Ontology based framework for data integration

Abstract: One of the most complex issues of the data integration is the case where there are multiple sources for the same data element. It is not easy to generate and maintain the integrated scheme. In this paper we describe a framework which encompasses the entire data integration process. The data source schemas as well as the integrated schema are expressed using an extension of an ontology definition language which allows the incorporation of metadata to support the integration process. The proposed model allows the user to concentrate in modeling the problem itself and not in the issues of dealing with the temporal and the spatial aspects concerning to many of the data sources usually used in the enterprises information systems.