Mapping Processes Between Parallel, Hierarchical, and Orthogonal System Representations

Abstract

The importance of software system representation through models and visual diagrams is increasing with the steady growth of systems complexity and criticality. Since no single representation is best suited to address all the documentation, communication and expression needs of a typical software development project, the issues related to conversion and coherence between different representations are having a significant impact on team productivity and product as well as process quality. This paper explores the types of relationships that exist between representations and the impact they have on mapping, generation and synchronization processes. We propose a characterization of those relationships as being parallel, hierarchical or orthogonal. Examples and comments on mapping or transformation processes and automation prospects in the context of software size measurement are also provided.

Professor and director of the Research Lab. in Software Engineering Management

Adapted from [1], page xi.