and events. Data models Entity–relationship model In software engineering, an entity–relationship model (ERM) is an abstract and conceptual representation of data. Entity–relationship modeling is a database modeling method, used to produce a type of conceptual schema or semantic data model of a system, often a relational database, and its requirements in a top-down fashion. Diagrams created by this process are called entity-relationship diagrams, ER diagrams, or ERDs. Entity–relationship models have had wide application in the building of information systems intended to support activities involving objects and events in the real world. In these cases they are models that are conceptual. However, this modeling method can be used to build computer games or a family tree of the Greek Gods, in these cases it would be used to model concepts. Domain model A domain model is a type of conceptual model used to depict the structural elements and their conceptual constraints within a domain of interest (sometimes called the problem domain). A domain model includes the various entities, their attributes and relationships, plus the constraints governing the conceptual integrity of the structural model elements comprising that problem domain. A domain model may also include a number of conceptual views, where each view is pertinent to a particular subject area of the domain or to a particular subset of the domain model which is of interest to a stakeholder of the domain model. Like entity–relationship models, domain models can be used to model concepts or to model real world objects and events. See also Concept Concept mapping Conceptual framework Conceptual model (computer science) Conceptual schema Conceptual system Information model International Conference on Conceptual Modeling Interpretation (logic) Isolated system Ontology (computer science) Paradigm Physical model Process of concept formation Scientific modeling Theory References Further reading J. Parsons, L. Cole (2005), "What do the pictures mean? Guidelines for experimental evaluation of representation fidelity in diagrammatical conceptual modeling techniques", Data & Knowledge Engineering 55: 327–342; A. Gemino, Y. Wand (2005), "Complexity and clarity in conceptual modeling: Comparison of mandatory and optional properties", Data & Knowledge Engineering 55: 301–326; D. Batra (2005), "Conceptual Data Modeling Patterns", Journal of Database Management 16: 84–106 Papadimitriou, Fivos. (2010). "Conceptual Modelling of Landscape Complexity". Landscape Research, 35(5):563-570. External links Models article in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' Model Metaphor Semantics Simulation