Ontology-Based System for Conceptual Data Model Evaluation

Conceptual data modelling is one of the critical phases in Information System (IS) development. In this paper we show the method, software tool and results on automating evaluation of Conceptual Data Model (CDM) from a semantic perspective. The approach is based on mapping ontology with CDM. An ontology that represents domain knowledge and data model are transformed into PROLOG language clauses form and integrated with reasoning rules into the single PROLOG program. The formalization of ontology and the data model is automated within a software tool. Special metrics are defined in aim to enable calculation of semantic marks for data models. Empirical study shows the results of using this tool.