Data Discovery & Mapping
The Data Discovery & Mapping app helps streamline the process of understanding and preparing client data for use in the Zeta Marketing Platform. Instead of manually reviewing every column in a sample file, users can upload a CSV or JSONL file and let the app generate a structured data profile.
The app analyzes the uploaded file to identify field types, detect formats, flag sensitive fields, recommend primary key candidates, and generate plain-English field definitions. It also provides recommended mappings from source fields to ZMP’s standard profile schema.
Navigation
If you do not see the Data Discovery & Mapping app, please reach out to your Zeta support or account team for access assistance.
The Data Discovery & Mapping app is accessible from the Applications menu in ZMP.
When you open the app, you land on the Data Profiles list. This is the central hub for saved profiles within the current account.
Each row represents a saved data profile and may include details such as profile name, creation date, last modified date, and creator.
Creating a Data Profile
Click Create Data Profile to begin.
1. Complete the profile details:
Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Name | Yes | Unique profile name, up to 100 characters |
Entity | Yes | The entity type represented by the file; defaults to Profile |
Description | No | Optional context such as client name, file version, source, or notes |
2. Upload a sample data file by dragging it into the upload area or browsing from your computer.
Accepted formats:
.csv.jsonl
File requirements:
Minimum 10 rows of data, not including the header
Maximum file size of 50 MB
One file per profile
3. After a file is selected, the app automatically begins AI analysis. During this process, the app validates the file, prepares it for analysis, and inspects each column.
When analysis is complete, the profile is ready to save.
Do not close the page while the analysis is running. If the analysis fails, remove the file and try again. If the issue continues, contact your Zeta support team.
4. Once the analysis is complete, click Next to save the data profile.
The app saves the profile and generates recommended schema mappings. When finished, you are taken to the Profile Detail page.
Understanding the Profile Details
Data Profile
The Data Profile tab shows the app’s analysis of each column in the uploaded file.
The table may include:
Column | Description |
|---|---|
Source Field | Original column name from the uploaded file |
Primary Key | Indicates whether the field is recommended as the primary key |
Definition | Plain-English description of the field |
Data Type | Inferred type, such as string, number, date, boolean, email, or enum |
Detected Format | Recognized format, such as date, phone number, or email |
Null Rate | Estimated percentage of empty values |
Sensitive | Indicates whether the field appears to contain sensitive data |
Sample Value | Representative value used for review |
Uniqueness Rate | Estimated uniqueness of values in the field |
Click Download to export the column analysis as a CSV.
Data Mapping
Open the Data Mapping tab to review recommended mappings from source fields to ZMP profile fields.
The mapping table may include:
Column | Description |
|---|---|
Source Field | Original field from the uploaded file |
Target Name | Recommended ZMP-standard field name |
Target Path | Location of the field in the ZMP profile structure |
Target Data Type | Recommended target data type |
Mapping Logic | Plain-English explanation of the recommended transformation |
Click Download Mapping to export the mapping table as a CSV.
Best Practices
Use a representative sample file with typical values and formats. Include all columns expected in the final data feed, even if some are sparsely populated.
Review the recommended primary key first, since an accurate identifier is important for customer profile creation and activation.
Review sensitive fields carefully and confirm that any required privacy or compliance processes are followed before production use.
Use the data profile and mapping exports to support review, sign-off, and implementation planning.