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The development of very large databases requires innovative approaches to data handling to efficiently communicate information meaning to users. The Geospatial Semantics and Ontologies course examines the foundations, design, and use of data structured as linked data, geospatial ontology, knowledge graphs, and related technology. Linked data and knowledge graphs are based on the node-edge-node triple data model to form graphs that can represent information networks. Triple graphs formatted as Resource Description Framework (RDF) can address challenges associated with information management such as inconsistencies within GIS applications, data associations within related enterprises, and information exchange over the Internet. The course begins with some general approaches to semantics and ontology, and basics of information interchange on the Internet. Linked Data in the form of Extensible Markup Language (XML), its extension Geography Markup Language (GML), and other standards for formal semantics such as Well Known Text (WKT) for specifying geographic coordinate geometries, SPARQL and GeoSPARQL query language, and Web Ontology Language (OWL) for automated logical reasoning and data inference are discussed. Subsequent lessons examine semantic system architecture, ontology design, and linked data mapping. No programming is required, but some required technical literacies, such as Java Script Object Notation (JSON) and Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), are reviewed. Students complete a project in the last few weeks of the semester. The introductory skills offered in this course build a foundation for advanced geospatial Linked Data and Knowledge Graph applications in the future. Offered once a year. Prerequisite: 430.600 Web GIS