A data catalog is a centralized repository or database that provides information about the organization's data assets, including metadata, data lineage, data quality, and access permissions. It serves as a searchable index or directory of all the data sources and their attributes that exist within an organization.
A data catalog is important for an organization because it provides a comprehensive view of the organization's data assets, enabling users to easily find, understand, and use the data they need for their business operations. Furthermore, a data catalog helps to enhance collaboration and communication between different teams within the organization, as they can all access and share the same information about data assets.