Map field in CDP

[FrankXu3]

Hi, 

I am trying to create a map field in the schema. The only types of values allowed are string and integer through the UI. However, it seems like it's possible that we can create map fields with more than string and integer types from the note here. I also took a look of the identitymap object, and it's using an array type for the values. Ideally I want to create a map structure similar to the identitymap field being key + array of object as the value.  

Can someone point me in the right direction how I might be able to create this through the API?

Thanks,

[bjoern__koth]

Hi @FrankXu3 

the complex Map type is API only and has to be created through the Schemas API endpoint

• https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-platform/xdm/tutorials/custom-fields-api#custo...
• https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-platform/xdm/api/schemas

To be honest, I have not done it myself and was also just asking ChatGPT for examples ("How can I create a complex map type in AEP APIs?").

This will give you code examples that hopefully answer your question.

[FrankXu3]

Thanks! So I don't think it's possible to have the value type as an array. 

[Parvesh_Parmar]

Hi @FrankXu3,

Just to add a bit more context—before storing this type of data, I recommend thinking carefully about how you plan to use it.

From experience, this kind of nested map structure can be challenging to use in activation, especially if you need to export it to a destination. Also, it might be not directly usable in segmentation.

Since AEP is not a traditional data warehouse (DWH), it’s important to normalize your data model where possible to make downstream usage easier.

Kind regards,

Parvesh

[FrankXu3]

100% Agreed! We have a unique use case in our organization and I'm just trying everything to figure out a way to build a dynamic offer in AJO. The lookup dataset functionality would have solved this but it's not available in web channel yet. 

[Supriya_Savre]

Hi @FrankXu3,

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[kautuk_sahni]

@FrankXu3 Just checking in — were you able to resolve your issue?
We’d love to hear how things worked out. If the suggestions above helped, marking a response as correct can guide others with similar questions. And if you found another solution, feel free to share it — your insights could really benefit the community. Thanks again for being part of the conversation!