The Semantic Search Tools and Techniques

Author: Jiří Jelínek,  University of Economics Prague - Faculty of Management, Czech Republic

Co-author: Tomáš Kincl, Katedra managementu informací, FM VŠE J. Hradec

Fulltexts

Abstract

No doubt, the information space accessible via the WWW service is the largest information source of these days. Simultaneously, its comprehension is also the biggest disadvantage, which means the use of effective searching methods is necessary. There are two basic types of search engines. The first category contains index search systems based on keywords and the WWW pages relationships classification. Second category is represented by catalogue and folder systems created by experts. As the development of web-pages semantic description techniques is being more important, the question of search engines based on the semantic web principles occurs.

Most of the semantic search engines are based on the semantic network representing relative relationships between inserted terms. The structure, fulfillment and the accessibility of semantic network is the main field of today’s research and development. The issue of semantic searching is also related to users, who must be prepared and able to use such a search engines. The attention must be paid not only to the question of the search query, but to the form of search engine output presentation (i.e. the visualization) as well.

The presentation of most common techniques used by the semantic search engines (and related methods of search query construction and output visualization) is the main goal of this paper. Currently available search engines (and practical application) will be also presented.

About the author

Ing. Jiří Jelínek, CSc., (born 1966), Associate Professor, Dept. of Information Management, Univ. of Economics Prague. Research interests: knowledge acquisition, data mining, web mining, AI, computer networks and information systems. Conference papers: The Use of Multimedia Technologies in e-Learning. Paper on International Conference "DEL 2003 – Developments in e-Learning", 17.-19.9.2003, Prague, CZ -- The User Support in the WWW Environment. INFORUM 2004: 10-th conference about professional information sources, 25.5.-27.5. 2004, Prague -- The Use of the WWW as an Effective Information Source. Conference "Libraries in the Web of Collaboration", J. Hradec 24-th to 26-th June 2004 – with Kincl T. and Přibil J.: Internet Marketplace for Exchange of Study Materials, "3-rd National Conference about Distance Learning in Czech Republic", Brno 30. 6. - 2. 7. 2004 -- The Use of SMIL Technology for Creation of Multimedia Study Materials, "3-rd. National Conference about Distance Learning in Czech Republic", Brno 30. 6. - 2. 7. 2004. Grants and development projects (DP): Support of Combined Form of Study on Management Faculty, Univ. of Economics, DP of Czech Ministry of Education, no. 372/03, 2003 • Support of Navigation and Searching in WWW Space, Grant of IGA, Univ. Of Economics, 2003 • Integrated Project of Support of Study and Administration Processes on Management Faculty, Univ. of Economics Prague with Modern Information and Communication Technology, DP of Czech Ministry of Education, no. 600/7, 2004 • User Support in the WWW environment, Grant of IGA, Univ. Of Economics, 2004-5