The Transportation Research Thesaurus: Capabilities and Enhancements (2018)

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35 In order to look at the TRT’s future, the research team identified five potential use cases or scenarios that describe a range of options for the future of the TRT. These five use cases take the reader from the improvements that can be made in the current context (Use Case 0) through a series of progressive improvements that end in a community-based designer thesaurus (Use Case 4). With the exception of Use Case 0, which maintains the status quo, each step in the pro- gression builds upon the previous scenario and lays out clear choices and decision points for the TRB and the broader transportation community (see Figure 4-1). Use Case 0 focuses on enhancements that can be made to the current master version of the TRT as it is designed within TRID. Use Case 1 shifts the master version of the thesaurus from its current application in TRID to an ISO-compliant application. In this scenario, the TRID TRT becomes a consuming system that draws content from an extract-transform-load or a web services application tied to the new master version. (A web service is a standardized way of communicating between electronic devices or system to system, over the Internet. It allows the integration of data between applications.) Use Case 2 focuses on enhancements to the new master version of the thesaurus to support both local and global information discovery needs throughout the transportation community. Use Case 3 enhances the new master version of the thesaurus by providing services for automated categorization and indexing across the transpor- tation community. Use Case 4 draws from enhancements made in Use Cases 1, 2, and 3 to offer a community-based designer TRT for the transportation community to use to develop new information and knowledge products and services. Together, the five use cases paint a possible future vision for the TRT. The community may decide that it wishes to target Use Case 1 and go no further. The community may wish to set a 3-year tactical plan for achieving Use Case 2. The community may also decide that it does not wish to move beyond Use Case 0, or it may decide to set a stretch goal for Use Case 4. The research team understands that there are challenges with finding the resources to support and advance the TRT. Given potential uncertainty about future public-sector financial support, the use cases provide options for achieving long-term goals through community support. Each use case is discussed in detail below. Benefits, challenges, resources, and actions are also outlined. These are addressed in more detail in the TRT strategic plan and the immediate action plan (see Appendixes A and B). Use Case 0: Maintain and Enhance TRT Status Quo in TRID Use Case 0 focuses on the enhancements that can be made to the thesaurus in its current appli- cation as a component of TRID (see Figure 4-2). The enhancements cannot negatively impact the functionality of search and indexing in TRID. All current embedded applications must be respected. C h a p t e r 4 Future Strategies

36 the transportation research thesaurus: Capabilities and enhancements The aim of Use Case 0 is to expand the management capabilities to support the TRT team and to make adjustments to terms to improve search and usability. Some enhancements could be made to TRT content without disturbing TRID. However, these enhancements would have to be carefully reviewed. These enhancements include (1) expanding the inclusion of SNs for terms in selected facets; (2) expanding the use of synonyms to include regional variations, lexical variants, abbreviations, and initialisms; (3) reviewing all unapproved terms for consideration as “Use/Use For” (UF/USE) relationships; (4) reducing the number of parenthetical qualifiers in favor of “real speak” terms; (5) rebalancing the structures of those facets that were highlighted in the assessment and discussed with the panel as part of the TRT assessment; (6) increasing the number of transportation-specific terms in facets that address lifecycle stages; (7) and potentially expanding the definition, scope, and coverage of Facet X from information organization to transportation information and technology. The research team suggests developing an extract of the thesaurus content that is in alignment with ISO standards. This means translating and fully representing the thesaurus relation ships to support use in other standards-based thesaurus management applications. This New ISO-Compliant Master Version of the TRT Maintain and Enhance TRT Status Quo in TRID Enhanced TRT Local and Global Discovery Tools Community-Based Designer Applications from the TRT TRT Automated Classification and Indexing Tools and Services Figure 4-1. Five use case scenarios. Figure 4-2. Use Case 0: Maintain and Enhance TRT Status Quo in TRID.

