University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Supporting diagrammatic knowledge acquisition: an ontological analysis of Cartesian graphs

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 14:02 authored by Peter ChengPeter Cheng, J. Cupit, N.R. Shadbolt
Cartesian graphs constitute an important class of knowledge representation devices. As part of a project on diagrammatic knowledge acquisition we have formulated principles that can underpin the construction, interpretation and use of Cartesian graphs in general and in the specific context of knowledge acquisition. Cartesian graphs are distinguished from other forms of representations by the manner in which they use two-dimensional space to encode quantities on interval or ratio scales. An ontological approach to the analysis of graphs was adopted in which a framework for mapping between the EngMath ontology for engineering mathematics and an ontology of visual components of graphs was developed, the GraphRep framework. GraphRep considers the roles of physical dimensions, measurement units, scales of measurement, functional relations amongst quantities and magnitudes in the generation and interpretation of graphs. It provides a topology of standard graphs and rules for the construction of composite graphs. The utility of the framework is demonstrated by using it: (1) to explain why a particular type of complex composite graph is often used for problem solving in thermodynamics; (2) to analyse the limitations of existing software packages for visualizing data, such as spreadsheets, and to suggest the improvements in their design; and (3) to provide constraints and guidelines for the design of procedures and software to support diagrammatic knowledge acquisition with Cartesian graphs.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

International Journal of Human Computer Studies

ISSN

1071-5819

Publisher

Academic Press, Inc.

Issue

4

Volume

54

Page range

457-494

Department affiliated with

  • Informatics Publications

Notes

Originality: Introduces a novel approach to knowledge acquisition that exploits diagrams rather than logic-based notations or natural language. Rigour: Develops the underpinning theory of diagrammatic knowledge acquisition and the methodology for conducting DKA using Cartesian graphs. Significance: The approach can allow experts to naturally express a major class of knowledge using the representation that encodes that knowledge. Impact: Promotes the novel idea of diagram based knowledge acquisition. Ideas have been the foundational for subsequent work on representational system design and ESRC/EPSRC PACCIT programme funding.

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2008-02-11

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC