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Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology

Release: 2026-05-03

Modified on: 2026-05-03
This version:
https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto/2.02#
Revision:
2.02
Authors:
Kalin Maldzhanski
Publisher:
Linked.Archi
Source:
https://dodcio.defense.gov/Library/DoD-Architecture-Framework/
See also:
https://dodcio.defense.gov/Library/DoD-Architecture-Framework/
License:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Visualization:
Visualize with WebVowl
Cite as:
Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology
Provenance of this page
draft

Abstract

OWL representation of DoDAF 2.02 core entity types and relationships. All entity classes extend arch:Element from the Linked.Archi core ontology.

Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology: Overview back to ToC

This ontology has the following classes and properties.

Classes

Object Properties

Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology: Description back to ToC

Linked.Archi ontology aligned to the U.S. Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) version 2.02. Models the core entity types used across DoDAF viewpoints as OWL classes extending arch:Element, and the key relationships as owl:ObjectProperty. DoDAF 2.0 shifted focus from static products to architectural data — this ontology captures the underlying data model that the viewpoints present. This is not an official U.S. Department of Defense document.

Cross-reference for Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology classes, object properties and data properties back to ToC

This section provides details for each class and property defined by Linked.Archi DoDAF Ontology.

Classes

Capabilityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Capability

The ability to achieve a desired effect under specified standards and conditions through a combination of ways and means to perform a set of activities.
has super-classes
element c

Capability Incrementc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#CapabilityIncrement

A planned phase of capability delivery representing a discrete step in the achievement of a full capability over time.
has super-classes
element c

Conceptual Data Entityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#ConceptualDataEntity

A high-level data concept and its relationships, independent of implementation. Intended for non-technical stakeholders. Corresponds to DIV-1 content.
has super-classes
element c

Conditionc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Condition

A state or circumstance that affects the execution of operational activities or the achievement of desired effects.
has super-classes
element c

Desired Effectc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#DesiredEffect

An outcome or result that a capability is intended to achieve.
has super-classes
element c

Locationc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Location

A geographic or logical place where operational activities occur or where systems and services are deployed.
has super-classes
element c

Logical Data Entityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#LogicalDataEntity

A data entity with attributes and structural business process rules, bridging the conceptual and physical levels. Intended for system architects and analysts. Corresponds to DIV-2 content.
has super-classes
element c

Measurec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Measure

A metric used to assess the performance, effectiveness, or suitability of systems, services, or capabilities.
has super-classes
element c

Milestonec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Milestone

A significant point or event in a project timeline.
has super-classes
element c

Operational Activityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#OperationalActivity

An activity performed in the conduct of an operation or business function. Operational activities may be decomposed hierarchically and may produce or consume resources.
has super-classes
element c

Operational Nodec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#OperationalNode

An element of the operational architecture that produces, consumes, or processes information. Operational nodes may represent organizations, roles, or logical groupings of operational activities.
has super-classes
element c

Operational Rulec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#OperationalRule

A constraint or business rule that governs operational activities, including sequencing, conditions, and decision logic.
has super-classes
element c

Organizationc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Organization

A specific real-world assemblage of people and other resources organized for an ongoing purpose.
has super-classes
element c

Performerc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Performer

Any entity — human, automated, or organizational — that performs an activity. Performers are assigned to operational activities and may be organizations, roles, or systems.
has super-classes
element c

Physical Data Entityc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#PhysicalDataEntity

The physical implementation format of a logical data entity — tables, records, keys, message formats, file structures. Intended for database engineers, software developers, and system engineers. Corresponds to DIV-3 content.
has super-classes
element c

Projectc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Project

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result that delivers capability increments.
has super-classes
element c

Resource Flowc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#ResourceFlow

A flow of resources (information, materiel, personnel, energy) between operational activities or nodes.
has super-classes
element c

Servicec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Service

A mechanism to enable access to one or more capabilities, where the access is provided using a prescribed interface and is exercised consistent with constraints and policies as specified by the service description. DoDAF 2.0 separates services from legacy systems.
has super-classes
element c

Service Functionc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#ServiceFunction

A function performed by a service, traceable to operational activities.
has super-classes
element c

Service Interfacec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#ServiceInterface

A point of interaction through which a service is accessed.
has super-classes
element c

Standardc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#Standard

An operational, business, technical, or industry standard that applies to solution elements. DoDAF 2.0 broadened standards beyond technical to include business and doctrinal standards.
has super-classes
element c

Standards Forecastc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#StandardsForecast

A description of emerging standards and their potential impact on current solution elements within a set of time frames.
has super-classes
element c

Systemc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#System

A combination of interacting elements organized to achieve one or more stated purposes. In DoDAF, systems are the legacy solution elements that provide or support operational and capability functions.
has super-classes
element c

System Functionc back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#SystemFunction

A function performed by a system, traceable to operational activities.
has super-classes
element c

System Interfacec back to ToC or Class ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#SystemInterface

A point of interaction between systems through which resources (data, control signals) are exchanged.
has super-classes
element c

Object Properties

applies toop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#appliesTo

Links a standard to the solution element it applies to.

constrained byop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#constrainedBy

Links an operational activity to the rule that constrains it.

decomposes intoop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#decomposesInto

Links an element to its sub-elements in a hierarchical decomposition.

deliversop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#delivers

Links a project to the capability increment it delivers.

deployed atop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#deployedAt

Links a system or service to the location where it is deployed.

exchangesop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#exchanges

Links two elements that exchange resources (information, materiel).

performsop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#performs

Links a performer to the operational activity it performs.

realizesop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#realizes

Links a physical data entity to the logical entity it realizes.

supportsop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#supports

Links a system or service to the capability or operational activity it supports.

traces toop back to ToC or Object Property ToC

IRI: https://meta.linked.archi/dodaf/onto#tracesTo

Links a system function or service function to the operational activity it traces to.

Legend back to ToC

c: Classes
op: Object Properties

Acknowledgments back to ToC

The authors would like to thank Silvio Peroni for developing LODE, a Live OWL Documentation Environment, which is used for representing the Cross Referencing Section of this document and Daniel Garijo for developing Widoco, the program used to create the template used in this documentation.