Evaluation Framework for Ontology Modularization Approaches

In this research, we devise a novel evaluation framework for ontology modularization to measure both the quality of ontology modules and the logical consistency during the modularization process. To measure the quality of ontology modules, we introduce module size, module cohesion, and module coupling metrics derived from the theory of software engineering. In addition, the evaluating modularization process to guarantee the logical consistency of entities and axioms during modularization is also included in the proposed framework. Empirical experiments are performed, and the experimental results indicate that our evaluation framework for ontology modularization is valid and works well. The ultimate goal of this research is to build an ontology modularization evaluation framework, enabling ontology engineers to compare and apply easily the different modularization approaches to produce qualifying ontology modules.