Table 2

Documentation system sections and their explanation. The names of the sections are given in the left column; the explanation in the center column, and the right column states which sections are optional

Section name

Explanation

Optional

Name

The unique name of the ODP

No

Also known as

Any other name that is given to this ODP

Yes

URL

An URL where the ODP can be obtained

No

Classification

The classification, by general usage, of the ODP: One of “Extensional”, “Good practice” or “Domain Modelling”

No

Motivation

The scenario where the ODP might be needed

No

Aim

The concrete solution the ODP provides

No

Elements

The properties, classes and instances that build the ODP

No

Structure

How the elements relate to each other to build the ODP. This should be provided in any graphical form like UML or OWLViz

No

Sample

An example of the structure, applied to an ontology

No

Implementation

Explanation of how to build or apply the ODP in an actual system

No

Result

The structure that should appear in the ontology after applying the ODP (and often after reasoning)

No

Side effects

Any non obvious consequences of applying the ODP

No

Known uses

Any system where the ODP has been successfully applied

Yes

Related ODPs

Any ODP that uses or is used by this ODP, or any ODP that has anything in common with this one

Yes

References

Any publications or web pages where this ODP has been previously described

Yes

Additional information

Any information that does not fit in any of the previous sections

Yes

Aranguren et al. BMC Bioinformatics 2008 9(Suppl 5):S1   doi:10.1186/1471-2105-9-S5-S1