How to import a model with RDF data
- Last Updated: May 13, 2026
- 3 minute read
- Semaphore
- Documentation
Explanation
Knowledge Model Management (KMM) allows you to import models from backup copy. This can be used, for instance to move the model to other environments (like from a testing environment to a production environment).
This article explains how to import a previously exported Semaphore model into a different Knowledge Model Management (KMM) model.
This article does not cover how to backup and restore multiple models and workspaces. For that information, see export_import_ui
Semaphore uses the SKOS-XL standard for semantic models. It is possible to import any valid RDF file into KMM. However, if the file does not contain a model that is structured in SKOS-XL, it will not display properly in the KMM UI. This article focuses on file that came from models that were created in Semaphore.
Assumptions
- You have an existing model. (The model can be empty or have concepts in it.)
- You have the MANAGER, EDITOR, or CONTRIBUTOR role for the model.
Method
It is best practice to perform additions, edits, and other large model operations in a task. If something goes wrong with the task, you can delete it and start a new task without harming your master copy.
- Open an existing model, and create a task for the import process (in this example, we use “New Test Model”).
- Click the task menu option (in this example Import Task), and then click Import.
- On the pop-out side window, click Import RDF file.
- Drag and drop the file you wish to import, or navigate to the directory and select it. (This file must be one of these files types: .ttl, .rdf, or .nt) Then, click Next.
- When you get the message that the file has successfully imported, click Finish.
- After you have validated the model import, commit the task to the Master model.
Outcome
You will have a model visible in KMM. If you imported the file into an empty model, then you will be able to browse and see the same concepts and model structure you saw in your original model. If you imported into a model that already contained concepts, then you will see your new concepts, concept schemes, and structure merged into the rest of the model.
