Overview
This ontology is a tool for aggregating and consolidating impact accounting data across different standards and vocabularies. The ontology is intended to be generic enough to be used for anthropogenic impact accounting in almost any discipline and context, including climate action impact accounting.
Structure
Our ontology currently comprises 56 classes and 11 primary axioms.
Premise
An agent engages in an activity that impacts an environment.
Classes
- thing
- agent
- activity
- claim (v)
- report (v)
- measure (v)
- calculate
- validate
- verify (v)
- audit (v)
- attest
- represent(v)
- claim (v)
- instrument
- environment
- parameter
- class
- spatial parameter
- location
- extent
- line
- area
- volume
- temporal parameter
- instant
- duration
- period
- time position
- reputation
- state
- control (n)
- role
- owner
- operator
- claimant
- verifier
- auditor
- calibrator
- project_developer
- measurement system
- spatial reference system
- geodetic datum
- geocentric datum
- temporal reference system
- spatial reference system
- classification system
- formula
- data_format
- objective
- role
- event
- process (n)
- natural process
- project
- claim (n)
- impact claim (n)
- identity claim
- report (n)
- audit (n)
- measurement
- calculation
- indicator
- attestation (n)
- medium
- claim medium
- attestation medium
Axioms
Primary
- An agent engages in an activity.
- An activity impacts an environment.
- An environment is defined by (interrelated) parameters.
- A state is the value of a parameter P at time position t.
- An activity is performed with an instrument.
- An activity has at least one thing as input.
- An activity has at least one thing as output.
- A claim is a statement about a (some specific) thing.
- A claim is expressed in a claim medium.
- An agent enacts a role.
- An event impacts an environment.
- A control limits or directs a thing.
Secondary
(Listed in OWL file.)
Tertiary
(Listed in OWL file.)
Definitions
Class | Definition | Synonyms | Notes | Last edited on | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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thing | FINAL: "Anything perceivable or conceivable." ("object" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) "An entity is a physical, digital, conceptual, or other kind of thing with some fixed aspects; entities may be real or imaginary." (https://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Entity) | object, entity, item | "Every individual in the OWL world is a member of the class owl:Thing. Thus each user-defined class is implicitly a subclass of owl:Thing."[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim(n)activity | FINAL: A claim is a statement about a (some specific) thingthing that an agent does and which impacts an environment. "[A]n assertion that something is true thing that a person or group does or has done." (OED, Google) | assertion | 13 Aug 2024 | thing:attestation(n) | thing:medium | an agency or means of doing something. Oxford dictionary | 10 sep 2024 | thing:claim_medium(n) | (A x-scape is a coded aggregate interpretation of an environment) A medium is a thing that can be altered, either temporarily or permanently, to serve as a vehicle of communication. | thing:control:data_format | FINAL: A defined structure and encoding system for the processing, storage, or presentation of data. | Format: encoding system [text, images, audio, sensor data,) | 10 sep 2024 | thing:activity:represent(v) | The act of registering a claim unto a claim_mediumby means of an instrument10 Sep 2024 | thing:claim:report(n) | FINAL: A report is a claim, that satisfies a specification, about an activity or event. | A specification for a report is a thing:control | thing:claim:impact_claim | FINAL: An impact claim is a statement about the relation between an activity and a state change, typically following an impact accounting methodology (thing:control). | thing:claim:identity_claim | TODO. | thing:agent | FINAL: An agent is a thing that bears some form of responsibility for an activity taking place or for the existence of another thing, and which can be held accountable for it. "An agent is something that bears some form of responsibility for an activity taking place, for the existence of an entity, or for another agent's activity." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Agent) "[A] person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect." (OED, Google) "[The] doer of an action, typically expressed as the subject of an active verb or in a by phrase with a passive verb." (OED, Google) | 2024/07/20 | |||||||||||||||
thing:activity | FINAL: A thing that an agent does and which impacts an environment. "[A] thing that a person or group does or has done." (OED, Google) "Smallest identified object of work in a project." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) "An activity is something that occurs over a period of time and acts upon or with entities; it may include consuming, processing, transforming, modifying, relocating, using, or generating entities." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Activity) | action | Occurs over a period of time and has a duration. Has a spatial dimension. | 2024/07/20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:measure(v) | FINAL: The activity of ascertaining the value of a parameter defining a state. "[A]scertain the size, amount, or degree of (something) by using an instrument or device marked in standard units." (OED, Google) "[A]ssess the importance, effect, or value of (something)." (OED, Google) | monitor (?) | "[D]etermining the status of a system, a process, a product, a service, or an activity." ("monitoring" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) | thing:activity:claim(v) | FINAL: The activity of making a statement about a (specific) thing. "[S]tate or assert that something is the case..." (OED, Google) "[A]ssert that one has gained or achieved (something)." (OED, Google) | thing:activity:claim:report(v) | FINAL: The activity of making a claim about an activity or event according to a specification. | thing:activity:verify(v) | FINAL : The activity of confirming or demonstrating that something is true, accurate, or justified. "[M]ake sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified." (OED, Google) "[C]onfirm[], through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled." ("verification" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) "[T]o establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of." (Merriam-Webster) | ISO 9000 defines 'verification' and 'validation' indistinguishably. | thing:activity:validate(v) | FINAL: The activity of confirming or demonstrating that something satisfies a specification. | add to ontology | thing:claim:audit(n) | FINAL: The result of an auditing process. | thing:activity:verify:audit(v) | FINAL: The activity of performing a systematic, independent, objective and documented evaluation of a claim and its supporting evidence to determine the extent to which it complies with specific criteria. [control] "[C]onduct a systematic review of." (OED, Google) Conduct a systematic review or assessment of something. | "systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled" ("audit" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) | thing:environment | FINAL (proposed): The surroundings and conditions in which a thing exists. "[T]he surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates"Smallest identified object of work in a project." