> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.whaly.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.whaly.io/core-concepts/data-modeling/understanding-data-models.md).
# Understanding data models
## What is data modeling
Modelling data is the process of reshaping your data into a new format that is easy to understand and to query for your non-expert, business users. In Whaly, models will be the foundation of your explorations.
## Why data modeling is needed
Raw data may not always perfectly represent the concepts, business logic or definitions your company is using internally. This is often the case if you rely on SaaS data or on your own software data, as the data models are designed to make sense in the context of these applications.
By creating data models, you will hide your data complex logic to ensure that your business users all share the same definitions. This will greatly decrease the risk for wrong calculations and analysis, as well as boost your users ability to embrace data consumption.
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