Semantic Interoperability and Citizen/ Government Interaction
FRANCIS J. HARVEY · 2002
This paper presents an approach extending semantic similarity measures and Amit Sheth’s work on Information Spaces to include non-declarative and nonformalized knowledge. This approach is an extension of concepts developed by Tim Berners-Lee and others for a next generation Internet known as the semantic web. Formalized information used by government agency staff will be stored in web accessible databases and shared when permitted over public access. Citizens will share non-formalized local knowledge in the same semantic web, called the Kentucky Water Information Network (KY-WIN). Diverse representations of formal and non-formalized knowledge will be made accessible through a gateway that builds and maintains semantic links to various sources. The gateway will be accessed through an interface that supports knowledge discovery and communication in a variety of ways to support multiple activities and grow with use. KY-WIN will help promote improved citizen/government interactions by creating a digital and civic infrastructure to integrate various knowledges and contribute to better democratic decision-making.