Geospatial Semantics and Ontology
The Map as Knowledge Base
The goal of the project "The Map as Knowledge Base" is to specify feature semantics for richer topographic and geospatial data models. New data models and associated knowledge organization systems for The National Map can translate traditional topographic information into a flexible spatiotemporal knowledge base that can serve many different application areas, improve topographic information delivery, and expand the user base of the USGS. The USGS Center of Excellence for Geospatial Information Science (CEGIS) conducts research on topographic information, semantics, ontology, and linked data modeling for topographic information.
More information is available under the headings "Map as a Knowledge Base (MapKB)" and "Knowledge Graph Semantics."
A collection of publications and reports are available for specific information about geospatial semantics and ontology.
Member, Virtual Communities
- International Cartography Association
- USGS Community for Data Integration
- Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP)
Related Content
Topographic mapping data semantics through data conversion and enhancement
A topographic feature taxonomy for a U.S. national topographic mapping ontology
Related Content
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 14
Topographic mapping data semantics through data conversion and enhancement
This paper presents research on the semantics of topographic data for triples and ontologies to blend the capabilities of the Semantic Web and The National Map of the U.S. Geological Survey. Automated conversion of relational topographic data of several geographic sample areas to the triple data model standard resulted in relatively poor semantic associations. Further research employed vocabularieAuthorsDalia Varanka, Jonathan Carter, E. Lynn Usery, Thomas ShobergA topographic feature taxonomy for a U.S. national topographic mapping ontology
Using legacy feature lists from the U.S. National Topographic Mapping Program of the twentieth century, a taxonomy of features is presented for purposes of developing a national topographic feature ontology for geographic mapping and analysis. After reviewing published taxonomic classifications, six basic classes are suggested; terrain, surface water, ecological regimes, built-up areas, divisiAuthorsDalia E. Varanka