In terms of Big Data, what is 'data lineage'?

Data lineage refers to the process of tracking the flow of data from its origin to its final destination. This includes understanding where data originated, how it has been transformed throughout its lifecycle, and how it is used in various systems. Capturing data lineage is critical for ensuring data quality, maintaining compliance with regulations, and improving data governance. It allows organizations to trace data back to its source to understand dependencies and ascertain the impact of any changes, thus providing clear visibility into the data lifecycle. This comprehensive tracking is essential for effective data management, auditing processes, and ensuring accuracy in analytics and reporting.