1. A computer-implemented method for mapping hierarchical data from a relational table comprising: providing a schema for a hierarchical data structure wherein the schema defines a hierarchical relationship of data elements; identifying from the schema a node within the hierarchical data structure corresponding to a column in the relational table; determining that an element of the data elements in the schema is associated with an indicator that specifies the element as a hidden element; copying data from the relational table to the hierarchical data structure, wherein the copied data excludes the hidden element; and storing the hierarchical data structure that includes the copied data in a computer-readable storage medium.