UML Class Diagrams to OWL Ontologies: A Graph Transformation based Approach

Abstract

The models are placed by modeling paradigm at the center of development process. These models are represented by languages, like UML the language standardized by the OMG which became necessary for development. Moreover the ontology engineering paradigm places ontologies at the center of development process, in this paradigm we find OWL the explicitation language adopted by a great community of users like the principal language of knowledge representation. The bringing between UML and OWL appeared on several regards such as the classes and associations. In this paper, we propose an approach based graph transformation and registered in the MDA architecture for the automatic generation of usable OWL ontology from UML class diagrams. The transformation is based on transformation rules make it possible to achieve our aim. This approach is illustrated by an example. General TermsOntology engineering, software engineering, model transformation.

End-user engineering of ontology-based knowledge bases

“…Some papers (e.g., [3]) propose to transform UML class diagrams into OWL. However, we are not convinced that UML class diagrams are suitable for people without a computer science background, as the ease to learn and understand them has already been questioned for computer analysts [20].…”

Formalization of Ontology Conceptualizations Using Model Transformation

“…In (Belghiat & Bourahla, 2012), the authors have discussed how to implement an application which makes a transformation from a UML class diagram to an OWL ontology based on graph transformation by using the tool AToM3. For this task, they have developed a meta-model for UML class diagrams, and a graph grammar composed of several rules, which enable them to transform all what is modeled in their AToM3 generated environment to OWL ontology.…”

Adapted Rules for UML Modelling of Geospatial Information for Model-Driven Implementation as OWL Ontologies

“…The OGC Testbeds 12 [38] and 14 [39] focused on specific geospatial UML to OWL issues and particularly on the implementation of rules in the conversion software ShapeChange [62]. Finally, several studies described conversions between UML and OWL in general [63][64][65][66][67][68][69] while other described specific conversions of UML models of geospatial information to OWL [70][71][72]. Table 3 summarizes rules for conversion from UML to OWL for fundamental concepts used in UML models for geospatial information.…”