Introduction

We interact with large amounts of information daily, from images and videos to spreadsheets and websites. But while humans can navigate and understand data, computers still struggle to make sense of it.  Linked Data is a powerful approach to structure and connect data across the web, allowing machines to understand relationships between different pieces of information. In this guide, we’ll explore Linked Data, why it matters, and how it works in a simple way.

The challenge of traditional data on the web

The internet has transformed how we access information. Websites contain text, images, and links that allow users to navigate between topics. However, while humans can easily interpret the meaning behind a webpage, computers face challenges.

For example, a computer might recognize that a page contains an image, but it won’t automatically understand what the image depicts, who is in it, or why it’s relevant. Similarly, while links connect different web pages, machines don’t inherently know if a link is valuable or part of a structured knowledge system. Summing that up, computers have the following data challenges:

• Understanding what the data represents
• Recognizing relationships between pieces of data
• Structuring information in a way that is machine-readable

To bridge this gap, we have to spend time structuring and labeling data so that machines can process and interpret it correctly. This is where Linked Data comes in handy.

What is Linked Data?

Linked Data is a method of publishing structured data using a set of standardized formats and links that connect related data points across different sources. Just like the web connects documents through hyperlinks, Linked Data connects pieces of structured information to create a web of data that machines can understand and explore.

The concept is part of the semantic web, where data is linked in a way that systems can also understand without manual intervention, making it easier to share and analyze. When using the principles of Linked Data, everyone can access the correct information at the right time. 

But what are its core principles? 

1. Use URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers) to give each data item a unique web address.
2. Use HTTP URIs to search and retrieve data over the web.
3. Use standard data formats like RDF (Resource Description Framework) so that machines can interpret relationships.
4. Create connections between data sources to enhance discoverability and meaning.

If we put these principles together and use them, it would look like the example below. 

Let’s say we have the following data:

• John (a person) owns a car
• John is located in New York 
• The Car is registered in New York 

Instead of storing this data in an isolated spreadsheet, we can express it using Linked Data principles.

Image 1: Format to express Linked Data

By structuring data this way, we create meaningful relationships between entities. Computers can now understand who John is, where he lives, and additional details about him.

Graphs: a backbone for Linked Data

At Semmtech, we consider a ‘graph’ as a way of storing information. As shown in the image above, it makes use of the principles of graphs. In this structure, data points (objects) are connected through relationships. This follows a subject → predicate → object pattern. For example: “John” (subject) is located in (predicate) “New York” (object).

This small example forms a basic graph, where “John” and “New York” are objects, and “is located in” defines their relationship. We call this structure a triple. In graph terminology, the objects (things) are called nodes, while their relationships are known as edges.

Image 2: Connecting information through triples 

Why Linked Data matters in a business context 

Now that we’ve explored what Linked Data is and how it works, let’s look at its real-world business impact. Across industries, from finance and cultural heritage to technical industries like infrastructure, energy, water management, shipbuilding, and aerospace, Linked Data is gaining traction for structuring and connecting complex information.

In Aerospace, for instance, Manufacturers and engineers use it to link components, materials, and safety regulations, ensuring traceability of dependencies and compliance requirements. This enhances product lifecycle management and regulatory adherence.

Similarly, infrastructure projects rely on Linked Data to connect design standards, asset information, and maintenance records, making tracking the lifecycle of assets easier. By following structured links between datasets, computers can trace relationships between technical specifications, project documentation, and operational data.

Listing other cases and advantages, we can say that contributes to the following:

1. Many organizations struggle with data silos, where vital information is scattered across different systems and formats. Linked Data bridges these disconnected data sources, enabling businesses to combine and analyze information from multiple platforms without the need for costly and time-consuming data transformation processes.
   
2. As digital infrastructures expand, we need data that can be shared and understood across different systems, applications, and teams. Linked Data supports interoperability, meaning information can be interpreted and reused across different software environments without manual intervention. This enhances data availability, accessibility, and long-term scalability.
   

Conclusion

Linked Data is transforming how different industries manage and connect complex information. By structuring data in a machine-readable way, organizations will reap a lot of benefits, it can, for instance, improve decision-making, break down data silos, and enable smarter technologies like AI and predictive maintenance.

However, implementing it requires more than understanding its principles. It demands the right tools, expertise, and strategy. At Semmtech, we help businesses design, implement, and optimize Linked Data solutions. Our expertise in knowledge graphs, data modeling, and interoperability ensures that your data is structured for maximum impact. 

Want to discuss your challenges or learn more about how we deploy it? Feel free to book a consultation with Harmen Meijer here. 

Want to read more?

• Read about the essential concepts of Linked Data.
• Learn more about Linked Data standards by W3C

Or see how we can help you with our Linked Data Services.