Representation Map

Overview

SDMX Version 3.0 Representation Maps are used to define a mapping rules between a source value (or combination of values) and a target value (or combination of targets). When a souce value is matched, the target value is output. Representation Maps can be used to map from one classification to another (for example from ISO2 to ISO3 character country codes), or can be used to map from non coded to coded values ($ maps to USD), or more complex mapping which require a combination of source values to generate target values. A Representation Map is more than a simple lookup table, as more complex rules can be introduced such as regular expression matches which can include capture groups to transfer patterns from source to target, substring matches, as well as rules which are only applicable to certain periods of time.

Representation Maps can be used by Structure Maps when defining relationships between two Data Structure Definitions (DSDs). The Structure Maps describe the relationships between the Components of the two DSDs, whilst Relationship Maps are used to describe how the values reported for each component map. For example, a Structure Map may say the COUNTRY Dimension in the source DSD maps to the REF_AREA Dimension in the target DSD - it is then the Relationship Map which describes that the value GB maps to GBR.