Semantic wiki search

Abstract

Semantic wikis extend wiki platforms with the ability to represent structured information in a machine-processable way. On top of the structured information in the wiki, novel ways to search, browse, and present the wiki content become possible. However, while powerful query languages offer new opportunities for semantic search, the syntax of formal query languages is not adequate for end users. In this work we present an approach to semantic search that combines the expressiveness and capabilities of structured queries with the simplicity of keyword interfaces and faceted search. Users articulate their information need in keywords, which are translated into structured, conjunctive queries. This translation may result in multiple possible interpretations of the information need, which can then be selected and further refined by the user via facets. We have implemented this approach to semantic search as an extension to Semantic MediaWiki. The results of a user study in the SMW-based community portal semanticweb.org show the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach as well as its ease of use. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.