SBIR-STTR Award

Flexible querying of geospatial databases, schema (dictionary) integration and automatic data translation are significant problems for the interoperation and integration of distributed geospatial systems. We seek an innovative solution to these problems through the development of a semantic mapping tool. This tool will build upon a base of codified semantic information, distributed over networks, by using advanced, Internet-enabled semantics modeling languages such as OML/CKML and RDF/Schema. Using the semantic mapping tool, database administrators will be able to map schema elements in source and target schemas to semantic information in this distributed knowledge base. This will then provide these schemas with the semantic information that is required to support automated or semi-automated derivation of schema maps, which in turn provide the basis for flexible queries, schema integration and automated data translation. The objectives of this Phase I project are to study Army/DOD requirements and the current state of semantic translation technology, and to design a semantic mapping tool that supports automated semantics-aided translation of geospatial data for Army/DOD, civilian and commercial applications.

Benefits:
Reduces data production and maintenance costs by improving data reusability. Improves information access, integration and sharing. A technology enabler for new value-added information products and services, due to reduced interoperability barriers. Commercial Applications: Information integration and sharing technology and services for information communities, clearinghouses, e-commerce and Web applications in government, private enterprises and the consumer market

Application extensibility and personalization, flexible querying of databases, schema (dictionary) integration, and automatic data translation are significant problems for the interoperation and integration of distributed systems. We seek an innovative solution to these problems through the development of a semantic mapping and modeling toolkit, which we refer to as userSMARTs(tm), and a companion set of online application services. The toolkit will build, edit and maintain a base of codified semantic information models, distributed over networks, by using Web-based semantic modeling capabilities like RDF/Schema and other XML-based technologies. Using userSMARTs, database and warehouse administrators will be able to map data elements in source and target schemas to these distributed semantic information models. This will then provide the semantic-richness necessary for flexible distributed queries, schema integration, automated data translation, and enhanced application support, especially in the areas of personalization and business process sharing. The objectives of this Phase II project are to: develop an alpha version of userSMARTs, promote the advancement of industry standards for semantic capabilities, and finally, to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology for Army/DOD geospatial applications, and for civilian and commercial Web applications.

Keywords:
SEMANTICS ONTOLOGY RDF XML WEB GEOSPATIAL PERSONALIZATION SCHEMA