Mirador: a synthesis of model matching strategies

Abstract

Mirador is a model merging tool that supports multiple model comparison strategies for the purpose of matching model elements. Capable of running either standalone, or as a Fujaba plug-in, Mirador leverages the CoObRA software versioning package to obtain model change information. The bringing together of various comparison strategies allows Mirador to solicit measures of element similarity from one or more strategies, as appropriate for a given matching context. As an addition to this strategy mix we suggest one based on model evolution, and illustrate its potential for use with some simple examples. Mirador performs operation-based merging, premised on the notion of a plane of change operations, which we have extended into the third dimension to enable the detection of cross-matching strategy conflicts. We also propose breaking this monolithic change plane up into a series of local change planes to facilitate effective, conflict free merging.