Glossary · Semantic interoperability and information models
Dictionary (semantic)
Also known as: Data dictionary, Property dictionary
German: Begriffswörterbuch
In semantic interoperability, a dictionary is a managed collection of concept definitions, such as classes, properties, units and value lists, each with a unique identifier, used to describe products and data consistently. Examples are ECLASS and the IEC Common Data Dictionary, which follows the IEC 61360 model.
- Information models
- Standards
In one sentence
A semantic dictionary is a managed collection of uniquely identified classes, properties and units, such as ECLASS or IEC CDD.
Example
A component supplier classifies its proximity sensors with ECLASS and describes their switching distance with the dictionary's property, so customers can filter by it.
How it applies
- Engineering: Referencing dictionary entries in product data, the AAS or OPC UA models gives data a shared meaning across companies and tools.
- Operation: Dictionaries are released in versions. Record which version was used, since definitions and identifiers can change or be deprecated.
- Documentation: Product data sheets, catalogs and documentation metadata benefit from the same dictionary properties. Aligning the company's terminology database with the dictionary reduces contradictions.
Semantic dictionary vs. terminology database
A terminology database manages terms and their use in language, for example preferred and forbidden terms in manuals. A semantic dictionary manages concepts as data definitions with identifiers, data types and units for machine processing. Both describe concepts; they serve different users.