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) "An activity is something that occurs over a period of time and acts upon or with entities; it may include consuming, processing, transforming, modifying, relocating, using, or generating entities." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Activity) | action | Occurs over a period of time and has a duration. Has a spatial dimension. | 2024/07/20 | |||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:attest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:claim(v) | FINAL: The activity of making a statement about a (specific) thing. "[S]tate or assert that something is the case..." (OED, Google) "[A]ssert that one has gained or achieved (something)." (OED, Google) | assert | W3C Glossary: (n.) Assertion (i) Any expression which is claimed to be true. (ii) The act of claiming something to be true. https://www.w3.org/TR/vc-data-model/#claims is practically identical: "A claim is a statement about a subject. A subject is a thing about which claims can be made." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:claim:report(v) | FINAL: The activity of making a claim about an activity or event according to a specification. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:measure(v) | FINAL: The activity of ascertaining the value of a parameter defining a state. "[A]scertain the size, amount, or degree of (something) by using an instrument or device marked in standard units." (OED, Google) "[A]ssess the importance, effect, or value of (something)." (OED, Google) | monitor (?) | "[D]etermining the status of a system, a process, a product, a service, or an activity." ("monitoring" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:represent(v) | The act of registering a claim unto a claim_mediumby means of an instrument | 10 Sep 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:validate(v) | FINAL: The activity of confirming or demonstrating that something satisfies a specification. | add to ontology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:verify(v) | FINAL : The activity of confirming or demonstrating that something is true, accurate, or justified. "[M]ake sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified." (OED, Google) "[C]onfirm[], through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled." ("verification" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) "[T]o establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of." (Merriam-Webster) | ISO 9000 defines 'verification' and 'validation' indistinguishably. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:activity:verify:audit(v) | FINAL: The activity of performing a systematic, independent, objective and documented evaluation of a claim and its supporting evidence to determine the extent to which it complies with specific criteria. [control] "[C]onduct a systematic review of." (OED, Google) Conduct a systematic review or assessment of something. | "systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled" ("audit" - ISO 9000:2015(E)) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:agent | FINAL: An agent is a thing that bears some form of responsibility for an activity taking place or for the existence of another thing, and which can be held accountable for it. "An agent is something that bears some form of responsibility for an activity taking place, for the existence of an entity, or for another agent's activity." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Agent) "[A] person or thing that takes an active role or produces a specified effect." (OED, Google) "[The] doer of an action, typically expressed as the subject of an active verb or in a by phrase with a passive verb." (OED, Google) | 'organization' as defined in ISO's Annex SL Appendix 2 is treated in this ontology as an agent consisting of multiple other agents. Think further about delegation. foaf has: The foaf:Agent class is the class of agents; things that do stuff. A well known sub-class is foaf:Person, representing people. Other kinds of agents include foaf:Organization and foaf:Group. | 2024/07/20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:attestation(n) | "A claim that is validated by formal statement of authority " "The act of witnessing " ... "subscribing as a witness" Attestation, evidence or proof of something. a declaration that something exists or is the case. the action of being a witness to or formally certifying something. Cambridge:a formal statement that you make and officially say is true | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim(n) | FINAL: A claim is a statement about a (some specific) thing. "[A]n assertion that something is true." (OED, Google) | assertion | 13 Aug 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim:audit(n) | FINAL: The result of an auditing process. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim:identity_claim | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim:impact_claim | FINAL: An impact claim is a statement about the relation between an activity and a state change, typically following an impact accounting methodology (thing:control). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim:indicator | FINAL: A calculated interpretation of measured parameters that indicates the state or level of an OWL::thing. "[A] thing that indicates the state or level of something." (OED, Google) Cambridge Dictionary says: @something that shows what a situation is like: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:claim:report(n) | FINAL: A report is a claim, that satisfies a specification, about an activity or event. | A specification for a report is a thing:control | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control(n) | FINAL: A means of limiting or directing a thing. "[A] means of limiting or regulating something." (OED, Google) "[T]he restriction of an activity, tendency, or phenomenon." (OED, Google) | limit, regulation, constraint, guide(n), directive, specification, requirement, constraint | An impact accounting standard is a control that comprises both procedures and object specifications. "standard": {
