Create and manage the semantic layer manually (in preview)

Updated: March 6, 2026

By creating a semantic layer you can later connect the physical layer with this semantic layer, making the information more meaningful and searchable. As a data steward, the Semantic Models page in the Stewardship application allows you to create the semantic layer step by step and manage it.

Create a new data model

A Data Model asset in the semantic layer contains Data Entity and Data Attribute assets. You can group all in one data model or create various data models depending on your needs.

Prerequisites

• The semantic layer features are enabled.
• You have the required permissions.
• Ensure that your environment uses the latest user interface.

Steps

1. Create a Logical Data Dictionary domain.
   For information on how to create a domain, go to Create a domain.
   We recommend storing each Data Model in a dedicated domain.
2. On the main toolbar, click → Stewardship → Semantic Layer.
   The Semantic Models page opens. This page shows all Data Model assets in your environment.
3. Click Create model.
4. Complete the fields as follows.

   Field	Description
   Model name	Enter the name of the data model. If Collibra AI is enabled, it uses this name when making suggestions.
   Model description	Enter the description of the data model. If Collibra AI is enabled, it uses this description when making suggestions.
   Owner	Select the user who needs to be assigned as the owner of the Data Model asset.
   Target domain	Select the domain that you just created. CPSH creates the data model in this domain.
   System	Optionally, select the System asset that you want to link the data model to. CPSH links the Data Model and System assets through "is implemented in System" relation.

5. Click Create.
   The Data Model asset is created and becomes visible in the Semantic Models page. You can now add elements manually or, if enabled, use Collibra AI generated suggestions.

Manually create data entities and data attributes

You can add new data entities and data attributes to the Data Model yourself. If you do, the relations between the assets are automatically taken care of. New Data Entity assets are linked to the Data Model and new Data Attribute assets are linked to their corresponding Data Entity.

Prerequisites

• You have a global role with the Guided Stewardship global permission.
• You have created a Data Model asset.
• You have the required permissions.
• Ensure that your environment uses the latest user interface.

Steps

1. On the main toolbar, click → Stewardship → Semantic Layer.
   The Semantic Models page opens.
2. Select the model to which you want to add entities and data attributes.
3. Add an entity.
   1. Click + Add.
      The Add entity dialog box appears.
   2. Enter a name and a description for the entity.
   3. Click Add.
      The entity is saved as a Data Entity asset in the Data Model.
4. Add an attribute.
   1. Select the data entity you created.
   2. In the Attributes pane, click +.
      The Add Data Attribute dialog box appears.
   3. Enter a name and a description for the attribute.
   4. Click Add.
      The attribute is saved as a Data Attribute asset in the Data Model.

What's next

You can now map the physical layer and the created semantic layer. You can do this or by using the mapping automation.