What is a knowledge graph?
A knowledge graph is a network of real-world entities, such as objects, events, situations, or concepts, and their relationships. It represents a collection of interlinked descriptions of entities, where each entity contributes to describing other related entities. The data in a knowledge graph is linked and enriched with semantic metadata, providing a framework for data integration, unification, analytics, and sharing.
Top features of a knowledge graph
- Formal semantics: The descriptions in a knowledge graph have formal semantics that allow both people and computers to process them efficiently and unambiguously. This is typically achieved using ontologies, which serve as a formal contract between the developers and users of the knowledge graph regarding the meaning of the data.
- Interlinked entities: A key feature of a knowledge graph is that the descriptions of entities are interlinked. The definition of one entity includes references to other entities, forming a dense network of connections, which adds context and enhances the understanding of each entity.
- Semantic metadata: Knowledge graphs use semantic metadata to describe and connect diverse data according to the knowledge model. This metadata provides additional context and meaning to the data, making it easier to integrate, interpret, and analyze.
Example of a knowledge graph
Google's Knowledge Graph is a well-known example of a knowledge graph used in consumer-facing applications. Launched in 2012, it enhances Google's search results with semantic information gathered from various sources, such as Freebase, Wikipedia, and the CIA World Factbook.
When a user searches for a particular entity, such as a person, place, or thing, Google's Knowledge Graph summarizes key information related to that entity, such as relevant facts, images, and related entities. This information is presented in a box on the right-hand side of the search results page, known as the Knowledge Panel.
By understanding the relationships between entities, Google's Knowledge Graph can provide users with more relevant and comprehensive information, improving the overall search experience and helping users find the information they need more quickly and easily.Last edited just now.