} requirement: {
} constraint: {
| domain (?) | thing:parameter | FINAL: A quality or feature forming one of a set that defines an owl::thing or sets the conditions of its existence or operation. "[A] numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation."
} A procedure guides an activity. procedure: {
} "methodology": {
} "[A] numerical characteristic of a population, as distinct from a statistic of a sample." (OED, Google) "[A] quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something." ("attribute" - OED, Google) | attribute | thing:state | FINAL: A state is the value of a parameter at a specific time position. "[T]he particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time." (OED, Google) | "Condition" in the sense of "if x then..." are expressed by using thing:state inside thing:control. Definitions for "condition": {
} | thing:parameter:temporal_parameter | TODO. | thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:time_position | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) | E.g., "travel through space and time" Time: "[T]he indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole." (OED, Google) | thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:instant | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) A specific point in time. | thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:duration | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) It's an amount of time. | thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:period | interval stretch term span phase session bout run | Some periods in time may be "fuzzy" - exact y:m:d h:m:s may be unknown, but we can attribute a starting or ending point with a certain level of confidence. I.e., they can be definite or fuzzy. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter | TODO. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:location | TODO. | Location, or space, can - like time and periods - be either definite or fuzzy. Spatial equivalent of "period" is region. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent | TODO. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:line | TODO. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:area | TODO. | thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:volume | TODO. | thing:parameter:class | TODO. | thing:event | FINAL: thing that happens or takes place and which impacts an environment. An event is differentiated from an activity by the absence of explicit human intention. "Nature has events, humans act" "[A] thing that happens or takes place,...Methodology vs. procedure: {
} An object specification is a control. "[D]ocument stating requirements." ("specification", ISO 9000:2015(E)) "A plan is an entity that represents a set of actions or steps intended by one or more agents to achieve some goals." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Plan) A condition limits an activity with reference to a state. | |
thing:control:classification_system | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:data_format | FINAL: A defined structure and encoding system for the processing, storage, or presentation of data. | Format: encoding system [text, images, audio, sensor data,) | 10 sep 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:formula | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:measurement_system | FINAL: A measurement system allows the expression of the state of a parameter. | reference system datum system of measurement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system:geocentric_datum | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system:geodetic_datum | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:measurement_system:temporal_reference_system | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:objective | FINAL: "[R]esult to be achieved." (ISO Annex SL Appendix 2) | goal | Is an attribute of thing:activity and thing:process:project. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent with regards to a specific activity. The function assumed or part enacted by an agent in a particular situation, and which might be subjected to a thing:control. "[T]he function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation." (OED, Google) "[A] role is particular behaviour which a material entity may exhibit." "A role is the function of an entity or agent with respect to an activity, in the context of a usage, generation, invalidation, association, start, and end." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Role) | Roles are context-specific. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:calibrator | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who calibrates a measurement instrument. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:claimant | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who makes a claim in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person making a claim, especially in a lawsuit or for a state benefit." (OED, Google) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:operator | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who operates a specific thing (e.g., an instrument) in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person who operates equipment or a machine." (OED, Google) "[A] single occurrence of a process, e.g. the ionization of one atom person or company that runs a business." (OED, Google) A transition in the world (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#InstantaneousEvent). "Events include generation, usage, or invalidation of entities, as well as starting or ending of activities... An... event... happens in the world and marks a change in the world, in its activities and in its entities. The term 'event' is commonly used in process algebra with a similar meaning. Events represent communications or interactions; they are assumed to be atomic and instantaneous." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#InstantaneousEvent) | A project operator is an agent who operates a project, with the project considered to be an instrument. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:owner | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who owns a specific thing in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person who owns something." (OED, Google) | A project owner is an agent who owns a project, with the project considered to be an instrument. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:project_developer | FINAL: A A set of predefined behaviours for an agent with regards to a specific activity. The function assumed or part enacted by an agent in a particular situation, and which might be subjected to a thing:control. "[T]he function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situationwho defines and prepares the conditions for an activity or a set of activities.