Future Strategies 37 enhancement would help to alleviate the manual labor that local organizations are using to work with all or parts of the TRT. A translation map from the current TRT database scheme to an ISO-compliant scheme must be developed to support this enhancement. A thesaurus term suggestion tracking tool is also suggested for Use Case 0 and all other use cases to follow. Such a workflow would assist the TRT Subcommittee in managing change requests provided by any stakeholder. The current turnaround time for considering terms is too long, and there is limited follow-up communication with the recommender. This applica- tion would allow thesaurus managers to specify the input and explanations needed to better understand why a term is being suggested; to track the research inside and outside the thesaurus at the term level; and to track, record, and publish decisions. The workflow would also support expanded communication with the broader community and provide support for an improved workflow. Another task that could be addressed in Use Case 0 is the development of an online or an on-site thesaurus training workshop for any interested stakeholders. The interviews and data collection tasks highlighted the need for a common understanding of current thesaurus stan- dards, functionality, and applications. Use Case 0 might also include a greater effort to promote awareness of the TRT. However, given the current limitations and constraints for enhancement, the awareness-raising effort might be better aligned with Use Case 1. Benefits and Challenges Use Case 0 offers important enhancements. It provides some enhanced capabilities to the thesaurus management team, but not to the extent that would be achieved with a standard, commercial-off-the-shelf thesaurus management application. Use Case 0 addresses some of the more serious constraints, such as a lack of synonyms, and reduces the use of artificial structural terms. Development of a mapping from the current database scheme to an ISO-compliant structure can improve interoperability with other thesaurus applications. Use Case 0 maintains the integrity of the existing structure in TRID. Use Case 0 is perhaps the only use case where the challenges outweigh the benefits. The chal- lenges outweigh the benefits because the investment needed to make the enhancements may not have a future payback. Use Case 0 does not build additional value into the thesaurus, and it pre- sents a hard stop for future development. Given the low levels of use found in end user search and the extensive effort devoted to manual indexing to support those low levels of search (as reported in Chapter 3), the research team suggests that TRB seriously consider whether Use Case 0 is worth the investment. Resources and Tasks The suggested enhancements could be accomplished as part of Phase 2 of NCHRP Proj- ect 20-109. Unlike the other use cases, however, Use Case 0 would require dedicated time from the TRT system administrator/designer because the work would occur within the current application, and it would be necessary to guard against impacts to TRID. Timelines Use Case 0 could be accomplished within the timeline for Phase 2 of NCHRP Project 20-109. However, no further enhancement for the thesaurus would be expected.

38 the transportation research thesaurus: Capabilities and enhancements Use Case 1: New ISO-Compliant Master Version of the TRT In Use Case 1, the TRT would be transformed into an ISO-compliant thesaurus (see Fig- ure 4-3). The new master version of the thesaurus would reside in a new thesaurus manage- ment application that adheres to the data model and relationships and provides a full set of thesaurus management capabilities for the TRT management team. In this use case, the TRID version of the TRT would not change except to incorporate any enhancements to the content that are manageable by TRID. A new service point would be added to support TRID’s consumption of the TRT content—an extract-transform-load or a web services application. However, the utility of the web services would extend to Use Cases 2, 3, and 4. Currently, the TRT is an embedded component of TRID. TRID searches involve an internal query of the search index, which is tightly integrated with the hierarchical structure of the TRT. This is only one type of TRID search, but it would be important to avoid any loss of functionality in moving to a standards-based thesaurus management application. If the TRT were managed by a formal and full-function TMS, there would need to be a connection between the new TMS and the component of TRID that supports TRT term searches. One way to accomplish this would be to periodically extract, transfer, and load terms from the TMS into the TRID component. The preferred approach, however, is to enable TRID to query the TMS interactively and on demand. A new master version of the TRT in an ISO-compliant TMS would enable TRB to semanti- cally enrich the thesaurus to improve scope and coverage of the field of transportation. Use Case 1 would also involve a review and semantic linking of all currently uncontrolled terms in the TRT. Use Case 1 might also include a comprehensive review of key transportation sources selected by the TRT Subcommittee and key stakeholders. The review would expand the work begun by the research team (described in Chapter 3 of this report). The goal of this review would be to build out a proof-of-concept semantically enhanced vocabulary. The review might focus on two new facets, perhaps focused on modes, as a proof of concept. In addition to the semantic expansion of terms, Use Case 1 would enable the TRT management team to shift from the rigid hierarchical structure to a category approach to organizing terms. Figure 4-3. Use Case 1: New ISO-Compliant Master Version of the TRT.

