Data Model
A data model is an abstract model that organises elements of data and standardises how they relate to one another and to the properties of real-world entities. For instance, a data model may specify that the data element representing a car be composed of a number of other elements which, in turn, represent the colour and size of the car and define its owner.
Disambiguation
The term "data model" has a variety of meanings depending on context. In the context of ML/AI or data fitting (a common practice within the area of digitalisation) a data model is an entirely different concept: it's a representation of a dataset itself (like a fitted hypersurface) which can be used as a rapid lookup. Even within the context of knowledge engineering, the interpretation of "data model" isn't clear - for example, this discussion suggests that a "data model" is more conceptual than the more explicit "schema" or "ontology".
Within Task 43, there are a number of references to "data model" such as the WRA data model within Work Package 4. We see no need to retroactively change these, however. Going forward, use of the more explicit "schema" or "ontology" is preferred where appropriate.
Last updated
