Formal Ontology in Information Systems (FOIS)

Formal Ontology in Information Systems (FOIS) is the study of how to represent knowledge in a structured way. It involves creating a common framework to define concepts, categories, and relationships within a specific domain—like medicine or engineering—to facilitate better data sharing and understanding. By using formal languages, FOIS helps systems interpret and analyze information consistently, improving communication among people and machines. In essence, it builds a clear map of what things mean and how they connect, making complex information easier to manage and use effectively.