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The NFDI4ING Knowledge Graph Explorer (KGE) is a powerful yet intuitive web application designed to make exploring, creating, and curating RDF-based knowledge graphs effortless. Whether you want to browse existing content or contribute new entries, the KGE provides a seamless experience - no SPARQL expertise required. With flexible search options and interactive visualizations, the KGE transforms complex knowledge graph data into an accessible and user-friendly environment.

Click to open Knowledge Graph Explorer

Why Use the Knowledge Graph Explorer?

The KGE empowers users to:

  • Explore the NFDI4ING knowledge graph without technical query languages
  • Find relevant content using any available attribute - even highly specific ones
  • Curate and enrich data via structured web forms
  • Switch between a dynamic graph visualization and a clear tabular detail view

It combines semantic precision with ease of use, making advanced RDF data accessible to everyone.

How It Works

Although you can filter the knowledge graph using any attribute, the most effective way to start is by selecting a suitable metadata profile.

1. Choose a Metadata Profile

On the left side of the screen, select a profile from the “Profile” dropdown menu. You can search for profiles by name - for example, “sample preparation.” Once selected, the available search facets automatically adjust to match the attributes defined in that profile. This ensures a focused and efficient search experience.

2. Refine Your Search with Facets

The KGE offers three intuitive types of search filters:

  • Numerical Values: Use interactive sliders to define minimum and maximum ranges.
  • Controlled Lists: Select predefined options (such as units or linked entities) from convenient dropdown menus.
  • Free Text Search: Enter keywords in the “Full-text search” field to search across all descriptive text fields. If multiple filters appear under one heading, they usually belong to the same attribute - for example, a physical quantity combining a numerical value and its unit. As you adjust the filters, the results update instantly.

3. Explore the Results

Matching entries appear in the center column. Click on any result to inspect its details on the right-hand side. You can switch between two complementary views:

  • Graph View : Visualize the entity and its relationships within the knowledge graph as an interactive network.
  • Detail View : Examine structured metadata in a tabular format. Colored indentation bars help you easily follow nested and modular data structures - ideal for complex workflows or multi-step processes.

The Power Behind the Interface: Metadata Profiles

At the core of the KGE are SHACL-based metadata profiles. These profiles translate ontologies into structured templates that:

  • Provide clear and consistent forms for editing RDF data
  • Enable precise, facetted search without SPARQL knowledge
  • Ensure semantic consistency across the knowledge graph

By combining structured metadata with an intuitive interface, the KGE bridges the gap between semantic technologies and everyday research workflows.