Section 72 of 103
71. Canonical Representation
Stable section ID: S05-CON-015-SECTION-72 · 13 content blocks
A Canonical Representation is the normalized and authoritative semantic form used to represent an Engineering Entity or configuration independently of its display format, software interface, or serialization method.
Its purpose is to ensure that semantically equivalent information is interpreted consistently by humans, software, AI systems, manufacturing platforms, Digital Twins, and robots.
Canonicalization may control:
terminology and concept identifiers;
field order and data types;
units and coordinate references;
default and omitted values;
identity and relationship structures;
version and dependency declarations;
normalization of equivalent expressions.
Different serializations may represent the same Canonical Representation. Conversely, visually similar documents may possess different canonical meanings where their values, relationships, authority, or versions differ.
Canonical Representation supports reliable comparison, hashing, signatures, validation, migration, change detection, and reproducible compilation.
Canonical status does not establish physical correctness. The representation shall remain connected to its source, authority, configuration, verification status, and corresponding physical condition.