DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
A logistics company collects data from fleet sensors. Each sensor sends a JSON message containing the vehicle ID, timestamp, and a variable set of measurements such as engine temperature, tire pressure, and fuel level. The structure of the JSON message differs between sensor types and sometimes includes optional fields. How should this data be classified?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see 'JSON' and assume it is structured data because JSON has keys and values, but they miss that the variable and optional fields make it semi-structured, not strictly structured.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Semi-structured data
The data is semi-structured because it conforms to a schema (JSON format with fields like vehicle ID and timestamp) but allows variability in structure, such as optional fields and different sets of measurements per sensor type. This flexibility is a hallmark of semi-structured data, which does not require a rigid tabular schema like structured data but still contains tags or markers to separate data elements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Structured data
Why it's wrong here
Structured data requires a fixed, predefined schema where every record has the same fields and data types, typically enforced by tables with rows and columns. The sensor payloads arrive as JSON messages with varying and optional fields, so they lack the uniform, rigid structure that structured data mandates. Therefore, this classification is incorrect.
- ✓
Semi-structured data
Why this is correct
Semi-structured data is organizational but not rigidly schematized, using tags or keys to impose a hierarchy without requiring the same fields in every record. The fleet sensor JSON uses named key-value pairs and nested objects that can include or omit attributes as needed, which is the defining characteristic of semi-structured data. This is the correct classification for such variable telemetry.
- ✗
Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Unstructured data has no identifiable internal structure or machine-readable format, such as raw audio, video, or free-form text. The sensor data is encoded as JSON, which provides a parseable syntax with named tags and a clear key-value organization, so it absolutely has structure. Thus, calling it unstructured is incorrect.
- ✗
Relational data
Why it's wrong here
Relational data is strictly normalized into tables with predefined schemas, data types, constraints, and relationships enforced through primary and foreign keys. JSON messages are self-describing documents that store fields inline and do not conform to a fixed table schema or require relational integrity. Because the sensor data is flexible and document-oriented, it does not fit the relational model.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Data Roles and Core Concepts
Key term
Data
Data is raw, unprocessed information, like numbers, words, or measurements, that can be stored, processed, and analyzed by computers.
Key term
Schema
A schema is a blueprint or logical structure that defines how data is organized, stored, and accessed in a database or information system.
About these practice questions
This DP-900 question is part of Courseiva's 820-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DP-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-900 exam.