Authors: Alberto H. F. Laender, Donal J. Flynn
Tags: 1993, conceptual modeling
Conceptual design (conceptual modelling) is the most important phase in database design as it results in a conceptual schema, which is a high-level description of the user requirements. Over the past decade, several data models, called semantic or conceptual models, have been proposed for conceptual design. Two of the most popular of these data models are the ER and NIAM models. In this paper we present a semantic comparison of the ER and NIAM models with a view to highlighting their similarities and differences, and to showing the major characteristics of each model. The comparison is divided in three parts. Firstly, we describe and compare the model constructs using a common terminology framework. We then compare their modelling capability by discussing the mapping of ER and NIAM schemas into the relational model. Finally, we relate the models to a checklist of conceptual modelling objectives.Read the full paper here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/BFb0024371
