Email this article Searching and Browsing Linked Data with SWSE: the Semantic Web Search Engine
Abstract
Abstract: In this paper, we discuss the architecture and implementation of the Semantic Web Search
Engine (SWSE).
Following traditional search engine architecture, SWSE consists of crawling, data enhancing, indexing
and a user interface for search, browsing and retrieval of information; unlike traditional search
engines, SWSE operates over RDF Web data -- loosely also known as Linked Data -- which implies
unique challenges for the system design, architecture, algorithms, implementation and user interface.
In particular, many challenges exist in adopting Semantic Web technologies for Web data: the unique
challenges of the Web -- in terms of scale, unreliability, inconsistency and noise -- are largely
overlooked by the current Semantic Web standards.
Herein, we describe the current SWSE system, initially detailing the architecture and later elaborating
upon the function, design, implementation and performance of each individual component.
In so doing, we also give an insight into how current Semantic Web standards can be tailored, in a besteffort
manner, for use on Web data.
Throughout, we offer evaluation and complementary argumentation to support our design choices, and
also offer discussion on future directions and open research questions.
Later, we also provide candid discussion relating to the difficulties currently faced in bringing such a
search engine into the mainstream, and lessons learnt from roughly six years working on the Semantic
Web Search Engine project.
Engine (SWSE).
Following traditional search engine architecture, SWSE consists of crawling, data enhancing, indexing
and a user interface for search, browsing and retrieval of information; unlike traditional search
engines, SWSE operates over RDF Web data -- loosely also known as Linked Data -- which implies
unique challenges for the system design, architecture, algorithms, implementation and user interface.
In particular, many challenges exist in adopting Semantic Web technologies for Web data: the unique
challenges of the Web -- in terms of scale, unreliability, inconsistency and noise -- are largely
overlooked by the current Semantic Web standards.
Herein, we describe the current SWSE system, initially detailing the architecture and later elaborating
upon the function, design, implementation and performance of each individual component.
In so doing, we also give an insight into how current Semantic Web standards can be tailored, in a besteffort
manner, for use on Web data.
Throughout, we offer evaluation and complementary argumentation to support our design choices, and
also offer discussion on future directions and open research questions.
Later, we also provide candid discussion relating to the difficulties currently faced in bringing such a
search engine into the mainstream, and lessons learnt from roughly six years working on the Semantic
Web Search Engine project.
