What is Data Mapping?
Data mapping is the process of identifying and documenting how personal data flows through an organization, including where it is collected, stored, processed, shared, and eventually deleted.
Data mapping is the process of creating a visual or documented representation of how personal data moves through an organization's systems and processes. It identifies the sources of data collection, the systems where data is stored and processed, the internal and external parties who access the data, the purposes for each data flow, and the cross-border transfers involved. Data mapping is a prerequisite for many compliance activities.
Effective data mapping answers critical questions: What personal data do we collect? Where does it come from? Where is it stored? Who has access? Where does it go? How long is it kept? What security protections apply? The resulting data map provides the foundation for ROPA, DPIAs, breach response, data subject request fulfillment, and vendor risk management.
DiscoverIQ automates the data mapping process by scanning organizational systems, identifying personal data elements, tracing data flows between systems, and maintaining an up-to-date map as the data landscape changes. This replaces manual, point-in-time mapping exercises with continuous, automated data flow visibility.
Relevant Regulations
How IQWorks Helps
Related Terms
Data Inventory
A data inventory is a comprehensive catalog of all personal data an organization collects, stores, and processes, including details about data types, locations, purposes, and retention periods.
Data Discovery
Data discovery is the automated process of identifying and cataloging personal data across an organization technology landscape, including databases, file systems, cloud storage, and SaaS applications.
Records of Processing Activities (ROPA)
Records of Processing Activities is a mandatory documentation requirement under the GDPR that obliges organizations to maintain detailed records of all personal data processing activities they conduct.
Data Lineage
Data lineage tracks the origin, movement, and transformation of data through systems, providing visibility into how personal data flows across the organization.
Data Governance
Data governance is the overall management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security within an organization, establishing policies, procedures, and accountability for data management.