Hierarchical Model

A hierarchical model is a data model that is used to illustrate how different things (commonly data, authority, protocol, etc) is organized and structured. Often a hierarchical model is set up in form of a tree starting with one entry at the top and branching out from there. When it is illustrating how data is stored the records are connected to each other through links. Examples of this are a telephone tree that an organization might use for contacting members or for illustrating the management structure of a company. In technology, this can take the form of a flowchart such as the kind used for computer programs.