C-SPARQL: A continuous query language for rdf data streams

Abstract

This article defines C-SPARQL, an extension of SPARQL whose distinguishing feature is the support of continuous queries, i.e. queries registered over RDF data streams and then continuously executed. Queries consider windows, i.e. the most recent triples of such streams, observed while data is continuously flowing. Supporting streams in RDF format guarantees interoperability and opens up important applications, in which reasoners can deal with evolving knowledge over time. C-SPARQL is presented by means of a full specification of the syntax, a formal semantics, and a comprehensive set of examples, relative to urban computing applications, that systematically cover the SPARQL extensions. The expression of meaningful queries over streaming data is strictly connected to the availability of aggregation primitives, thus C-SPARQL also includes extensions in this respect.