"[A] role is particular behaviour which a material entity may exhibit." "A role is the function of an entity or agent with respect to an activity, in the context of a usage, generation, invalidation, association, start, and end." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Role) Roles are context-specific.A role restricts the set of activities that an agent can perform in the context within which they enact the role. Roles are sometimes mutually exclusive. Some roles require the enacting agent to have met certain requirements to be allowed to enact the role in that context. Cf. 4E cognition: embodied, embedded, enactive, extended. | thing:control:role:owner | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who owns a specific thing in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person who owns something." (OED, Google) | A project owner is an agent who owns a project, with the project considered to be an instrument. | thing:control:role:operator | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who operates a specific thing (e.g., an instrument) in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person who operates equipment or a machineHow does 'project developer' differ from 'project owner' and 'project operator'? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:verifier | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who verifies a claim. "[S]omeone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement." ("verifier") | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:control:role:verifier:auditor | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for a certified agent who conducts an audit. "[A] person who conducts an audit." (OED, Google) "[P]erson who conducts an audit." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:environment | FINAL (proposed): The surroundings and conditions in which a thing exists. "[T]he surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates." (OED, Google) "[T]he setting or conditions in which a particular activity is carried on. (OED, Google) "[A] specified sphere of activity or knowledge." ("domain" - OED, Google) | domain (?) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:event | FINAL: thing that happens or takes place and which impacts an environment. An event is differentiated from an activity by the absence of explicit human intention. "Nature has events, humans act" "[A] thing that happens or takes place,..." (OED, Google) "[A] person or company that runs a business single occurrence of a process, e.g. the ionization of one atom." (OED, Google) | A project operator is an agent who operates a project, with the project considered to be an instrument. | thing:control:role:claimant | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who makes a claim in the context of a specific activity. "[A] person making a claim, especially in a lawsuit or for a state benefit." (OED, Google) | thing:control:role:project_developer | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who defines and prepares the conditions for an activity or a set of activities, Google) A transition in the world (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#InstantaneousEvent). | "Events include generation, usage, or invalidation of entities, as well as starting or ending of activities... An... event... happens in the world and marks a change in the world, in its activities and in its entities. The term 'event' is commonly used in process algebra with a similar meaning. Events represent communications or interactions; they are assumed to be atomic and instantaneous." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#InstantaneousEvent) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:instrument | FINAL: A thing used to perform an activity. "[A] person or thing that develops something tool or implement, especially one for precision work." (OED, Google) | How does 'project developer' differ from 'project owner' and 'project operator'? | thing:control:role:verifier | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who verifies a claim. "[S]omeone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement." ("verifier") | thing:control:role:verifier:auditor | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for a certified agent who conducts an audit. "[A] person who conducts an audit." ("[A] means of pursuing an aim." (OED, Google) "[A] measuring device used to gauge the level, position, speed, etc. of something,..." (OED, Google) "[A] thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment." ("device" - OED, Google) "[P]erson who conducts an audit." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) | thing:control:role:calibrator | FINAL: A set of predefined behaviours for an agent who calibrates a measurement instrument. | thing:control(n) | FINAL: A means of limiting or directing a thing.A] plan, method, or trick with a particular aim." ("device" - OED, Google) "[A] means of limiting or regulating something device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function." ("tool" - OED, Google) "[T]he restriction of an activity, tendency, or phenomenonA] thing used to help perform a job." ("tool" - OED, Google) | limit, regulation, constraint, guide(n), directive, specification, requirement, constraint | An impact accounting standard is a control that comprises both procedures and object specifications. "standard": {
} requirement: {
} constraint: {
} A procedure guides an activity. procedure: {
} "methodology": {
} Methodology vs. procedure: {
} An object specification is a control. "[D]ocument stating requirements." ("specification", ISO 9000:2015(E)) "A plan is an entity that represents a set of actions or steps intended by one or more agents to achieve some goals." (http://www.w3.org/ns/prov#Plan) A condition limits an activity with reference to a state. | thing:control:formula | TODO. | thing:control:classification_system | TODO. | thing:control:measurement_system | reference system datum system of measurement | thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system | TODO. | thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system:geodetic_datum | TODO. | thing:control:measurement_system:spatial_reference_system:geocentric_datum | TODO. | thing:control:measurement_system:temporal_reference_system | TODO. | thing:instrument | FINAL: A thing used to perform an activity. "[A] tool or implement, especially one for precision work." (OED, Google) "[A] means of pursuing an aim." (OED, Google) "[A] measuring device used to gauge the level, position, speed, etc. of something,..." (OED, Google) "[A] thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment." ("device" - OED, Google) "[A] plan, method, or trick with a particular aim." ("device" - ) | device (?) tool (?) | Conscious decision taken not to distinguish further between measurement instruments, production instruments, communication instruments, etc., because most instruments today serve a variety of functions - e.g., a specific instrument can be used both for production and measurement. | ||||||||||
