DataTerminology.comNEW
Also known as: skos:closeMatch
A mapping indicating two concepts are sufficiently similar but not strictly equivalent.
DESCRIPTION
Close Match represents high similarity across concept schemes without full equivalence. It is useful when terms overlap significantly but differ in scope, granularity, or context. In SKOS, closeMatch is weaker than exactMatch and supports interoperability while preserving distinctions. It helps avoid over-aggregation in catalogs and search while still improving recall.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
W3C SKOS Primer
skos:closeMatch expresses a sufficiently close match between two concepts that are not strictly equivalent.
Clarifies that similarity does not imply full interchangeability.
W3C SKOS Reference
skos:closeMatch is used to link two concepts that are sufficiently similar across different concept schemes.
Highlights cross-scheme similarity rather than equivalence.
RELATED TERMS
Mapping Relation Simple Knowledge Organization System Knowledge Representation Value Set Cross-Reference Lists Alignment Thesaurus RDF Semantic Similarity
COMPETING TERMS
RELATIONS
- Broader: Mapping Relation
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Semantic & Knowledge Modeling Metadata Management
TARGET AUDIENCE
Data Steward Information Analyst Data Modeler
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Simple Knowledge Organization System
- W3C - Primer guidance on closeMatch
- W3C - Formal definition of mapping properties
TOP QUESTIONS
When should Close Match be preferred over Exact Match?
Use Close Match when concepts are highly similar but differ in scope or context. It balances interoperability with semantic precision.
Category: Requirements
What is a common mistake with Close Match?
Upgrading a closeMatch to exactMatch without evidence. This can harm precision and lead to incorrect equivalences.
Category: Mistakes
How does Close Match impact search performance?
It increases recall by bridging similar concepts while limiting false positives compared to exactMatch misuse.
Category: Impact
Is Close Match symmetric?
In SKOS, closeMatch is symmetric, reflecting mutual similarity between concepts across schemes.
Category: Example
What evidence supports a Close Match decision?
Compare definitions, scope notes, labels, and typical usage contexts. Document rationale for governance.
Category: Best practices
Which standards define Close Match?
W3C SKOS defines closeMatch alongside other mapping properties for inter-scheme alignment.
Category: Standard
How does Close Match relate to equivalence classes?
It suggests proximity but avoids merging into a single equivalence class, preserving distinctions across schemes.
Category: Opinion
What risks arise if Close Match is omitted?
Users may miss relevant content mapped across schemes, reducing recall in federated search.
Category: Risk
Can Close Match be used in data integration pipelines?
Yes. It guides entity resolution and harmonization while preventing overly aggressive merges.
Category: Application