Data Areas
The data area has no business purpose other than to provide a common schema location for re-used schema structures. It exists solely to help eliminate redundant element declaration. For example, if you have multiple schemas that share a common structure, you can set up a stand-alone data area schema for the common elements and then include it in each of the other schemas.
Be aware that a stand-alone data area can hold elements that are mapped to true fields. For example, you might have 50 different types of field activities and all might share a common set of elements to identify where and when the activity should take place. It would be wise to declare the elements that are common for all in a stand-alone data area and then include it in the 50 field activity business objects.
It's strongly recommended that you take advantage of stand-alone data areas to avoid redundant data definition!
Schema Tips. The data area page includes a special Schema Tips zone that provides a link to launch help topics related to the Advanced Schema Topics help in one click.
Data areas may be included in a business object that does not define a full UI map for display or input. Rather, it is using auto-rendering by defining UI attributes in its schema and via UI hints.