Semantic modeling for engineering data analytics solutions

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bandara, Madhushi^{; *} | Rabhi, Fethi A.

Affiliations: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. E-mails: [email protected], [email protected]

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: Data Analytics Solution (DAS) engineering often involves multiple tasks from data exploration to result presentation which are applied in various contexts and on different datasets. Semantic modeling based on the open world assumption supports flexible modeling of linked knowledge. The objective of this paper is to review existing techniques that leverage semantic web technologies to tackle challenges such as heterogeneity and changing requirements in DAS engineering. We explore the application scope of those techniques, the different types of semantic concepts they use and the role these concepts play during DAS development process. To gather evidence for the study we performed a systematic mapping study by identifying and reviewing 82 papers that incorporate semantic models in engineering DASs. One of the paper’s findings is that existing models can be classified within four types of knowledge spheres: domain knowledge, analytics knowledge, services and user intentions. Another finding is to show how this knowledge is used in literature to enhance different tasks within the analytics process. We conclude our study by discussing the limitations of the existing body of research, showcasing the potential of semantic modeling to enhance DASs and presenting the possibility of leveraging ontologies for effective end-to-end DAS engineering.

Keywords: Semantic modeling, data analytics, software development, ontology

DOI: 10.3233/SW-190352

Journal: Semantic Web, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 525-547, 2020