VuWiki: An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments

Bijan Khazai; Tina Kunz-Plapp; Christian B&#252;scher; Antje Wegner

doi:10.1007/s13753-014-0010-9

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Disaster Risk Science > 2014 > 5(1): 55-73

Bijan Khazai, Tina Kunz-Plapp, Christian Büscher, Antje Wegner. VuWiki: An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2014, 5(1): 55-73. doi: 10.1007/s13753-014-0010-9

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Bijan Khazai, Tina Kunz-Plapp, Christian Büscher, Antje Wegner. VuWiki: An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2014, 5(1): 55-73. doi: 10.1007/s13753-014-0010-9

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VuWiki: An Ontology-Based Semantic Wiki for Vulnerability Assessments

doi: 10.1007/s13753-014-0010-9

1 Geophysical Institute, Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology(CEDIM), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology(KIT), 76187 Karlsruhe, Germany;
2 Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis(ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology(KIT), 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany;
3 Institute of Regional Science and Institute of Urban and Spatial Planning, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology(KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

Available Online: 2021-04-26

Abstract

Abstract

Three decades of vulnerability research have generated a complex and growing body of knowledge. The concept of vulnerability, as well as its implementation in vulnerability assessments, is used in various disciplines and contexts. Correspondingly, a multitude of ideas and frameworks about how to conceptualize and measure vulnerability exists. To provide a structured representation of vulnerability, we have set up an ontology-based semantic wiki for reviewing and representing vulnerability assessments (www.vuwiki.org). Based on a survey of 55 vulnerability assessment studies, we first developed an ontology as an explicit reference system for describing vulnerability assessments. The ontology was then implemented in a semantic wiki which allows for the classification and annotation of vulnerability assessment. The resulting semantic wiki, VuWiki, does not aim at "synthesizing" a holistic and overarching model of vulnerability, but at (1) providing—both scientists and practitioners—with a uniform ontology as a reference system; (2) providing easy and structured access to the knowledge field of vulnerability assessments with the possibility for any user to retrieve assessments using specific research criteria; and (3) serving as a collaborative knowledge platform that allows for the active participation of those generating and using the knowledge represented in the vulnerability wiki.
- Knowledge representation,
- Ontology,
- Semantic wiki,
- Vulnerability assessment

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References(83)

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