Framing ontology distinctions: An exploration.

This paper considers how to frame different kinds of ontology, in the broader concept of the different dimensions of models in general. A key motivating factor has been to cut across conversations about what may be called an "ontology", by setting out the features and uses of different kinds of artifacts that are characterized as ontologies. As such this work aims to integrate various well-established perspectives on ontology development and usage, in such a way that practitioners in industry can work from this directly. This is further extended to consider the relationship between the different kinds of ontology and data. The framework described here is intended as the precursor to a more extensive methodology and is based on considerations of semiotics and ontological commitment. The goal is not to define new artifacts or perspectives, but to organize them and create a guideline for ontology development and re-use.