Semantic Web-Based Information Systems: State-of-the-Art ...

Bu ld ng Ontology Translat on Systems
A. Layered.Ontology.Translation.Method
Once we have described the four layers where ontology translation decisions have
to be made, we will present our method for building ontology translation systems,
based on these layers. This method consists of four activities: feasibility study,
analysis of source and target formats, design and implementation of the translation
system. As we will describe later, these activities are divided into tasks, which can
be performed by different sets of people and with different techniques.
Ontology translation systems are difficult to create, since many different types of
problems have to be dealt with. Consequently, this method recommends developing
ontology translation systems following an iterative life cycle. It proposes identifying
a first set of expressions that can be translated easily from one format to another,
so that the first version of the ontology translation system can be developed and
tested quickly; then, it proposes refining the transformations performed to analyze
more complex expressions and to design and implement their transformations, and
so forth. The reason for such a recommendation is that developing an ontology
translation system is usually a complex task that requires taking into account too
many aspects of the source and target formats, and many different types of decisions
on how to perform specific translations. In this sense, an iterative life cycle
ensures that complex translation problems are tackled once the developers have a
Figure 6. Proposed development process of ontology translation system
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