1. C. Binding, K. May1, R. Souza, D. Tudhope, A. Vlachidis
Semantic Technologies for Archaeology Resources: Results from the STAR Project
C. Binding, K. May1, R. Souza, D. Tudhope, A. Vlachidis
Hypermedia Research Unit, University of Glamorgan
1English Heritage

2. STAR Project - Aims
Investigate semantic technologies for integrating and cross searching datasets and associated grey literature
Current situation is one of fragmented datasets and applications, with different terminology systems
Need for integrative metadata framework
EH have designed an upper ontology based on CRM standard
STAR – 3 year AHRC funded project in collaboration with English Heritage - contributing datasets and domain expertise
More concrete aim is to demonstrate cross searching/browsing domain specific datasets at detailed, meaningful level

3. STAR Project - General Architecture
Applications – Server Side, Rich Client, Browser
Web Services, SQL, SPARQL
RDF Based Semantic Layer (CRM / CRMEH / SKOS)
Indexing
Conversion
Data Mapping / Normalisation
Grey literature – ongoing information extraction work involving GATE
datasets, thesauri and grey literature all related to a common structure
EH ontology (CRMEH) as overarching structure, SKOS for controlled terminology – thesauri, glossaries
multiple disconnected databases – using CRM as ‘semantic glue’ to pull the data together
Data processing consists of: mapping  cleansing  normalisation  extraction  consolidation (to common ontology data layer)
Datasets:
Raunds Roman, Raunds Prehistoric, Museum of London, Silchester Roman (LEAP - IADB), Stanwick sampling data
Controlled vocabularies:
Monument Types, Evidence, MDA Object Types, Building Materials, Archaeological Science, Timelines, EH Recording Manual glossaries
Grey lit:
Ontology-based Information Extraction applied to extract of ADS OASIS reports:
Online AccesS to the Index of archaeological investigationS - Archaeological Data Service
RDF layer:
CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (ISO 21127:2006) as an umbrella framework linking different datasets, grey literature and thesauri. CRM-EH extension models archaeological excavation process relating to Stratigraphic relations and phasing information, finds recording and environmental sampling.
Services:
Semantic search and browsing across datasets and grey literature
Apps:
Interactive research tools – cross platform/browser
STAN
RRAD
MoLAS
LEAP
RPRE
Grey
literature
EH thesauri, glossaries

4. Grey Literature Information Extraction (Andreas Vlachidis, Renato Souza)
Looking to extract CRM-EH period, context, find, sample entities
Aim to cross search within data

5. Semantic Annotations to RDF triples
Example: “layers were found to contain a relatively large amount of broken, unabraded pottery”
The phrase generates three Semantic Annotation types aligned to CRM-EH ontology:
EHE1004.ContextFindDepositionEvent, EHE0005.Group, EHE0009.ContextFind
<crmeh:EHE0005.Group rdf:about="
<dc:source rdf:resource=" />
<crm:P2F.has_type>
<crm:E55.Type>
<rdf:value>layers</rdf:value>
<crmeh:EHP10F.is_represented_by rdf:resource="
</crm:E55.Type>
</crm:P2F.has_type>
<crm:P3F.has_note>
<crm:E62.String>
<rdf:value>...this deposit. These layers were found to cont...</rdf:value>
</crm:E62.String>
</crm:P3F.has_note>
</crmeh:EHE0005.Group>

6. Multiple views possible on underlying model
Previous prototype offered point to point browsing of full CRM-EH ontology
Current prototype presents a different search/browsing model in user interface
based on use scenarios from STAR workshops
Retains the benefits of CRM standard for inter-operability,

7. RDF Data Extraction Tool
RDF triples data extracted from relational sources, using (Keith’s) mappings for guidance. Custom data extraction tool for transforming relational tabular data to RDF. Aim – greater consistency of extracted data.
New (AHRC funded) project STELLAR aims to generalise and extend STAR data extraction and mapping tool to facilitate use by third party data providers. The extracted data will be represented as CRM compliant Linked Data.
Application builds up each query specifying one relationship from the model – here selecting notes associated with contexts.

8. Resultant extracted data (RDF/XML)
Resultant output data is valid RDF/XML (application can also output Ntriples format). This approach to data extraction ensures consistent entity names, namespaces, URIs and overall syntax.

9. STAR – Web Services and Client Applications
English Heritage thesauri (SKOS)
Windows applications
Browser components
Full text search
Browse concept space
Navigate via expansion
Cross search archaeological datasets
Grey literature indexing
STAR Web Services
Archaeological Datasets (CRM)
STAR Client Applications
STAR Datasets

10. STAR web browser based search interface
Search parameters
Group details
Context details
Search results
Sample details
Find details

11. Initial search
Search parameters

12. Context details
Context details

13. Context find details
Find details

14. Context sample details

15. Group details
Group details

16. Hypermedia Research Unit University of Glamorgan
Contact Information
Hypermedia Research Unit
University of Glamorgan
Pontypridd CF37 1DL
Wales, UK
C. Binding, K. May, R. Souza, D. Tudhope, A. Vlachidis
{cbinding, rsouza, dstudhope,

17. References
Binding C., Tudhope D., May K Semantic Interoperability in Archaeological Datasets: Data Mapping and Extraction via the CIDOC CRM. Proceedings (ECDL 2008) 12th European Conference on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, Aarhus, 280–290. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 5173, Berlin: Springer. (preprint)
Binding C., Tudhope D SKOS-based semantic web services: experiences from the STAR project. ISKO-UK KOnnecting KOmmunities Seminar: Sharing Vocabularies on the Web via SKOS, University College London.
May K., Binding C., Tudhope D A STAR is born: some emerging Semantic Technologies for Archaeological Resources. Proceedings Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA2008), Budapest
Tudhope D., Binding C., May K Semantic interoperability issues from a case study in archaeology. In: Stefanos Kollias & Jill Cousins (eds.), Semantic Interoperability in the European Digital Library, Proceedings of the First International Workshop SIEDL 2008, 88–99, associated with 5th European Semantic Web Conference, Tenerife. (preprint)
Vlachidis A, Binding C, May K, Tudhope D Excavating grey literature: A case study on rich indexing of archaeological documents by the use of Natural Language Processing techniques and knowledge based resources. Proceedings British Chapter of the International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO UK) Conference.