The Unity Catalog object model organizes data in a hierarchy from metastore to table. The Metastore is the top-level container, managing metadata and permissions for data assets. Below it, Catalogs organize data assets, Schemas (or databases) contain tables and views, and Tables are the lowest level, storing data. Views are read-only projections of tables. Unity Catalog uses a three-level namespace (catalog.schema.table) for data reference. Metastores are configured with a root storage location in cloud storage for metadata and managed tables. Note: This is distinct from legacy Hive metastores in pre-Unity Catalog workspaces, which are accessible under the hive_metastore catalog.