Data Integration is one of the key problems for the development of modern information systems. The exponential growth of the web and the extended use of database management systems has brought to the fore the need for seamless interconnection of diverse and large numbers of information sources. In order to provide uniform access to heterogeneous and autonomous data sources, complex query and integration mechanisms have to be designed and implemented.
An essential matter in heterogeneous database integration is the mapping process. We define the mapping of two schemata as a sufficient specification to transformation of each instance of schema 1 into an instance of schema 2 with the same meaning as shown in figure:
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Fig 1 |
here we use as example target schema the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model that provides definitions and a formal structure for describing the implicit and explicit concepts and relationships used in cultural heritage documentation. Whereas the CIDOC CRM was created for information from cultural heritage, it is adequate to model other domains as well.
This page contains information about how to define mappings, tools to support the mapping process and particular mapping definitions between relevant data structures and the CIDOC CRM.
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