Conceptual modeling of semantic navigation structures: the MoSeNa-approach

At the present time, several shortcomings prevent the more effective use and more intense application of web information systems. Recent developments that are subsumed by the term Semantic Web aim to solve these problems. The inherent idea behind these approaches is the annotation of data with metadata, in order to enhance automated processing and the use of ontologies to describe data semantically. However, the emergence of the Semantic Web raises new issues (e.g. significantly higher complexity) for web information system engineers. From an information system engineering perspective, conceptual modeling is an approach for dealing with high complexity and diversified project teams. On the one hand, conceptual models facilitate the (semi)automated generation of information systems. On the other, they foster communication between project team members and provide a sound basis for information system development.In this paper, we present an approach to modeling semantic navigation structures. This approach aims at modeling complex, role-based and integrated navigation structures for structured and semi-structured data. Since navigation via links is the only way for users to interact with the web information system and, to a large extent, determines their ability to retrieve the desired information, a proper definition of these navigation structures is essential for a successful web information system. Comprehensible and useful navigation structures can be derived from existing structures and hierarchies in organizations. Thus, an alignment of information systems with the information needs of users, can be achieved. Furthermore, our approach supports emergent technologies for the Semantic Web.

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