CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model

Abstract

The CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM) is a formal ontology for the documentation of cultural heritage. It has been developed by the ICOM/CIDOC documentation standards group (DSG) over a period of several years. The complete model is quite complex and not easily presented in graphic format. The current document aims to provides an accessible introduction based on the CIDOC International Guidelines for Museum Object Information : The CIDOC Information Categories (CIC). The CRM is presented as a series of sub models each of which maps directly onto one of the ‘information groups’ defined by the CIC. In each case brief scope notes are included which explain the thinking behind the reference model and which make explicit the position of individual information items. Naturally, we recommend reading the current document in conjunction with the CIC.