On a Generalized Framework for Time-Aware Knowledge Graphs

TL;DR

This paper provides a clear overview of extending knowledge graphs to incorporate time-awareness, addressing different interpretations and objectives, to facilitate future research in dynamic and temporal knowledge graph modeling.

Contribution

It offers a well-defined framework and terminology for time-aware knowledge graph extensions, clarifying distinctions and guiding future research efforts.

Findings

Clarifies the distinction between validity period and traceability of facts.

Provides a structured overview of existing time-aware knowledge graph extensions.

Facilitates future research by standardizing terminology and concepts.

Abstract

Knowledge graphs have emerged as an effective tool for managing and standardizing semistructured domain knowledge in a human- and machine-interpretable way. In terms of graph-based domain applications, such as embeddings and graph neural networks, current research is increasingly taking into account the time-related evolution of the information encoded within a graph. Algorithms and models for stationary and static knowledge graphs are extended to make them accessible for time-aware domains, where time-awareness can be interpreted in different ways. In particular, a distinction needs to be made between the validity period and the traceability of facts as objectives of time-related knowledge graph extensions. In this context, terms and definitions such as dynamic and temporal are often used inconsistently or interchangeably in the literature. Therefore, with this paper we aim to provide a short but well-defined overview of time-aware knowledge graph extensions and thus faciliate future research in this field as well.