Future Strategies 39 The hierarchical enumeration scheme and codes would be retained as controlled fields in the new master version to ensure continued support for TRID browse and navigation structures. The current facets would be redefined using a numerical encoding scheme that allows for expansion. The expanded structure would also allow for the TRT to define new facets that are focused on modes of transportation. It also would enable the TRT team and the transportation community to consider rebalancing some of the second-level classes described in Chapter 3 of this report. The new ISO-compliant and more flexible approach to developing and defining relation ships would allow the TRT management team to address (1) parenthetical qualifiers, (2) structural terms, and (3) the expanded use and definition of equivalence relationships (e.g., abbreviations, initialisms, true synonyms, lexical variations, etc.). Additionally, upon batch load of the trans- formed thesaurus into a new application, unique identifiers could be assigned to manage all terms (controlled and uncontrolled). In a commercial application, it would be possible to define multiple definitions and SNs, where those may be of value. Use Case 1 would also provide an opportunity to define a set of standard reports to commu- nicate the status of facets of the thesaurus and to support routine management of the TRT and changes to the current content. Most thesaurus management applications provide a rich set of standard reporting options, as well as options for customized reports. A semantic expansion would have impacts on the governance processes and provide oppor- tunities to involve others in the suggestion and review of terms. The workflow application described for Use Case 0 would be valuable in Use Case 1. The workflow application and the expanded management capabilities provided by a commercial TMS would support more extensive communication with the transportation community. The workflow would enable stakeholders to provide more information about their term suggestions, as well as enable the TRT team to track research related to, and the status of, recommendations and to more easily publish decisions about recommendations. In addition, a new TMS would enable the TRT team to include not-approved terms in the database for future tracking and reference. Benefits and Challenges The benefits of Use Case 1 are significant. In effect, it provides a more effective management environment for the thesaurus team and a foundation from which to develop new uses of the thesaurus. The challenges are not insubstantial, however. The primary challenge is a shift in mental model from a TRID search-based thesaurus and application to a more fully functional ISO-compliant one. However, Use Case 1 is a foundational step; if TRB does not move to Use Case 1, no further development or non-traditional use of the thesaurus is possible. The other ben- efit of Use Case 1 is that it gives TRB the option to continue to support TRID in its current form and to explore other options for TRID where there are built-in thesaurus-consumption modules. Resources and Tasks Sample ISO-compliant vocabularies may be available to serve as a basis for Use Case 1. Phase 2 might then focus on the additional enhancements to the content (Dimension A) and to the scope and coverage (Dimension D). Use Case 1 requires an ISO-compliant TMS. By definition, a new TMS will address standard criteria described in Dimension E. The development of a workflow application could also be addressed as part of Phase 2. Timelines It would be possible to accomplish Use Case 1 enhancements and tasks within the Phase 2 timelines of this project (NCHRP Project 20-109).