thing:medium | an agency or means of doing something. Oxford dictionary | 10 sep 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:medium:claim_medium(n) | A means of representation though a control:data_format Media can be digital or physical | (A x-scape is a coded aggregate interpretation of an environment) A medium is a thing that can be altered, either temporarily or permanently, to serve as a vehicle of communication. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter | FINAL: A quality or feature forming one of a set that defines an owl::thing or sets the conditions of its existence or operation. "[A] numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation." (OED, Google) "[A] limit or boundary which defines the scope of a particular process or activity." (OED, Google) "[A] numerical characteristic of a population, as distinct from a statistic of a sample." (OED, Google) "[A] quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something." ("attribute" - OED, Google) | attribute | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:class | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:reputation | "[T]he beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something." (OED, Google) "[A] widespread belief that someone or something has a particular characteristic." (OED, Google) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:area | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:line | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:extent:volume | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:spatial_parameter:location | TODO. | Location, or space, can - like time and periods - be either definite or fuzzy. Spatial equivalent of "period" is region. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:temporal_parameter | TODO. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:duration | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) It's an amount of time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:instant | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) A specific point in time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:period | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) a length or portion of time A portion of time defined by a specific starting point in time and a specific ending point in time. | interval stretch term span phase session bout run | Some periods in time may be "fuzzy" - exact y:m:d h:m:s may be unknown, but we can attribute a starting or ending point with a certain level of confidence. I.e., they can be definite or fuzzy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:parameter:temporal_parameter:time_position | FINAL: (TODO: Import without change from owl-time.) | E.g., "travel through space and time" Time: "[T]he indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole." (OED, Google) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:process(n) | FINAL: A series of interrelated or interacting events or activities. "[A] series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end." (OED, Google) "[A] natural series of changes." (OED, Google) "[A] device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function." ("tool" - systematic series of mechanized or chemical operations that are performed in order to produce something." (OED, Google) "[A] thing used to help perform a job." ("tool" - OED, Google) | device (?) tool (?) | Conscious decision taken not to distinguish further between measurement instruments, production instruments, communication instruments, etc., because most instruments today serve a variety of functions - e.g., a specific instrument can be used both for production and measurement. | thing:process(n) | FINAL: A series of interrelated or interacting events or activitiesS]et of interrelated or interacting activities that uses or transforms inputs to deliver a(n) (intended) result." (ISO Annex SL Appendix 2; ISO 9000:2015(E)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:process:natural_process | FINAL: A series of interrelated or interacting natural events without a primary human cause. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:process:project | FINAL: A unique process, consisting of a set of coordinated activities, undertaken to achieve an objective under specific controls. "[A] series of actions or steps taken in order n individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular endaim." (OED, Google) "[A] natural series of changes proposed or planned undertaking." (OED, Google) "[A] systematic series of mechanized or chemical operations that are performed in order to produce something." (OED, Google)"[S]et of interrelated or interacting activities that uses or transforms inputs to deliver a(n) (intended) result." (ISO Annex SL Appendix 2; U]nique process, consisting of a set of coordinated and controlled activities with start and finish dates, undertaken to achieve an objective conforming to specific requirements, including the constraints of time, cost and resources." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
thing:process:natural_processstate | FINAL: A series of interrelated or interacting natural events without a primary human cause. | thing:process:project | FINAL: A unique process, consisting of a set of coordinated activities, undertaken to achieve an objective under specific controlsstate is the value of a parameter at a specific time position. "[A]n individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aimT]he particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time." (OED, Google)Google) | "Condition" in the sense of "if x then..." are expressed by using thing:state inside thing:control. Definitions for "condition": {
| thing:claim:indicator | FINAL: A calculated interpretation of measured parameters that indicates the state or level of an OWL::thing.
Cambridge Dictionary says: @something that shows what a situation is like: | thing:control:objective | FINAL: "[R]esult to be achieved." (ISO Annex SL Appendix 2) | goal | Is an attribute of thing:activity and thing:process:project. | thing:parameter:reputation | "[T]he beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something." (OED, Google
} |
Other
The table below contains terms that were considered for inclusion in the ontology, but for which the decision was made that they were mere synonyms of other classes already included, or they were "terms of convenience" that did not identify specific classes in themselves.
Term | Definition | Synonyms | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
resource | FINAL: A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that an agent can use to perform an activity. "[A] stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively." (OED, Google) "[A] source of help or information." (OED, Google) "[A]vailable assets." (OED, Google) | A term that can be applied to a thing when it becomes an input or instrument to an activity or process. It is not a class in itself. | |
input | "[W]hat is put in, taken in, or operated on by any process or system." (OED, Google) | Is an attribute of thing:activity and thing:process. A term use to describe the relation of some owl:thing to some owl:activity. It is not a class in itself. | |
output | "[R]esult of a process." (ISO 9000:2015(E)) | result | Is an attribute of thing:activity and thing:process. A term use to describe the relation of some owl:thing to some owl:activity. It is not a class in itself. |
Application of the ontology
TODO: this table is a work in progress and still needs A LOT of work.
Ontology (What are the 'things' that the accounting system should know about? What are the defining properties or characteristics of each 'thing'?) | Epistemology (How will the accounting system get information about these things and their attributes?) | Semiology (How will each of the things be represented in the accounting system?) | |
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Agents |
| An agent asserts their identity though digital signatures Agents provide proofs of their properties through verified credentials Other parties can verify agent properties and make claims about their methods and results | Digital signature Verified credentials Validation claim by third party |
Role | See: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/CHEBI_50906 Definition "A role is particular behaviour which a material entity may exhibit."^^xsd:string | ||
Activities |
* An audit is a special type of activity where the input is a claim and the output is an evaluation of that claim. | Ex ante: An agent asserts their intentions to act in a Projet Design Document (PDD) Ex post: An agent describe their actions in a Projet Design Document (PDD) The activity and its results and impacts are documented by the agent at intervals in a monitoring report (MR) |
Consider a token for an activity that contains all the essential elements in column 1. Such a token must have a time limit and proof of life requirements (e.g. minimum process data feed to confirm it is ongoing) IPCC |
Environments |
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States |
*State as in environmental state (not political state) | Parameters/indicators for states Parameters/indicators delivered by agents via PDDs and MRs |
|
Parameters |
(Emission factors are parameters, for example.) |
| |
Standards |
|
| |
Claims |
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Epistemology
We know about things through direct participation in them or through representations.
For things we experience directly we do not need any further assurance that they are true.
OWL file
https://github.com/aartum/CA2-SIG-StandardsWG/tree/main/Schemas/OWL
Implementations examples
- Protobuf
- UML diagram (hosted on Lucidchart; login required)
- Protos
- Hedera Guardian
Vocabulary maps
CDM - AIAO: https://purl.archive.org/purl/aiaontology/cdmvocabulary
Gold Standard - AIAO: https://purl.archive.org/purl/aiaontology/gsvocabulary
VCS - AIAO: https://purl.archive.org/purl/aiaontology/vcsvocabulary