Modelling ontology use for information systems

Abstract

This paper is based on a particular concept of model and modeling respectively. A key aspect of modeling is the particular relationship that is presupposed to exist between a model and its original. Ontologies are in this paper distinguished from other kinds of model in terms of that relationship. This paper discusses ontology use and proposes a quality model of that use. In doing so it aims at a better understanding of ontology use. That quality model contains the quality characteristics "role", "justification" and "relevance". It is the position of this paper that an unjustified use of an ontology in a particular role indicate a need for further reasoning. Similarly, if it is not relevant for the role in which a model is used that this model actually is an ontology then further reasoning and a different model might be suited better for that use. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.