The enhancement of the search capabilities of geo-spatial tools occupies one of the highest positions in the agenda of the INSPIRE initiative. This can be done by equipping applications with tools able to understand user terminology. However, this is in contrast with current approaches, which tend to fix in advance the terminology with a consequent rigidity in the way users interact with the system. In this paper we present the work we have done with the Semantic Geo-Catalogue (SGC) project in providing a semantic extension to the geo-catalogue of the Autonomous Province of Trento (PAT) in Italy. This was done through the adoption of a semantic matching tool and a faceted ontology that codifies knowledge about the geography of the PAT and that was created by reorganizing data extracted from the local geographical dataset. Thanks to the semantic extension, queries to the geo-catalogue are expanded with domain specific terms taken from the ontology thus obtaining a higher number of relevant documents in output. We also complied with the Open Government Data (OGD) initiative by publishing in RDF and by linking to relevant dictionaries some useful data taken from the local repository.

background or methods

Prolegomena to Library Classification

A semantic geo-catalogue for a local administration

Examines the limitations of the dynamic theory of classification in accommodating the changes and rapid growth of new topics in the universe of knowledge. Change in an analytico-synthetic scheme for classification is much more a web of connections and mapping these changes is a complex process. Suggests that there is need for exploration of this complexity for both improving systems, and revisiting our theory.

A Kaleidoscope Perspective: Change in the Semantics and Structure of Facets and Isolates in Analytico-Synthetic Classification

A systems approach for dealing with resistance to change

Classifications of all types invariably change in response to shifting conditions in the information environment. Revising the contents of subject-based schemes is an important type of change, but the phenomenon of classificatory change has multiple interrelated aspects that go beyond content. Conceptually isolating these aspects offers a starting point for describing and comparing different types of classificatory change. The typology proposed here attempts to situate classification schemes within a context of use, interacting with other elements of the information environment. As the digital information landscape continues to evolve, there are increased opportunities for classificatory innovation. While hyperlinks have become a pervasive element in the repertory of knowledge organization, the hypertext technique of transclusion has received considerably less attention. Transclusion offers an alternative way to envision the relationship between digital resources and classification schemes. Examples from the English-language Wikipedia demonstrate how transclusion is used in the digital encyclopedia to embed modular subject-based schemes that supplement knowledge navigation and discovery.

background

/pdf/towards-a-typology-of-classificatory-change-47t3m6cas2.pdf

Towards a typology of classificatory change

The paper examines the development of facet analysis as a methodology and the role it plays in building classifications and other knowledge-organization tools. The use of categorical analysis in areas other than library and information science is also considered. The suitability of the faceted approach for humanities documentation is explored through a critical description of the FATKS (Facet Analytical Theory in Managing Knowledge Structure for Humanities) project carried out at University College London. This research focused on building a conceptual model for the subject of religion together with a relational database and search-and-browse interfaces that would support some degree of automatic classification. The paper concludes with a discussion of the differences between the conceptual model and the vocabulary used to populate it, and how, in the case of religion, the choice of terminology can create an apparent bias in the system.

/pdf/faceted-classification-in-support-of-diversity-the-role-of-nowuj1q3vc.pdf

Faceted classification in support of diversity: the role of concepts and terms in representing religion

/pdf/prolegomena-to-library-classification-2m3686eyev.pdf

Prolegomena to Library Classification

Citations

A semantic geo-catalogue for a local administration

A Kaleidoscope Perspective: Change in the Semantics and Structure of Facets and Isolates in Analytico-Synthetic Classification

A systems approach for dealing with resistance to change

Towards a typology of classificatory change

Faceted classification in support of diversity: the role of concepts and terms in representing religion

Related Papers (5)

Faceted classification: A guide to construction and use of special schemes;

The need for a faceted classification as the basis of all methods of information retrieval

Sorting Things Out: Classification and Its Consequences

The subject approach to information

The Intellectual Foundation of Information Organization