Towards Keyword-Based Search over Environmental Data Sources

This paper describes the problem of keyword-based search over environmental data sources. Based on a number of assumptions that simplify this general problem, a prototype of a search engine for environmental data was designed, implemented and evaluated. This first solution serves as a proof of concept that illustrates its applicability in different domains, for both expert and non-expert users. The requirements analysis undertaken and the subsequent design and implementation helped in the identification of a number of new research challenges.

keywords: Keyword-based search, Environmental data, Geo-spatial data, Fuzzy query language, Information retrieval, Scientific data