A method for consistent ocean ontology construction

A well constructed ontology plays a crucial role in knowledge description, knowledge query and knowledge reasoning. However the inevitable issue in ontology construction is that ontologies which are developed by different creators are inconsistent. This paper firstly analyzes four reasons why the inconsistencies occur. Then based on the reasons we propose a methodology for ontology construction to minimize the distinctions. The concrete steps of methodology are exemplified by two parts of ocean ecosystem ontology: ocean food chain ontology and ocean creature ontology. Finally we demonstrate the validity of the construction through two use case scenarios which are query of “consumers of dinoflagellate” and reasoning about algal bloom.