What does AWS Lake Formation automate in the management of data lakes?

AWS Lake Formation automates key processes involved in managing data lakes, specifically data ingestion, cataloging, and access control.

Data ingestion refers to the process of collecting and importing data from various sources into a central data repository. AWS Lake Formation facilitates this by enabling the easy import of data from AWS services and external sources, streamlining what can be a complex process.

Cataloging is another critical function that AWS Lake Formation performs. It automatically organizes and stores metadata about the imported data, making it easier for users to discover and understand the data available within the lake. This curation of metadata helps in creating an efficient and structured data environment.

Access control is crucial in data management, especially when dealing with sensitive information. AWS Lake Formation allows administrators to define and manage access policies for data stored in the lake, ensuring that only authorized users and applications can access or modify the data. This feature enhances security and compliance, which are vital aspects of data governance.

While other options mention important functions related to data management, they do not encompass the comprehensive automation provided by AWS Lake Formation in the specific areas of ingestion, cataloging, and access management.