Semantic annotation of maps through knowledge provenance

Abstract

Maps are artifacts often derived from multiple sources of data, e.g., sensors, and processed by multiple methods, e.g., gridding and smoothing algorithms. As a result, complex metadata may be required to describe maps semantically. This paper presents an approach to describe maps by annotating associated provenance. Knowledge provenance can represent a semantic annotation mechanism that is more scalable than direct annotation of map. Semantic annotation of maps through knowledge provenance provides several benefits to end users. For example, a user study is presented showing that scientists with different levels of expertise and background are able to evaluate the quality of maps by analyzing their knowledge provenance information. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.