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Ingestion configuration

Associate a schema with observation metadata mappings.
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An ingestion configuration associates a data schema with observation metadata mappings. Creating the configuration saves these settings. An ingestion job uses them to import the data.

Before configuring ingestion, review Prepare data to check source file formats, column consistency and data quality. Confirm that the schema matches the prepared files.

Before you begin

Create and review the data schema. Identify any source columns that already carry observation metadata, particularly the column distinguishing training and test rows.

Create an ingestion configuration

  1. Select Data Lab > Datasources, then select Ingestion Configurations.

  2. Select Create to open Create ingestion configuration.

  3. Enter a descriptive Configuration name and select the previously created Data schema.

  4. Review Observation specification. This section maps source columns to observation metadata fields. Keep the prefilled names when they match your source data; otherwise enter the corresponding source column names.

  5. Select Create to save the configuration. Confirm that it appears in Ingestion Configurations before selecting it in a job.

Ingestion configurations and their schema references

Ingestion configurations and their schema references

Map observation metadata

The form provides the following observation metadata mappings. If your source supplies observation types, check that training and test rows are mapped correctly. When no observation type is supplied, observations default to training data; test evaluation later in the workflow requires test observations.

FieldPrefilled column name
Observation type columnobservation_type
Observation source columnobservation_source
Shard ID columnobservation_shard_id
File index columnobservation_file_index
Observation index columnobservation_index
Mask index columnobservation_mask_index
Mask file index columnobservation_mask_file_index
Increment index columnobservation_increment_index

The configuration list displays Configuration name, Data schema, Created at, and Updated at, so you can check which schema a configuration references.

Prefilled observation metadata mappings

Prefilled observation metadata mappings

Choose observation mappings

The mappings identify source columns that already represent observation metadata. You do not need to add all eight metadata columns to an ordinary source file: the platform can add observation fields during ingestion. Change a mapping when your source uses a different name for that concept.

MetadataPurpose
Observation typeSeparates training and test observations. Preserve this distinction when you need independent evaluation.
Observation sourceRecords source information associated with an observation.
Shard IDIdentifies the observation’s shard.
File index and Observation indexTrack the source file and observation within the data.
Mask index and Mask file indexIdentify masking-related observation and file information.
Increment indexTracks the data increment associated with an observation.

Review and reuse a configuration

Open the saved record and confirm the schema reference and observation mappings. Reuse it for source files with the same interpretation. The source bucket, path, machine and runtime belong to the ingestion job and are selected when that job is created.

Next steps

Continue to Ingestion jobs.