An Easy & Collaborative RDF Data Entry Method using the Spreadsheet Metaphor

TL;DR

This paper introduces a web-based spreadsheet tool that simplifies RDF data entry by leveraging the familiar spreadsheet metaphor, enabling both experts and novices to efficiently create semantic data with high quality.

Contribution

It presents a zero-configuration, collaborative spreadsheet editor that automatically converts entries into RDF statements, improving ease of use and data creation speed.

Findings

Participants created more statements faster than with other methods.

The approach maintained or improved data quality.

The tool is accessible to users with varying expertise.

Abstract

Spreadsheets are widely used by knowledge workers, especially in the industrial sector. Their methodology enables a well understood, easy and fast possibility to enter data. As filling out a spreadsheet is more accessible to common knowledge workers than defining RDF statements, in this paper, we propose an easy-to-use, zero-configuration, web-based spreadsheet editor that simultaneously transfers spreadsheet entries into RDF statements. It enables various kinds of users to easily create semantic data whether they are RDF experts or novices. The typical scenario we address focuses on creating instance data starting with an empty knowledge base that is filled incrementally. In a user study, participants were able to create more statements in shorter time, having similar or even significantly outperforming quality, compared to other approaches.