Notations


Notations are the set of graphic display options used for associating the elements of the model. There are many predefined notations, however, you can customize existing notations or create your own. If you choose not to overwrite the notations, projects will have default notations that apply to all diagrams.


Inheritance

The diagrams inherit default notations unless the user overwrites their value. If the value is changed on the project, but is not overwritten, it will also change on the diagram.


Predefined notations

Open ModelSphere lets you work with four predefined notations (Datarun, Information Engineering, Logical Data Structure and UML) for the data modeling and a lot for the process modeling (ex. Gane and Sarson, Merise, Yourdon-DeMarco, etc.).

The terminology for process model concepts follows the chosen notation according to established names within the related method.

Predefined notations can not be changed. However, you can create your own notations. See next section.

You can switch notations at any time during your work. To change notations:
  1. Make sure project is selected (highlighted)
  2. In the main menu, choose Format > Default Notations... A list will appear.
  3. Choose the predefined notation by clicking it.



Working with user defined notations

Data model notation’s window

It is possible to customize existing notations or define your own, either by creating one from another notation or creating a new one. From the main menu, select Format > Project Notations. Upon selecting project notation, a window will appear: the notations’ dialog. From this menu you can
customize your own notation.



It is possible to delete, import existing notations or add new notations. When you are done, click Apply to validate your selection and Close.


The process model notation’s window

ModelSphere offers many predefined shapes for processes, external entities and stores.



Changing the shapes of processes, external entities or stores

The shapes of your graphical objects will be different depending on the notation you have chosen.

It is possible to delete, create from existing notations or add new notations. When you are done, click Apply to validate your selection and Close.

Contrary to the stores and external entities where the prefix is only added graphically to the identifier, the flow's prefix is used in the creation of its identifier. Changes in the flow's prefix will be carried out with the next creation of flow.