Glossary · Semantic interoperability and information models
Taxonomy
Also known as: Classification hierarchy
German: Taxonomie
In information management, a taxonomy is a controlled vocabulary of concepts arranged in a hierarchy of broader and narrower terms, used to classify and find information, products or data consistently.
- Information models
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
A taxonomy is a controlled vocabulary arranged in a hierarchy of broader and narrower terms, used to classify information and products.
Example
A product taxonomy groups sensors into position sensors, process sensors and safety sensors, and position sensors further into inductive, capacitive and photoelectric.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: Taxonomies classify components, faults, spare parts or equipment types. Each concept should have one clear place and a definition.
- Operation: Fault and downtime reason taxonomies determine how useful reports are. Too many categories lead to inconsistent use; too few hide the real causes.
- Documentation: Documentation portals rely on taxonomies for products, information types and audiences. Use the same taxonomy in the content management system, the portal and product data, and manage changes centrally.
Taxonomy vs. ontology
A taxonomy only expresses hierarchical relationships: a capacitive sensor is a kind of position sensor. An Ontology adds other typed relationships, properties and rules. In SKOS terms, a taxonomy uses broader and narrower; subclasses are narrower concepts, never synonyms.