---
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title: Prepare and Model Data
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/data/264-0-0/c360_a_prepare_and_model_data.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_prepare_and_model_data.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 9722c32364b259453c700b159c19635213082fa927b6e5cfee8b783959e1e73b
description: Data being brought into Data 360 can be transformed and prepped before mapping. During data mapping, the preserved data source schema is mapped to an opinionated and extensible data model, called the Customer 360 Data Model. After the data is mapped, you can further query and manipulate your data to make it easier to work with for use across Salesforce.
products:
  - Data 360
release: "264"
---
# Prepare and Model Data

Data being brought into Data 360 can be transformed and prepped before mapping. During data mapping, the preserved data source schema is mapped to an opinionated and extensible data model, called the Customer 360 Data Model. After the data is mapped, you can further query and manipulate your data to make it easier to work with for use across Salesforce.

![Note](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-data-data_cloud-264-0-0-production-enus/f3569962-3c9b-4f83-9d0c-b6a574e785da/images/icon_note.png)

Note

As of October 14, 2025, Data Cloud has been rebranded to Data 360. During this transition, you may see references to Data Cloud in our application and documentation. While the name is new, the functionality and content remains unchanged.

The data model is powered by the Customer 360 Data Model, by way of a data lake object (DLO) to data model object (DMO) mapping and relationship experience. Information about an individual is stored in the Unified Individual DMO, enabling marketers to create a segmentation strategy and publish segments to activation targets.

To learn more, review the associated Trailhead content.

![Trailhead icon](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-data-data_cloud-264-0-0-production-enus/f3569962-3c9b-4f83-9d0c-b6a574e785da/data_cloud/images/landing_trailhead_alt.png)[Customer 360 Data Model for Data 360](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/customer-360-data-model-for-customer-data-platform)

![Trailhead icon](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-data-data_cloud-264-0-0-production-enus/f3569962-3c9b-4f83-9d0c-b6a574e785da/data_cloud/images/landing_trailhead_alt.png)[Batch Data Transforms in Data 360: Quick Look](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/batch-data-transforms-in-data-cloud-quick-look)

![Trailhead icon](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-data-data_cloud-264-0-0-production-enus/f3569962-3c9b-4f83-9d0c-b6a574e785da/data_cloud/images/landing_trailhead_alt.png)[Streaming Data Transforms in Data 360: Quick Look](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/streaming-data-transforms-quick-look)

![Graphic divider](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-data-data_cloud-264-0-0-production-enus/f3569962-3c9b-4f83-9d0c-b6a574e785da/data_cloud/images/Comms_DC_Divider_tan.png)

- **[Data Cleansing and Preparation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_cleansing_data.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Cleaning and preparing your data is crucial for success when using the Data 360 segmentation and activation capabilities.
- **[Data Mapping](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_data_mapping.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Data ingested by all data streams is written to data lake objects (DLOs). After creating your data streams, you must associate your DLOs to data model objects (DMOs). Only mapped fields and objects with relationships can be used for Segmentation and Activation.
- **[Data Model Objects (DMOs)](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_data_model_objects.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Create, view, and manage data model objects (DMOs). DMOs are fundamental to Data 360. Familiarize yourself with the definitions, concepts, and resources related to DMOs before creating or working with them.
- **[Data Graphs](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_data_graphs.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    A data graph brings together structured data from your Data Model Objects (DMOs) in Data 360. It combines this data to create easy-to-use views of your information.
- **[Simple Start in Data 360](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_simple_start.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Streamline your initial Data 360 setup with Simple Start. Bypass manual bundle configuration and field mapping by syncing metadata and creating standardized data structures for your Salesforce CRM data in minutes. Because the system initially syncs only metadata, you consume credits only after activating related data streams and downstream processes.