Collaborative Modeling for Interoperability Standards · for Interoperability Standards Ben Constable. ... (requires browser only, ... Datex II:

www.sparxsystems.com

Collaborative Collaborative ModelingModeling forfor Interoperability StandardsInteroperability Standards

Ben ConstableChief Operations OfficerSparx Systems

31st Plenary Meeting, ISO/TC 211, Canberra, 2010 © Sparx Systems Pty Ltd 2010


OverviewOverview

The Value of Modeling in Standards

Collaborative ModelingWhat does it involve?

Examples in Utilities, Geospatial and beyond…

Challenges, Tools and TechniquesTeam-based modeling: What are the challenges?

Dealing with performance and concurrency

Extracting value: communicating the model

Q & A

Presenter

Presentation Notes

For background on the cross-over of Utilities and Geospatial see the paper: Impact of CIM-based Data Models on GIS Modeling (Parikh, Kalsow, Hesemann)


The Value of Modeling in StandardsThe Value of Modeling in Standards

Manage complexity

Plan and mitigate risk

Facilitate communication

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Complexity: Systems are larger, more highly integrated Plan & Mitigate Risk: Assess options before committing resources Communication: Large teams of collaborating roles, often distributed


Modeling Open StandardsModeling Open Standards: UML: UML

UML: Unified Modeling Language“…provide[s] system architects, software engineers, and software developers with tools for analysis, design, and implementation of software based systems as well as for modeling business and similar processes.” – UML Specification

Graphical language, not a methodology!Has syntax rulesProfiles provide extensibility

Current version: 2.3First UML spec in 1997Object Management Group (OMG)

More InfoUML, OMG: http://www.uml.org, www.omg.orgSparx Tutorials: http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources

http://www.uml.org/

http://www.omg.org/

http://www.uml.org/

http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources


Modeling Open StandardsModeling Open Standards: UML: UML

UML supports 14 diagrams to visualize:Structure (Package, Class, Component etc.)Behavior (Use Case, Activity, State Machine)Interaction (Sequence, Timing etc.)

UML structural diagrams used for information models:

Class Package ComponentParent

- attribute1: string

Child

- attribute2: int

Part+part

1Pkg A

+ Child

Pkg B

+ Parent+ Part

Component1

Component2


OverviewOverview

The Value of Modeling






Q & A

Presenter

Presentation Notes

For background on the cross-over of Utilities and Geospatial see the paper: Impact of CIM-based Data Models on GIS Modeling (Parikh, Kalsow, Hesemann)


Team based modeling Team based modeling –– the challengesthe challenges

Widely distributed teams

Shared development of standards

Big models and wide scope

Change control, merging work, revisions etc


Example of Global Model DeploymentExample of Global Model Deployment

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Importance of keeping “Model Master” - Shared view - Canonical Form - Publish etc. - Single point of truth


MultiMulti--site Models site Models –– How?How?

Ideal Scenario: Single, Shared (Master) Repository

Site 2

Site 3Site 1

Site n

Assumes good connectivity between each site


MultiMulti--site Models site Models –– How?How?

Alternative Scenario: Local Replicas

Site 2

Site 3Site 1

Site n

Allows broad replication even across slow links

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Required performance and available bandwidth usually dictate which deployment scenario we use


Collaborative modeling and open standardsCollaborative modeling and open standards

Interoperability standards typically:Use models and abstractions to:

Manage complexity – size and scope

Communicate to widely distributed audiences

Reduce risk of technology obsolescence

Use open modeling standards:

Often OMG’s Unified Modeling Language (UML)

For example IEC’s Common Information Model (CIM),

OGC’s Reference Model (ORM)

