Modular Ontology Modeling

Overview

Modular Ontology Modeling (MOMo) methodology is a pattern-based methodology which emphasizes the data integration. It makes heavy use of a schema diagram as the conceptual vehicle. An example is provided here. Ontological analysis and formalization primarily occurs afterward as a part of adapting patterns to the use-case, generally by examining the data, but also with input from appropriate domain expertise.

Objectives

In this session we will create a modular ontology which serves the PFAS Use Case. In particular, we will follow the MOMo methodology to identify candidate patterns, adapt them to our use-case, conduct systematic axiomatization (as necessary), and assemble the modules, and serialize the final product.

Process

1. Define the use case(s).
   This is already done for us: PFAS Use Case.
2. Develop competency questions.
   There are some already in that same file.
3. Identify key notions.
   • Municipality, County, State -> Region
   • Taking a Reading
   • Measurement
4. Match patterns to key notions.
   • Region -> Spatial Object
   • Reading -> Observation, Provenance
   • Measurement -> Quantity
5. Instantiate the patterns to create modules.
   • Region
   • Reading
   • Measurement
6. Systematically axiomatize each module.
   • Region
   • Reading
   • Measurement
7. Assemble the modules.
   All Together
8. Review the final product.
   Final Schema
9. Produce artifacts (e.g., documentation and serialization).
   Documentation

References & Resources

Here are some convenient links to tools, resources, and examples for use during the MOMo process.

Modular Knowledge Graphs

• Enslaved Hub
• KnowWhereGraph

Pattern Resources

• Axiom Patterns
• MODL
• ontologydesignpatterns.org

Tools

• yEd – for (only) graph diagram editing
• Protégé – for ttl generation
• CoModIDE – arguably also a pattern resource, it provides a graphical canvas for Protégé with pattern support.

Cooking Recipe Tutorial

• Cooking Recipe Tutorial 1
• Cooking Recipe Tutorial 2

Educational Material

• Introduction to Knowledge Engineering
  This course is taught at Wright State University as an introduction to creating a knowledge graph (using MOMo), its schema, and materialization.
• KGC Open Curriculum
  This is a broad (unfinished) set of articles relating to knowledge graphs.