Encoding changing country codes for the Semantic Web with ISO 3166 and SKOS

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates encoding ISO 3166 country codes using SKOS for the Semantic Web, highlighting features like multiple notations, nested schemes, and versioning to improve data management.

Contribution

It introduces a novel SKOS-based encoding approach for ISO 3166 country codes, addressing features like versioning and nested schemes not extensively discussed before.

Findings

Effective SKOS encoding of ISO 3166 country codes

Support for multiple notations and nested schemes

Handling of versioning in country code data

Abstract

This paper shows how authority files can be encoded for the Semantic Web with the Simple Knowledge Organisation System (SKOS). In particular the application of SKOS for encoding the structure, management, and utilization of country codes as defined in ISO 3166 is demonstrated. The proposed encoding gives a use case for SKOS that includes features that have only been discussed little so far, such as multiple notations, nested concept schemes, changes by versioning.