BUILDING ONTOLOGIES OVER RELATIONAL DATABASES

Relational Databases are typically created to fulfil the information requirements of a community of users generally belongs to a single organization. Data stored in these databases were typically accessed by using Structured Query Languages or through customized interfaces. With the popularity of the World Wide Web and the availability of large number of Relational Databases for public access there is a need for users to retrieve data from these databases by using a text-based queries, possibly by using the terms that they are familiar with. However, the inherent limitations of Structured Query Languages used to create and access data in relational Data Bases does not allow uses to access data by using text-based queries. Also, the terms used in queries should be limited to those used during the construction of the databases. This paper proposes an architecture to generated ontologies over relation databases and show how they could be enhanced semantically by using available domain-specific or top-level ontologies so that the data managed by the DBs can be accessed by using text-based queries. The feasibility of the proposed architecture was demonstrated by building a prototype system over a sample MySQL database.

3D GEO: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

The expression GEO is mostly used to denote relation to the earth. However it should not be confined to what is related to the earth's surface, as other objects also need three dimensional representation and documentation, like cultural heritage objects. They include both tangible and intangible ones. In this paper the 3D data acquisition and 3D modelling of cultural heritage assets are briefly described and their significance is also highlighted. Moreover the organization of such information, related to monuments and artefacts, into relational data bases and its use for various purposes, other than just geometric documentation is also described and presented. In order to help the reader understand the above, several characteristic examples are presented and their methodology explained and their results evaluated.

Emerging Concepts in Innovative Sign Management Programs

Transportation agencies deploy and maintain millions of traffic signs in the United States. These include regulatory, warning, guide, work zone, motorist service, recreational and cultural interest, and tourist signs. Managing these large inventories under increasing requirements for reporting, accountability, and liability has caused many transportation agencies to reexamine sign management techniques. Conventional methods of sign management, which range from paper-based systems to relational data bases, have limited capabilities and inherent inefficiencies. Additionally, liability concerns are an increasing concern for many transportation agencies. The identification and application of emerging technologies for improving sign management inventory programs are addressed. Conventional sign management practices are described, and existing technologies promising the potential for more efficient and effective sign management are discussed. Because technologies range in price and complexity, an analysis that sizes technologies to markets is presented. Rather than emphasizing the development of new technology, it is proposed that existing technologies be combined to greatly improve current sign management practices.