Methodologies for Ontology-Based Data Access Applications

by Giuseppe De Giacomo, Domenico Lembo, Antonella Poggi, Valerio Santarelli, Domenico Fabio Savo



Introduction


The tutorial illustrates methodologies for developing ontology-based data access (OBDA) applications, which aim at coupling conceptual views of information, expressed as Description Logic ontologies, with actual and possibly pre-existing data stores. In the tutorial we will present the basics of OBDA, introduce a graphical model for quick development of OWL 2 ontologies, survey typical mechanisms to link ontologies with data, and discuss some special reusable patterns for modeling recurrent representation needs. We will conduct an hands-on-session in which participants will develop (small) OBDA applications by applying the methodologies learned and by exploiting state-of-the-art OBDA tools.




Objectives of the tutorial


OBDA is a major novelty in dealing with diverse data sources in a semantically rich way. It requires multidisciplinary competences, crossing different AI subareas and themes. The tutorial will mainly serve the following objectives:

  1. Introduce novices to major topics of Artificial Intelligence; it will introduce OBDA principles and techniques, building upon topics that are typically familiar to novices attending IJCAI, such as UML and standard data access techniques;

  2. Introduce expert non-specialists to an AI subarea; it will delve into advanced aspects, such as modeling patterns and mapping development, which will be of interest for experts already familiar with semantic technologies, eager to experience OBDA benefits;

  3. Provide instruction in established but specialized AI methodologies; it will provide guidance into how to develop an OBDA solution, by proposing methodologies that were used and developed in real use cases.


Brief Outline


  1. Short intro to OBDA, ontology verification, and query answering
      

  2. From ER/UML to Graphol to OWL 2 and OWL 2 QL

  3. Modeling patterns

  4. Source analysis and mappings development

  5. Hands-on session (bring your laptop!)



Target Audience 

The tutorial aims at inducing interest into novices on the field of OBDA and semantic technologies put into actual use. At the same time, it aims at passing on to experts in the area the experience on developing OBDA applications we have acquired in actual full-fledged use cases we dealt with in various collaborations with private and public organizations.



Prerequisites

Basic understanding of languages for conceptual modeling and databases as those acquired in university courses. Familiarity with description logics will be of help but it is not required to follow the tutorial.


Participants to the tutorial are required to bring their own laptop.