Project Context:
The Census project sought to open new research pathways by adopting a semantic data strategy for its collection database. At the time of engagement, the project was planning a migration from easydb 4 to easydb 6 and wished to ensure that this system upgrade would align with a long-term goal of transforming its data into a semantically rich, interoperable research resource.
Takin.solutions was engaged to provide a full semantic data implementation framework, ensuring that the system migration supported both the preservation of the project’s established conceptual model and the creation of a formal semantic representation based on CIDOC CRM and related ontology standards.
The collaboration aimed not only to support data migration but to create a documented, sustainable semantic data environment capable of publishing Linked Open Data (LOD) and enabling interoperability with other semantically modelled research datasets.
Objectives:
- Align the easydb system migration with a long-term semantic data strategy
- Develop a fully documented CIDOC CRM–based semantic data model
- Create mapping and transformation pathways from easydb to RDF
- Establish a sustainable ETL pipeline for repeatable semantic transformation
- Publish and document a reusable semantic dataset for research integration
- Enable new forms of querying and cross-dataset interoperability
Deliverables:
- Base Data Analysis Report
- Fully Documented Semantic Data Model
- easydb 6 Model Implementation
- ETL Pipeline (easydb to RDF)
- Semantic Transformation and Testing Reports
- Repository Setup (including triplestore environment)
- Competency Question Framework
- Final Comprehensive Project Documentation
Outcome / Impact:
The project established a complete semantic data infrastructure for the Census dataset, transforming it from a standalone system-of-record database into a semantically documented, interoperable research resource.
By aligning system migration with formal ontology standards and delivering a sustainable ETL and publication workflow, the collaboration created the foundation for Linked Open Data publication, advanced analytical querying, and integration with other major semantic research initiatives.