40 the transportation research thesaurus: Capabilities and enhancements Use Case 2: Enhanced TRT Local and Global Discovery Tools Use Case 2 presumes that the developments highlighted in Use Case 1 have been completed. With a new ISO-compliant master version of the thesaurus, it would be possible to generate standard and customized exports of the content to support applications throughout the trans- portation community. Use Case 2 would support local use of the master version for search and information discovery (see Figure 4-4). In the assessment of the TRT, the research team saw that there were opportunities for state DOTs, research institutes, and libraries to leverage the thesau- rus if it could be adapted to their needs. The ability to generate custom-defined reports and to export these reports in a variety of formats, without the cost of development resources and time, would expand the use of the TRT significantly. Local terms would continue to be managed at the local level but could also be integrated into the master version. Local terms could be tracked in both the workflow application and in the use of term workflows within the TMS. Another option that arises from Use Case 2 is the potential use of the TRT by commercial publishers. In this use case, the TRT could be used as a front-end and navigation tool for web search engines. It could also be used as an integrated component for search engines to support automated query expansion and as a tool to support the clustering and filtering of search results. In addition, with the capability to define the source and ownership of terms as a traceable field in a new application and to define multiple status conditions for terms, it would be pos- sible to support local terms. The ability to assign unique identifiers to terms and to associate unique digital object identifiers with terms would make it possible for organizations to leverage TRT terms to support local linked data projects. With an expanded community use of the thesaurus, it is possible that there would be an expansion of involvement of the community in governance (Dimension B). Governance would continue to focus on terms, but the expanded reporting capabilities would enable governance to easily focus on other aspects of the TRT as well. A commercial thesaurus management applica- tion would support expanded permissions and securities. The enhancement of content and the increased use by local organizations in local business applications data repositories and for data curation could increase the need for more comprehensive style and best practice guidelines. Figure 4-4. Use Case 2: Enhanced TRT Local and Global Discovery Tools.

Future Strategies 41 Benefits and Challenges The benefits of Use Case 2 extend beyond the immediate TRT management team to any orga- nization, agency, or publisher who manages and supports access to transportation resources. Use Case 2 also presents a major opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of infor- mation management and knowledge organization systems across the field of transportation. This use case provides the broader transportation community with a foundation for exploring common and adapted solutions to information discovery. Resources and Tasks Use Case 2 requires engagement of the transportation community. The time required to build engagement should not be underestimated. The major factor in the timeline to achieve Use Case 2 is the information management community’s success in engaging the larger transpor- tation community (Dimension B). Most of the work in Use Case 2 involves supporting local applications and learning from those applications. As this engagement grows, the scope and coverage (Dimension D) would also increase. To succeed in Use Case 2, SMEs must be drawn into the governance process. Timelines The timeline for Use Case 2 is best aligned with the completion of NCHRP Project 20-109 and Use Case 1 because completion of the activities involved in these endeavors will provide a solid base upon which to support local and extended uses. Use Case 3: TRT Automated Classification and Indexing Tools and Services Use Case 1 sets a new foundation for thesaurus services, and Use Case 2 promotes the value and use of thesaurus tools across the transportation community. Use Case 3 addresses services that support the large-scale indexing and categorization of transportation information (see Fig- ure 4-5). Achievement of Use Cases 1 and 2 would create a higher level of thesaurus use. That new demand would increase the pressure on manual processes to manage and organize informa- tion resources. Experience demonstrates that manual approaches would probably not be able to meet the new demand. Automated solutions—whether fully automated or human-assisted— would help to meet the demand. Use Case 3 considers how the TRT—as it would be transformed in Use Case 1—could be used as a feeder system for automated categorization and automated indexing applications (Dimension B). While there are significant questions about what services would be provided and how, Use Case 3, which represents a longer term vision, would provide support for state DOTs, which are under pressure to manage and provide access to information assets without the funding needed. Use Case 3 creates an opportunity for TRB to consider providing centralized indexing services to the states and other transportation organizations, including the private sector and non-profit organizations. Use Case 3 would place either the National Transportation Library or TRB as a centralized service point for metadata generation—functioning similarly to a centralized biblio- graphic utility such as the Online Computer Library Center. Benefits and Challenges The value of this scenario is a more rigorously and effectively managed transportation infor- mation landscape. The benefits accrue not only at the national level, but at the local organization

