A prototype tool for semantic validation of UML class diagrams with the use of domain ontologies expressed in OWL 2

Abstract

Existing domain ontologies are a source of domain knowledge about the specific areas of interest. The article presents a prototype tool for semantic validation of UML class diagrams. A knowledge base for validating the diagram is the domain ontology expressed in OWL 2 selected by the user of the tool. The tool automatically recognises if the diagram is compliant, not contradictory or contradictory to the selected domain ontology. Additionally, it proposes a set of suggestions what should be corrected in the class diagram in order for the diagram to more adequately reflect the needed domain.