Data integration for the semantic web with full preferences

Abstract

This paper presents a tool that enables the integration of data stored in relational databases into Semantic Web compliant knowledge bases. The resulting knowledge bases are represented using Description Logics and can thus be translated into the Web Ontology language (OWL). Our approach tackles the impedance mismatch problem which is due to the storage of data in (relational) databases and objects in the knowledge bases. This problem is addressed with a mapping language that allows to specify how to transform data into objects. Another issue undertaken by our solution is related to inconsistencies emerging when contradicting values can be integrated into a given object. In order to deal with these inconsistencies, we enable users to set preferences over mapping views and their attributes. This approach provides a fine grained solution to design consistent knowledge bases.