Title: Personalised spatial knowledge management for pictures using ontologies and semantic maps

Authors: Stavros Christodoulakis, Michalis Foukarakis, Lemonia Ragia

Addresses: Laboratory of Distributed Multimedia Information Systems and Applications, Technical University of Crete (MUSIC/TUC), Chania, Crete 73100, Greece. ' Laboratory of Distributed Multimedia Information Systems and Applications, Technical University of Crete (MUSIC/TUC), Chania, Crete 73100, Greece. ' Advanced Systems Group, Centre Universitaire d'Informatique, University of Geneva, 24 rue General-Dufour, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland

Abstract: Cameras can provide integrated GPS and compass technology which makes them a powerful sensor for geographical context related images. They allow wireless connection to computers and the images can be automatically transferred to a PC or can be integrated into a GIS system. In this paper, we present an approach for personalised spatial information retrieval and visualisation for picture databases using ontologies and semantic maps. Ontologies are used in our case to describe domain knowledge in relation to spatial coordinates, to enhance image annotation, search capability and information visualisation. Individuals from the ontologies are represented by their footprint in semantic maps. Personalised semantic maps are constructed selecting ontologies, concept types or individuals that reflect the interests of the user. We describe a developed prototype system with a database design for ontologies and semantic maps. We demonstrate the automatic image annotation and the visualisation of the spatial queries. An application of the system targets the area of culture and tourism and provides a user friendly interface.

Keywords: ontology; semantics; image retrieval; spatial search; database design; automatic image annotation; tourism applications; semantic maps; knowledge management; personalisation; cameras; visualisation; picture databases; culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDCET.2009.025360

International Journal of Digital Culture and Electronic Tourism, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.346 - 356

Published online: 19 May 2009 *

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