

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This documentation describes a public beta feature and is under construction. This documentation should not be considered part of our published documentation until this notice, and the corresponding Beta flag on the feature in the Sigma service, are removed. As with any beta feature, the feature discussed below is subject to quick, iterative changes. The latest experience in the Sigma service might differ from the contents of this document.

Beta features are subject to the Beta features disclaimer.

A data model consists of two pages: a workbook page and an overview page. The workbook page allows you to create and transform reusable elements to build your data model, while the overview page provides context about the data model and general usage across your organization. Within the overview page, you can also access metadata to gain key insights into your data structure, quality, and lineage.

This document explains the structure and content of the workbook page and overview page to help you navigate data models.

Data model workbook page

The workbook page enables you to create and manage various tables and input tables as reusable elements within a single data model. This format brings the ease and flexibility of Sigma's workbook structure to data model development. Consolidate and transform your data as you would in a workbook analysis, and control which elements can be reused as data sources across your organization.

a	Add element button	Opens the Add new element panel and allows you to add a new table, input table, text, or control element.
b	Control element	Filters the data in one or more elements. When a reusable element is filtered, documents that reference it can only access data included in the published filtered state. For more information about using controls, see Intro to control elements.
c	Reusable element	Available as a data source (indicated by the icon).
d	Disabled element	Not available as a data source (indicated by the icon).
e	Publish button	Saves edits applied to the data model. Documents that reference the data model reflect the published state of its reusable elements. Drafted edits don't apply.

Data model overview page

The overview page provides details about each reusable element in the data model for improved data visibility and management.

Data details

The details view on the overview page provides access to metadata for individual reusable elements in the data model, revealing important insights for data profiling and lineage tracking.

Columns

The Columns tab includes structural metadata (column name, data type, format, and description) and system-generated statistics that can help you assess data quality, distribution, and variability. With this information, you can better understand your data, identify potential issues, and improve data usability.

Example insights from system-generated statistics:

• A high percentage of nulls suggests there are missing values and incomplete data.
• A low percentage of distinct values can indicate duplicate records causing unexpected data redundancy.
• Minimum and maximum values represent the data range, which can reveal outliers from possible data entry errors.
• A high standard deviation can be evidence of anomalies contributing to data inconsistency.

Controls

The Controls tab lists information about the controls applied to the reusable element. This data transparency can help users understand how the data is filtered and transformed within the data model.

Lineage

The Lineage tab provides details about the reusable element's data sources and references (downstream dependencies), allowing users to identify where the data originates from and where it's used across your organization.