An analysis of spatial relation predicates in U.S. Geological Survey feature definitions

The Semantic Web uses a data model called a triple, which consists of a subject -predicate - object structure. When represented as triples, geospatial data require a spatial relation term to serve as the predicate linking two spatial features. This document summarizes the approaches and procedures used during the identification of spatial relationships common between topographic features using terms from topographic data standards. This project identified verb-predicate arguments that could be used in the creation of data triples and ontologies for The National Map of the U.S. Geological Survey and also investigated the possibility of deriving ontology from predefined textual definitions. The primary purpose of this report is to present the data used for subsequent analysis. A summary of terms organized by basic categories is provided.
Keywords: semantic technology, geospatial relations, topographic data