A Semiotic Insight Into Model Mapping

Abstract

Model mapping faces many challenging tasks and contemporary work seems to focus on computational issues. As a result it seems to lack an overarching theoretical framework whereby all aspects of model mapping can be investigated systematically. We maintain that the principles of semiotics may well provide theoretical foundations for developing such a framework. In this chapter we report our preliminary work on using semiotics in investigating mapping determination and creation between two independently created models across heterogeneous data sources. By employing semiotic principles, we develop a novel approach to model mapping as sign exchange. We give an analysis of the triadic relationship among data, information and knowledge concerning syntactics, semantics and pragmatics of signs. We present a conceptual view of sign interchange and propose an abstract architecture of information flow between two logic covers that is based upon our model of minimal mapping covers. This minimal mapping cover forms the basis of a set of signs participating in determining and establishing a set of correspondences between two disparate models. Our work considers a set of mappings at three semiotic levels and proposes a notion of the information bearing capability of signs. Our work thus far seems to show that semiotics principles do provide insight in tackling the complexity involved in model mapping, in particular the issue of "meaning".