Methodology for CIDOC CRM based data integration with spatial data

In this paper we want to present a methodology for data integration based on the CIDOC CRM. Spatial data are included in the integration process which provides us on the one hand with the possibility to access the CRM structured data through an interactive map. On the other hand in future GIS functionalities of spatial analysis can generate new data within the ontological database that could not be generated with inference mechanisms. Our approach emphasizes the scalability of the ontological data integration process. It gives the user the possibility to do a gradual transfer to ontological structures depending on the needs and available resources. Thus it should be easier to adopt an ontological data model. The methodology is divided into a conceptual part and an implementation part. There are three steps of conceptual work that range from a scope definition over CRM class and properties identification to a thesaurus specification. The example of an excavation illustrates how the newly build conceptual model of CRM classes and thesaurus can represent a real world situation. The implementation work is divided into four steps that lead from the creation of a web repository for digital resources and a relational database with user and GIS interface to a RDF/OWL representation of the data that can be further processed with semantic tools. The methodology was developed in the course of the multidisciplinary project HiMAT where eleven disciplines research commonly on the history of mining activities from prehistoric to modern times. Every methodological step is exemplified with the way it was realized within the project HiMAT.