Title: A framework for semantic annotation of geospatial data for agriculture

Authors: C.G.N. Macario, C.B. Medeiros

Addresses: Embrapa Agriculture Informatics, Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation, P.O. Box 6041, Embrapa 13083-886, Campinas, SP, Brazil. ' Institute of Computing, University of Campinas – UNICAMP, P.O. Box 6176, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil

Abstract: The Web is a huge repository of geospatial information. Efficient retrieval of this information is a key factor in planning and decision-making in many domains, including agriculture. However, standards for data annotation and exchange enable only syntactic interoperability, while semantic heterogeneity presents challenges. This work describes a framework that tackles interoperability problems via semantic annotations, which are based on multiple ontologies. The framework is being developed within a project to support agricultural planning in Brazil. The paper discusses design and implementation issues using a real case study, provides an overview of annotation mechanisms and identifies requirements for annotating agricultural data.

Keywords: semantic annotation; geospatial data; interoperability; agricultural planning; agriculture; semantics; Brazil; information retrieval; ontology; multiple ontologies; agricultural data.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMSO.2009.026260

International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies, 2009 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.118 - 132

Published online: 30 May 2009 *

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