Migrating a Semaphore 3.7 model to Semaphore 5.6

Introduction

Semaphore 3.7 (and earlier) was based on the Zthes standard. Starting with Semaphore 4.0 all the model management is based on the SKOS-XL W3C recommendation which is an extension of the SKOS W3C recommendation that allows Semaphore to capture and manage richer and more descriptive terminological and ontological information. Using SKOS-XL enables the management of all the classification settings per label, allowing the same level of control and precision in classification achieved in Semaphore 3.7. In addition, using SKOS-XL opens the door to using many additional Semantic Web modelling paradigm.

The implication of the use of SKOS-XL is that a “standard” SKOS export of a Semaphore 3.7 model would lose much of the information required to maintain the precision and richness of a Semaphore model so to migrate a Semaphore 3.7 model to Semaphore. It is therefore necessary to export it using the “Semaphore 4 Export” functionality included in Ontology Manager which exports the model in the richer SKOS-XL format used in Knowledge Model Management.

Download and install version of Ontology Manager with enhanced export functionality

In the downloads section you can download the version of Ontology Manager that supports the “Semaphore 4.0 Export” SKOS-XL export functionality needed to migrate a model from Semaphore 3. At the top of the page select the latest version of Semaphore 4 (e.g. “Semaphore 4.0.11”) then download the version of Ontology Manager present in that version.

Whether exporting Ontology Server-hosted models or local Ontology Manager models all that is required is to install the new version of the Ontology Manager software available from the link above. Once installed the conversion consists of simply starting Ontology Manager, opening the model you wish to convert for use in Semaphore (or importing it appropriately) then exporting it.

SKOS-XL export from Ontology Manager

After opening the model in Ontology Manager, navigate to Tools -> Export -> SKOS.

The select the Semaphore 4 export and click Next.

In most cases, the default option Transform top terms into Concept Schemes will be the desired behavior. It ensures that all the terms that are at the top of the model in Semaphore 3.7 are treated as schemes or facets in Semaphore 5.0. If the Semaphore 3.7 model should be treated as a single facet, then the first option Export model to concept scheme should be chosen. In case of IPSV illustrated here), it may be good idea to export the model as a single scheme called “Topics” for instance. The 3rd and default option should be used when a model is in effect formed of several taxonomies.

The base namespace, prefixes and URI creation options can optionally be set from the second tab. This will typically be set to your own organization name.

After clicking the Next button you will be asked to provide a name for the export files. There will be three (3) export files created by default:

1. A “core” model export - Containing all approved terms in the model. To use the model this file must be imported into Knowledge Model Management.
2. A “candidate terms” model export - Containing only candidate terms in the model. This export does not have to be imported into Knowledge Model Management unless these terms are required.
3. A “history data” export - Containing any term history present in the model. This export does not have to be imported into Knowledge Model Management unless this history is required.

You can also elect to have a fourth file exported and that is one containing “rejected terms” in the model. This can be exported by checking the “Export rejected terms” checkbox and specifying the export file name. This is only required if you wish to import rejected terms into your Semaphore 4 model.

Clicking the Next button will begin the export. When it is complete a summary is presented. Be sure to read any messages displayed to ensure all expected information has been included.

SKOS-XL import in Semaphore 5.6

To import your model in Semaphore 5.6 you first need to create a new model. To do so, just click on the Create a new model panel on the homepage.

Open the master version of this model, then from the top menu select “Master -> Import”.

Select “Import RDF file”, then select the file output from above. Once this is complete your model will be available in Semaphore 5.6.