G
Gantt chart
SEE chart, Gantt.
gap analysis
An assessment of a system in comparison with another system or a set of requirements, listing those items that are not common between them.
Gartner Magic Quadrant
gateway
A software product that allows SQL-based applications to access relational and non-relational data sources.
gateway exchange
An organized set of bilateral exchanges, in which several data and meta-data sending organizations or individuals agree to exchange the collected information with each other in a single, known format, and according to a single, known process.
General Morphological Analysis (GMA)
A method for identifying and investigating configurations or relationships that affect a given problem by identifying all possible combinations, and then removing those that are impossible or inapplicable.
generalization
The process of recognizing commonalities, and combining similar types of entities or objects into a less specialized type based on common attributes and behaviors, creating a supertype for two or more specialized subtypes. Contrast with specialization.
generalization, attribute
The process of evaluating attributes in multiple related entities for commonalities and possibly moving specialized attributes from a child or subtype entity to a parent or supertype entity where the specialization applies to more than one of the children.
generalization, entity
The process of evaluating multiple entities in a set for commonalities and then possibly combining some of those entities into one larger entity that covers the topics represented by the subsumed entities.
generalization, relationship
The process of evaluating multiple relationships between entities in a set into fewer relationships. Usually necessary after other generalization activities have taken place, which carry the relationships of the specialized entities into the generalized entities. For example, two 1:M relationships between two entities, each having a different parent, can be generalized into a M:N relationship.
Generally Acceptable release (GA)
A release of software for general use; it has passed the quality gates of alpha and beta releases.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
The standard framework of guidelines for financial accounting in the United States; the standards, conventions, and rules accountants follow in recording and summarizing transactions, and in the preparation of financial statements, including definitions of what the categories in financial statements mean and what practices are commonly allowed. Managed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Generally Accepted Data Management Principles (GADMP)
A term coined by The DAMA Foundation for principles documented in the DAMA-DMBOK Guide.
geodesy
Alternate form: geodetics
The science of measuring the shape of a planet and geographical point placement. This science makes global positioning systems possible.
geodetic data
Data used in navigation and surveying to translate positions to a position on a planet.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
A system or tool for creating, storing, editing, analyzing, and managing geospatial data entities and associated attributes.
Geography markup language (GML)
An XML grammar used to express geographical features and attributes.
geomatics
The discipline of gathering, storing, processing, and delivering of geospatial data. The use of geospatial technology to survey and capture geospatial measurements.
geospacial
Adjective. Pertaining to data about locations on, in, above, or below a planet's surface.
geospatial data
Data pertaining to locations and regions on the earth, generally expressed as latitude and longitude (and sometimes altitude); can be located and reasoned about in terms of area.
Gigabyte (Gb)
A billion bytes of storage; a thousand Megabytes.
Global Data Synchronization Network (GSDN)
An internet-based network of data sets and a registry that enables exchange of standardized and synchronized data.
global index
SEE index, global.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A fully-functional satellite navigation system. More than two dozen GPS satellites broadcasts precise timing signals by radio to GPS receivers, allowing them to accurately determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) in any weather, day or night, anywhere on Earth. GPS has become a vital global utility, indispensable for modern navigation, as well as an important tool for map-making and land surveying. GPS also provides an extremely precise time reference, required for telecommunications and some scientific research. Officially named NAVSTAR GPS, the US Department of Defense developed the system. However, GPS is available for free use in civilian applications worldwide for the public good. SEE ALSO geospatial data; geographic information system.
Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
A special type of identifier used in software applications to provide a unique reference number. The value is represented as a 32 character hexadecimal string, and usually stored as a 128 bit integer. Ideally, a GUID will never be generated twice by any computer or group of computers in existence. The term GUID usually, but not always, refers to Microsoft's implementation of the Universally Unique Identifier standard.
glossary
- Generally, a dictionary covering a limited subject area.
- In Meta-data Management, a glossary may be an extract of business meta-data (terms and their meanings) from a meta-data repository.
goal
A desired state or statement of general direction for long-term improvement. SEE ALSO objective.
Goal-Question-Metric method (GQM)
An approach which defines development efforts by starting with measurable goals at the conceptual level and drilling through operational processes into metrics, and then designing the resulting system to match.
goals and principles
One of the DAMA Functional Framework Environmental Elements. The directional business goals of each function and the fundamental principles that guide performance of each function. (DAMA-DMBOK Guide, 1st edition, pg. 12.)
gold data set
Alternate form: gold standard, gold source
A data set with perfect contents according to requirements. Used to describe sources of record or data sets used for testing purposes. SEE ALSO system of record.
governance
- Generally, the exercise of authority and control over a process, organization, or geopolitical area.
- In data management, the process of setting, controlling, administering, and monitoring conformance with policy. SEE ALSO data governance.
grain
Alternate form: granularity
The degree of summarization of data in a data set, representing the most detailed information available. All aggregations would result from mathematical functions using this data set, without any additional data.
grammar
The rules by which the syntact components of a language (whether linear or graphical) are assembled into meaningful sentences, command statements, or graphical structures based on semiotics.
graph
- Generally, a set of homogeneous nodes (vertices) and edges (arcs) between pairs of nodes.
- In Business Intelligence, a visual representation using references to a set of axes to illustrate the relationship between functions or sets of quantities. SEE ALSO chart.
graph theory
The study of mathematical structures used to model relations between items within a data set.
graphical data editing
The use of graphs to identify anomalies in data.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The dominant style for desktop and client/server computer applications.
Gregorian calendar
Internationally accepted civil calendar used in the western world, with additional rules regarding application of leap days, and other minor adjustments.
grid computing
A web-based operation allowing companies to share computing resources on demand.
Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®)