Data Model
The DHELO data model is designed to structure and interconnect heterogeneous cultural heritage resources using the principles of Linked Open Data. It provides a flexible and interoperable framework that allows for the integration of diverse datasets, ensuring meaningful connections between places, periods, research projects, people, institutions, and digital resources.
At its core, the model follows established ontologies and metadata standards to enhance data reusability and semantic enrichment. Each entity within DHELO is described using structured relationships, enabling users to explore resources through geographical, chronological, and conceptual links. This approach fosters a dynamic and interconnected digital ecosystem for cultural heritage research and discovery.
DHeLO adopts a semantic web approach, leveraging established Linked Open Vocabularies to ensure interoperability and standardization of metadata. The platform currently employs the following vocabularies:
- Dublin Core Terms – A widely used metadata standard for resource description.
- FOAF (Friend of a Friend) – A vocabulary designed to describe people, organizations, and their relationships.
Organizations
DHeLO adopts a linked open data approach, structuring information about institutions using the FOAF:Organizationclass. Each organization is described through a set of metadata fields that enhance discoverability and connectivity within the platform.
- dcterms:title – The official name of the organization, ensuring standardized identification.
- dcterms:alternativeTitle – Any alternative names or abbreviations commonly used for the institution.
- dcterms:description – A brief overview of the organization, including its research focus and contributions to cultural heritage.
- dcterms:isPartOf – Indicates whether the organization is part of a larger institution, such as a university department or research institute.
- dcterms:identifier – A unique identifier assigned to the institution, primarily based on the Research Organization Registry (ROR), ensuring interoperability with global research data infrastructures.
- foaf:homepage – A link to the institution’s official website, providing direct access to further information and resources.
These fields facilitate structured and hierarchical exploration of research institutions, ensuring interoperability and integration with external datasets.
People
DHeLO structures information about individuals using a linked open data approach, relying on the FOAF:Personclass. Each person is described through a set of metadata fields designed to ensure clear identification and integration with external research infrastructures.
- dcterms:title – The full name of the person, including given name and surname.
- foaf:name – The given name of the person.
- foaf:surname – The surname of the person.
- dcterms:identifier – A unique identifier linking to the individual’s ORCID profile, ensuring interoperability with global research data infrastructures.
For reasons of data accuracy and traceability, DHeLO does not store information about a person's institutional affiliations. These relationships are subject to frequent changes and can be difficult to maintain over time. Instead, users are encouraged to refer to the person's ORCID profile, where up-to-date affiliation data is available.
This approach ensures that personal records remain stable while allowing external platforms to handle dynamic institutional information.
Projects
DHeLO structures information about research projects using the FOAF:Project class, ensuring a standardized representation of projects and their relationships. Each project is described through a set of metadata fields that provide details on its scope, duration, contributors, and evolution over time.
- dcterms:title – The official title of the project.
- dcterms:alternativeTitle – Alternative names, acronyms, or abbreviations associated with the project.
- dcterms:description – A brief overview of the project's objectives, methodologies, and impact.
- dcterms:date – The project’s timeframe, typically indicating its start and end dates.
- bibo:status – The current status of the project (e.g., ongoing, completed, discontinued).
- dcterms:replaces (Continues) – Indicates a preceding project that this one builds upon or extends.
- dcterms:isReplacedBy (Continued by) – References a subsequent project that follows or expands upon this one.
- dcterms:isPartOf – Specifies whether the project is part of a larger initiative, consortium, or framework.
- foaf:homepage – A link to the official project website, providing further details and access to project outputs.
- dcterms:identifier – A unique reference assigned to the project, which may correspond to external databases or internal records.
- dcterms:creator (Project Coordinator(s)) – Identifies the main person or institution responsible for coordinating the project.
- dcterms:contributor (Project Participant(s)) – Lists individuals or institutions that have contributed to the project.
This structured model ensures that research projects are interlinked, facilitating navigation through related initiatives and understanding their evolution over time