Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
experts (in cooperation with Web experts) to create a set of standards to define
everything that is relevant according to the Semantic Web methodology. The
techniques are new and the standards still emerging but any new domain of
knowledge should be seriously considering its impact.
The benefits are about the automation of converging and integrating diverse
information spaces, which should greatly reduce the costs of the ICT systems and
lead to an open and nonproprietary approach that should in turn lead to greater
opportunities. Just as the original Web led to an explosion of information sources
for people, so should the Semantic Web do the same for machines (acting on the
behalf of people).
9.3.3
Why an Ontology?
A set of tests have been published [6] to help when considering if a potential
domain fits the need for an ontology. There are five things to consider:
•
Sharing a common understanding;
•
Reuse of knowledge;
•
Making domain assumptions explicit;
•
To separate domain knowledge for operational knowledge;
•
To analyze domain knowledge.
What would the domain be? In our case (potentially) it would be Whereness.
What would it be used for? Finding positions in real time and sharing the
information. Who would use the information? People and things that are moving
(or are interested in things that are moving) either personally or via supporting
service providers. The next stage is to answer some competency questions.
9.3.4
Ontology Competency Questions
It is easy to generate questions but answers will be coming from ongoing research
and standards work over the next few years. The following questions are likely to
be the most important:
•
Is there enough information to determine position? Although the answer
may be a theoretical yes, practical considerations may be making it
difficult because of system or commercial issues. The Semantic Web
approach may well ease these problems since an open standard is being
used.
•
Given any physical measurements that exist and that are accessible, can a
location be found on an available map?
•
If there is no map, is there now a reason to consider creating one to be
used in the future?
