Ontology (Relational Vocabulary)
Definition, description and example of a semantic network
| Flat VocabulariesA managed list of acceptable metadata terms that associates acceptable values with particular metadata elements. Flat vocabularies include authority files, glossaries, dictionaries, code lists, and gazetteers. Related Guide | Multi -Level Vocabularies | Relational VocabulariesManaged list of acceptable terms that makes use of relationships between metadata terms. Relational vocabularies include thesauri, semantic networks and ontologies. Related Guide | |||||||
| Authority File | Glossary | Dictionary | Gazetteer | Code List | Taxonomy | Subject Heading | Thesaurus | Semantic Network | Ontology |
Definition of Ontology
A type of relational controlled vocabularyA managed list of terms. In the context of vocabularies, management typically includes careful selection of terms, maintenance of terms over time (i.e. addition, deprecation, modification), and presentation of the vocabulary in an accessible format. Related Guide that provides for categories, relationshipsConnections between metadata terms within a vocabulary. These relationships can connect terms by scope, provenance, or other well-defined criteria., rules and axioms among metadata elementsIndividual instance of a metadata label and value pair. For example, "creator: John Doe" is a metadata element. Related Guide. Typically a hierarchy of classesGrouping of metadata values, based on shared criteria. Related Guide and terms, an ontology is a machine-readableIn the context of metadata, formatted in a way that is well defined and processable by the system's software and hardware. Metadata with this characteristic can be discovered, ingested, and presented by an electronic system (also known as 'computable'). Related Guide way of relating metadataData about data. Metadata provides a context for research findings, ideally in a machine-readable format. It enables discovery of data via an electronic interface, and correct use and attribution of findings. Related Guide terminology.
Discussion
OntologiesA type of relational controlled vocabulary, which provides for categories, relationships, rules and axioms among metadata elements. Typically a hierarchy of classes and terms, an ontology is a machine-readable way of relating metadata terminology. Related Guide are, by far, the most complex type of vocabulary. By definition, ontologies include multilevel vocabularies, relationships, rules and axioms. They enable the assignment of properties, comparisons using the complete list of relationships, and derived conclusions based on established rules.
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