Involve many collaborating stakeholders and editors

Widely dispersed geographically

Numerous and varied member organizations

Presenter

Presentation Notes

CIMug as an example: http://cimug.ucaiug.org Manage complexity – size and scope * CIM is an abstract model that may be used as a reference, a category scheme of labels (data names) and applied meanings of data definitions, database design, and a definition of the structure and vocabulary of message schemas ... also includes a set of services for exchanging data. Considered "the most developed and widely accepted model for describing an electrical network.“ (CIM Road Map Task Force - ) * "CIM companion standards ... with the CIM models, provide a framework for the exchange of static models, transactional messages and full enterprise integration." CIM Model characteristics: UML Packages: ~60 Diagrams: ~250 Elements: ~1,100 (~900 Classes, ~2,700 Attributes) Connections: ~1,600 Numerous and varied member organizations: … Founding and Current Members include: - Ninety four companies - Thirty electric utilities - Many individual member contributors - Members from twenty six countries (From: http://cimug.ucaiug.org/Press%20Releases/CIMug_Flyer_July_2008_HR.pdf) UML usage in CIMug specs: http://cimug.ucaiug.org/default.aspx UML usage in OGC specs: http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/orm - Simple feature access - Part 1: Common architecture - Coordinate Transformation Service - Geographic Application Objects


Collaborative modeling and open standardsCollaborative modeling and open standards

Examples:

ISO/TC 211’s HMMG (maintains the ISO 19100 models)

JRC, INSPIRE

GeoSciML

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) CIM

UN/CEFACT’s Modeling Methodology (UMM)

Many others…

Presenter

Presentation Notes

ISO/TC 211 Harmonized Model Maintenance Group (HMMG) Maintenance of the ISO 19100 family of models Standard meta models for Geospatial domain Non-trivial size and scope: (~350 Packages, ~3K Elements, ~4K+ Connectors, ~2.5K Diagrams) HMMG adopted UML 2 and Enterprise Architect for modeling HMMG Model characteristics: UML Packages: ~350 Diagrams: ~2,500 Elements: ~3,000 (2,200 Classes, 4,100 Attributes) Connections: ~4,000+ Coverage: ~35 top-level ISO 19000 models UN/CEFACT’s UMM A standards-based approach for describing inter-organizational business process More info: http://umm-dev.org/tools/uml-case-tools


OverviewOverview

The Value of Modeling in Standards






Q & A


Performance: Big models, complex infoPerformance: Big models, complex info

Information Models can be HUGE!

Complete domain models yield 10,000’s of elements!

Need robust, scalable solutions…


Performance: Big models, complex infoPerformance: Big models, complex info

Use a Database RepositoryRobust modeling tools use a DBMS!Supports concurrent users + master view

Load on Demand (‘Lazy Load’)Only give me what I need when I need it!

Network optimization (‘WAN Optimizer’)Widely distributed environment must reduce the network chatter

Getting teams connected is a first step, having them work effectively is another matter…


How to maximize parallel work How to maximize parallel work SAFELYSAFELY

Multiple distributed editorsConsider: Who uses the model?For what purpose?Approaches must:

Enable concurrencyReduce risk of ‘collision’

Managing concurrent access Role-based SecurityVersion Control procedures


Safe parallel work: Safe parallel work: RoleRole--Based SecurityBased Security

Shared models, concurrent editors …Access controls needed!Individual user and group permissions

Role-based security:Require individuals or groups to login to the model repositoryRestricted editing privileges based on roleLocking granularity: View, Package or Element level


Extracting Value: CommunicatingExtracting Value: Communicating

HTML Output: Includes model structure, diagrams, project info for online distribution (requires browser only, not model editor)

Model navigation via project explorer frame and diagram hot-spots

Automate generation process via API to update online doco regularly (HTML output not synched with model data in real-time)

Numerous organizations publish standards models in HTML form:ISO/TC 211: http://www.isotc211.org/hmmg/HTMLGIEM/Govdex: https://www.govdex.gov.au/pub/DMV: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/csi/eahtml/index.htmDatex II: http://www.datex2.eu/?q=node/23XML and RTF outputs also possible.

http://www.isotc211.org/hmmg/HTML

https://www.govdex.gov.au/pub/

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/csi/eahtml/index.htm

http://www.datex2.eu/?q=node/23


OverviewOverview

The Value of Modeling






Q & A

Thank You

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Collaborative Modeling for Interoperability Standards · for Interoperability Standards Ben Constable. ... (requires browser only, ... Datex II: