The Dictionary Tree
While creating architectures, it is extremely important that consensus be made about the terms used for any item defining the architecture. This is why the DoD created a set of official definitions for all common terms used in the defense sector.
The MEGA Suite for DoDAF 2 is supplied with a MEGA dictionary of the official DoDAF definitions. It contains more than 6000 terms as well as over 6000 acronyms and abbreviations.
Viewing the terms of the DoDAF Dictionary
To view the DoD terms and acronyms contained in the MEGA dictionary:
In the
DoDAF 2.0 navigation window, expand the
DoDAF Dictionaries folder.
The terms and acronyms are arranged in alphabetical order. Any of these definitions can be attached to the items relating to a specific architecture.
Viewing the terms associated to an architecture
To view the terms associated to a particular architecture:
1. In the DoDAF 2.0 navigation window, expand the architecture concerned.
2. Expand All Viewpoint > AV-2 Integrated Dictionary and double click the AV-2 Integrated Dictionary report icon.
3. In the window that opens in the workspace to the right of the navigation window, click AV-2 - Complete Integrated Dictionary.
4. Scroll down the list to see all the terms associated to the architecture with their accompanying definitions and/or comments, if they exist.
Linking terms to an architecture
To link a term to an architecture:
1. In the DoDAF 2.0 navigation window, select the architecture concerned.
2. In the MEGA menu bar, select View > Edit Windows > Properties.
The properties dialog box of the architecture appears in the frame on the right of the workspace.
3. Select the General tab > Definitions sub-tab.
4. In the DoDAF 2.0 navigation window, expand the folder in which the term to be attached is located.
5. Drag and drop the term in the Properties window of the architecture.
The terms in the "Definition" frame are the terms that define the architecture. The terms in the "Related Definition" frame are the terms that relate to the architecture.
Ideally, you should link terms to the different items of the architecture, for example, an operational node, service, etc.).
The procedure is the same as for adding a term to an architecture except that you will instead add the term in the properties dialog box of the item concerned.