Exporting a Data Model to RDF

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You can export a logical model or single submodel as a semantic model in RDF Turtle (.ttl) format. The exported file is a standards-compliant OWL 2 ontology that includes SHACL validation shapes and can optionally incorporate SKOS concepts generated from Team Server glossary terms associated with model objects.

Use this feature to integrate your data model with semantic web, knowledge graph, and data governance tools, such as ontology editors (for example, Protégé), RDF triple stores, and governance platforms. It also enables you to align your data model with your organization's enterprise vocabulary.

To export a logical model or single submodel in RDF (Turtle) format

1. While viewing an active logical model or submodel, you can start exporting using one of the following methods:

   • in the ribbon menu, click File > Export File > Export RDF (Turtle)
   • in the Data Model Explorer tree, right-click the appropriate model, and then select Export RDF (Turtle)
   • in the Data Window, right-click an empty area within the logical diagram, and then select Export RDF (Turtle)

   The Export Model as RDF (Turtle) dialog appears.

   

2. Complete the following fields:

   • Base IRI. Review or change the base IRI used to build the identifiers (IRIs) for the objects in the exported ontology. Note that a default value is provided. Once you change the base IRI, the entry is remembered and provided the next time you export.
   • Save to file. Type the full path for the output .ttl file or click Browse to search for and select a folder and file name. Note that a default value is provided base on the model or submodel name.
   • Include SKOS terms. Optional. Check this box if you want to export the Team Server glossary terms that are linked to your entities and attributes as SKOS concepts. For more information about this option, see the next topic.

3. Click Export. ER/Studio writes the Turtle file and displays a confirmation message showing the location of the saved file.

Including glossary terms as SKOS concepts

If your objects are linked to business terms in the ER/Studio Team Server glossary, you can include those terms in the export as SKOS concepts. Simply select the Include SKOS terms check box in the Export Model as RDF (Turtle) dialog before clicking Export. Note that this option requires that you are logged in to Team Server to enable ER/Studio to retrieve the linked glossary terms.

When enabled, each linked glossary term is exported as a skos:Concept including its name, description, and glossary. The corresponding entity or attribute is then connected to that concept. When a term also has an external mapping, such as to an external governance catalog, that external identifier is emitted as a skos:exactMatch to align the exported model with your enterprise vocabulary.

Note: If you clear the Include SKOS terms checkbox or if you are not connected to Team Server, the ontology (classes, properties, and SHACL shapes) still exports but the SKOS glossary concepts not included.

Notes

• RDF export is available only for logical models.
• The output is a single, self-contained Turtle (.ttl) file that you can open in any tool that supports RDF, OWL, or SHACL.
• Your Base IRI and Include SKOS terms input is saved and reused as defaults for your next export.

See Also

• Printing the Data Model