Wikidata:Schemas
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Wikidata Schemas |
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What is a schema?[edit]A schema defines the structure of data stored in a database. Schemas are widely used across the web and apply to 1000s of different kinds of data about the world. Wikidata schemas provide a standardised structure for data on a subject area. They allow you to define models for any type or grouping of items, for example E10 is the schema for a human. |
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Wikidata Schemas[edit]Using schemas on Wikidata helps to improve data quality and usability, it helps to grow the community and reduce conflicts and makes it easier for organisations to share data with and reuse data from Wikidata.
For a more technical description of Wikidata Schemas please see Wikidata:WikiProject Schemas. |
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The value of using Wikidata Schemas[edit]Wikidata Schemas provide a way to check how the data on a particular type of item should be structured. For example, there is a schema for a person which defines the statements expected for an item about a person on Wikidata. Wikidata Schemas can be based on other Wikidata Schemas, for example, a simple “author” Wikidata Schema can be created by referencing the existing “human” schema, along with extra statements like “occupation = author”. This process of referencing other schemas has some major benefits:
The schemas are linked to the Wikidata item for that class by a statement (e.g. human (Q5) → Wikidata Schema → E10). Note: this is not yet available, the property proposal is on hold waiting for this Phabricator ticket. |
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Use a Wikidata Schema[edit]Find a Wikidata Schema[edit]There are several ways to find Wikidata Schemas
If you’re unable to find a schema you can:
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Adding information to items[edit]
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Write a query[edit]Wikidata Schemas provide the structure needed to find a type of item using a Wikidata Query. Anyone who is familiar with the SPARQL query language should be able to read the Schema conditions easily as there are many distinct similarities in the syntax. You can’t guarantee you will find all items on Wikidata using a query based on a Schema, but it will give you a list of results with the “recommended” structure. If you need to find as much data as possible, you may need to expand your query to include other ways the data has been modelled. |
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Check data consistency[edit]One of the most common uses for Wikidata Schemas is to check items for data quality e.g by generating reports showing which items need fixing, or statistics to indicate how complete the list of items is. There are many more uses for Wikidata Schemas, and they will get significantly more powerful as more tools are developed to make use of them. |
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Create a new Wikidata Schema[edit]Wikidata:Schema proposals: If you’re unable to find a schema for the subject you can propose creating one, schemas are created through discussion with the community which helps to consider a wide range of use cases and contexts. Wikidata:Schema_proposals is the central discussion area, (similar to Wikidata:Property proposal) to propose and collaborate on developing new schemas. |