Data Modeling is the process of creating a simple diagram of a complex software system, using text and symbols to represent the way data will flow. The diagram can be used to ensure efficient use of data as a blueprint for the construction of new software or for reengineering a legacy application.
Typically, a data model can be thought of as a flowchart that illustrates the relationships among pieces of data. It enables stakeholders to identify errors and make changes before programming code is written. Alternatively, models can be created as part of reverse-engineering efforts that extract models from existing systems, as seen with NoSQL data.
Source: https://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/data-modeling