Project Context / Objective:
The Census of Antique Works of Art and Architecture 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 establish a documented, sustainable semantic data environment capable of publishing Linked Open Data and enabling interoperability with other semantically modelled research datasets.
Takin.Solutions’ Role / Contributions:
Takin.Solutions acted as semantic architecture consultant and implementation partner, responsible for the full workflow from data analysis and semantic modelling through to ETL pipeline development, repository setup, and final documentation.
Key Activities:
- Analysed the existing easydb data structures and established the conceptual foundation for semantic modelling.
- Developed a fully documented CIDOC CRM–based semantic data model aligned with the Census project’s research requirements.
- Designed and implemented mapping and transformation pathways from easydb to RDF.
- Built a sustainable ETL pipeline for repeatable semantic transformation and Linked Open Data publication.
- Set up a triplestore repository environment and developed a competency question framework to support advanced querying.
- Produced comprehensive project documentation to ensure long-term reusability and maintainability.
Deliverables / Outputs:
- 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.
