Knowledge we produce might be structured or unstructured. It is determined by the way it seems to be and the way we create it. I touched on this topic right here. Let’s begin with defining the distinction between them.

Structured information (or information mannequin) organises information factors and defines the relations between each other. Because the title suggests, it has to have a construction earlier than putting it in information storage (corresponding to relational databases).

BIM objects are a fantastic instance: an information mannequin representing a wall consists of different components that outline a wall: thickness, size, fire-rating, materials, and so forth. To create a wall it’s a must to put information right into a predefined schema (every information level right into a corresponding information area). Therefore, structured information can be known as schema-on-write. Crucial characteristic of structured information is its question simplicity. Nonetheless, it requires an effort to create a set of information in a database.

Unstructured information is frankly talking the rest. Unstructured info doesn’t have a pre-defined information mannequin. It’s saved in a local file format. Accordingly, unstructured information are e-mails, footage, pdf paperwork, conferences notes, and so forth. The most important benefit of unstructured information is its simplicity to create and retailer. But to question it, a person has to grasp how the format interprets into pure info. Thus additionally it is known as schema-on-read. An image of a building web site has no information mannequin and solely an individual accustomed to an issue can translate it into information, such because the variety of flooring, used supplies, measurement of the development, sort of the bearing components, and so forth.

This desk reveals examples of information we encounter on building tasks: