Learning objectives
- Distinguish a class from an individual.
- Create classes and subclass relationships.
- Define named relationships between classes.
- Create individuals, assign them to classes and connect them.
- Distinguish the conceptual schema (T-box) from individual assertions (A-box).
Synthetic teaching scenario: this is not a model of Umeå Energi's actual infrastructure.
1 · T-box: Define classes
A class describes a category or type of thing.
2 · T-box: Define relationships
A relationship describes how one class can be connected to another.
3 · Inspect the T-box
This conceptual model describes kinds of things and possible relationships—not particular plant equipment.
The graph updates whenever you add a class or relationship. Drag nodes to rearrange it. Blue arrows represent subclass links; teal dashed arrows represent relationships between classes.
Subclass ofRelationship between classes
| Relationship | From class | To class |
|---|
4 · A-box: Create individuals
An individual is one particular entity.
5 · A-box: Connect individuals
Connect specific individuals using a relationship defined in the T-box.
6 · Compare T-box and A-box
T-box · Schema
What kinds of things exist?
A-box · Assertions
Which particular things and links?
Reflection
If you add another boiler, do you need a new class called Boiler2, or can you create another individual belonging to the existing Boiler class?
Build the model, then discuss this question.