Encoding changing country codes for the Semantic Web with ISO 3166 and SKOS

Abstract

This paper shows how authority files can be encoded for the Semantic Web with the Simple Knowledge Organisation System (SKOS). In particular the application of SKOS for encoding the structure, management, and utilization of country codes as defined in ISO 3166 is demonstrated. The proposed encoding gives a use case for SKOS that includes features that have only been discussed little so far, such as multiple notations, nested concept schemes, changes by versioning.