Databases as Ontologies

In this paper the problem of the interpretation of databases as ontologies is investigated. A method for embedding databases in ontologies via their simulation within object theories is established. The problem of modeling the DB's closed world within the open world of description logics is considered. The results of the paper have both theoretical and practical impact, because they offer a homogenuous and coherent method for databases-as-ontologies manipulation in logical knowledge bases. In particular, this method has been applied to handling natural science databases describing Lake Baikal.