Adding Visual Annotations to Model Elements in Eclipse-Based Diagram Editors

Graphical models are useful for discussing different aspects of processes, structures or requirements. The visual syntax of a standard modelling language cannot support all such aspects. There are several cases where it would be desirable to decorate the symbols in a diagram with additional visual annotations. This way, it is possible to include specific information (such as security requirements) that cannot be expressed graphically when using the standard modelling language. In our paper, we present plug-ins for the Eclipse Modelling Framework that make it possible to decorate diagrams with additional visual annotations. These plug-ins can be added to Eclipse-based modelling tools, thus allowing them to enrich the expressiveness of their diagrams.