A mapping specification is a Microsoft Excel file that includes metadata to import into the PowerCenter repository. Use a mapping specification to define source or target definitions or to define a mapping by defining the source and target definitions, and the transformations between sources and targets.

When you create a mapping specification, you do not have to define all possible objects. The PowerCenter Repository Service imports the object definitions that you define in the mapping specification. For example, if you do not define transformations, the PowerCenter Repository Service imports source and target definitions only.