Abstract:  In order to solve the problem of poor generality in the transformation of EXPRESS into the ontology,
the lack of formalization and automatic conversion of mapping rules. A formal rule and an automatic conversion
algorithm for two kinds of interlingual mapping are proposed without dependence on the domain. The mapping
rule and algorithm are used to implement the automatic conversion of international standard data model
(Epicentre) of petroleum exploration and development based on EXPRESS to ontology. The correctness,
integrity and consistency of the Epicentre ontology are verified, by means of Jena. The results show that the
mapping rule and the automation algorithm are effective and universal.

Key words:  EXPRESS language, ontology, automatic conversion algorithm, Epicentre model, Jena reasoning, formal mapping