Semantics

The data model was designed using an ontological approach that prioritizes semantic integrity. This approach ensures that all classes and associated properties are well-defined, with terms managed centrally using linked data metadata standards, such as SKOS. Where possible, existing ontologies and other knowledge organization system (KOS) resources were prioritized as sources for terms and definitions. Definitions are frequently derived from a synthesis of multiple sources. A substantial collection of terms and their sources was compiled during development and incorporated into this documentation.

A key factor in determining the quality, utility, and sustainability of a web application is the handling of semantics. For an application to be meaningful, the semantics of the underlying data model must be complete where every table and column has meaning. To establish the meaning of an entity it must be defined. The semantics of the EPR project portal are defined using two mechanisms: Database Dictionary and a collection of Vocabularies. A collection of thesauruses and ontologies were leveraged to define the entities in the project portal. The following section provides an overview of these resources including the tabulations of synthesis activities.