Representation of UML Class Diagrams in OWL 2 on the Background of Domain Ontologies

Background: UML class diagrams can be automatically validated if they are compliant with a domain knowledge specified in a selected OWL 2 domain ontology. The method requires translation of the diagrams into their OWL 2 representation. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present transformation and verification rules of UML class diagrams to their OWL 2 representation. Method: The analysis of the results of the systematic literature review on the topic of transformation rules between elements of UML class diagrams and OWL 2 constructs. The purpose of the analysis is to present the extent to which state-of-the-art transformation rules cover the semantics expressed in class diagrams. On the basis of the analysis, new transformation rules expressing the semantics not yet covered but expected from the point of view of domain modelling pragmatics have been defined. Results: The first result is the revision and extension of the transformation rules identified in the literature. The second original result is a proposition of verification rules necessary to check if a UML class diagram is compliant with the OWL 2 domain ontology. Conclusion: The proposed transformations can be used for automatic validation of compliance of UML class diagrams with respect to OWL 2 domain ontologies.