Unprocessed data, facts, or signals that have not been subjected to analysis, interpretation, or organization represent the initial stage of data collection. This undifferentiated material lacks context and meaning until it undergoes refinement. For example, a series of sensor readings from a weather station, before being averaged and correlated with location data, exemplifies this initial state.
The significance of this unrefined input lies in its potential to yield valuable insights following appropriate processing. It forms the foundation upon which knowledge and informed decisions are built. Historically, the ability to effectively manage and transform such data has been a key driver of progress across various domains, from scientific discovery to business strategy.