Normalization (or standardization) is the process of mapping your original imported data onto InfoSum's Global Schema.

Each dataset must be normalized (and then published) before it can be referenced in queries.

Normalization addresses the obvious problem that two separate imported datasets are likely to use different schemas. By normalizing both datasets to the common Global Schema, they can be used together in statistical analysis or other queries. For details of how imported data is mapped to the Global Schema on InfoSum Platform, including any formatting required to your raw data, see normalization rules.

Additionally, normalization plays an important role in ensuring the security of your data. As part of normalization, direct identifiers (which can be used to identify specific people) are irreversibly converted to anonymized keys. The original data is then permanently deleted. So, even if the Bunker which holds your dataset were somehow compromised, this would not reveal the identity of any individuals.