42 the transportation research thesaurus: Capabilities and enhancements level. In most cases, the development costs and resources associated with developing semantic applications are significant. Only the most well-funded organizations can consider these options. Leveraging the TRT as a feeder application would significantly reduce the costs. The challenge would be making sure that there is sufficiently deep understanding about these technologies to effectively develop the semantic profiles and to support the services. A centralized service would require a new set of competencies and a dedicated staff. This would be an opportunity to reposi- tion manual indexers to support such a service, once additional training is provided. Resources and Tasks If Use Case 3 is an option for further consideration, we will work with the TRB to develop a detailed cost model. Much of the work accomplished in Use Case 1 will be essential to devel- oping the profiles. The expanded scope and coverage built into Use Case 2 further improves the profiles. Both Use Cases 1 and 2 are predecessor tasks, though Use Case 2 may be imple- mented concomitant with Use Case 3. Timelines Depending on the level of interest of local organizations and state DOTs in Use Case 3, it might be launched at the conclusion of NCHRP Project 20-109. Use Case 4: Community-Based Designer Applications from the TRT Use Cases 1 through 3 describe how the TRT could be enhanced to support the more traditional information management and discovery tasks. In Use Case 4, the TRT would be the source of many new designer- and custom-built applications (see Figure 4-6). The TRT itself Figure 4-5. Use Case 3: TRT Automated Classification and Indexing Tools and Services.

Future Strategies 43 would be fully enabled as a web service tool, and the full functionality of thesaurus manage- ment that is available to the TRT management team would now be available to stakeholders and consumers. Some possible new products and services that would be generated through Use Case 4 might include: • Custom transportation dictionaries that are constructed from thesaurus definitions and modeled around the EPA’s MyGlossaries product; • Custom-developed “Term Lookup” and “Term Mouse Overs,” which enable a reader to iden- tify key terms in a document and automatically look those terms up in the TRT or a custom dictionary constructed from the TRT; • Use by web page developers to select terms, select a definition, and provide a hidden link to a page to improve the understandability of the pages for the non-expert public; • A “Did You Mean?” disambiguation service that supports lookup of acronyms and initialisms and enables the searcher or reader to select the correct, fully spelled out term; • Visual thesaurus applications to navigate all resources available from a single source (e.g., TRB) or embedded in a web search engine; • The use of terms to construct user profiles for recommender engines; • Use in business rule repositories, workflow applications, and business vocabulary applications; • Extended uses in smart cities and enterprise information architecture applications; and • Extended uses in intelligent transportation system applications. Benefits and Challenges The benefits of Use Case 4 are difficult to estimate. Essentially, the TRT would become a tool for new and innovative services and products. The challenges are equally difficult to discern because Use Case 4 is dependent upon engaging with the development and technology commu- nity and making a case for the value of the TRT in these new applications. As new applications are developed, community engagement would expand significantly. Each step forward in a use case has implications for TRT governance and management. Figure 4-6. Use Case 4: Community-Based Designer Applications from the TRT.

44 the transportation research thesaurus: Capabilities and enhancements Resources and Tasks In Use Case 4, the main task for the thesaurus team would be to deploy the thesaurus man- agement capabilities as an open data source. This use case would not only provide the content of the thesaurus, but the functionality for stakeholders and end users to do development from start to finish. Beyond this task, the burden of resources and support tasks would reside with the consuming community. The TRT community would provide the resources needed for further development by others. It might be the case, however, that new applications will introduce new TRT requirements for consideration. Timelines The timeline for Use Case 4 is several years down the road. Use Cases 2 and 3 are not abso- lute requirements for Use Case 4, since custom development can begin following completion of Use Case 2 (but only with support from the thesaurus team). Nonetheless, Use Case 4 would be more effectively and efficiently achieved when Use Cases 2 and 3 have been completed.