GraphDB connectors allow you to leverage Elasticsearch’s full-text search capabilities for enhanced semantic search. In this guide, we’ll configure a GraphDB connector for Elasticsearch, execute SPARQL queries, and demonstrate debugging techniques to ensure seamless integration.
Pre-requisites
Before diving into the setup, ensure the following are in place:

- GraphDB Installation: Ensure you have an installed instance of GraphDB (Enterprise edition is required for connectors).
- Elasticsearch Installation: Install and configure Elasticsearch with the following:
- Port 9300 must be open and running (configured in
/config/elasticsearch.ymlor through Puppet/Chef). - If using Vagrant, ensure ports 9200, 9300, and 12055 are forwarded to your host.
- Port 9300 must be open and running (configured in
Step 1: Prepare GraphDB
- Set up your GraphDB instance.
- Specify your repository and write data to it.
Step 2: Create Elasticsearch Connector
To create a connector, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to the SPARQL tab in GraphDB.
2. Insert the following query and click Run:
SPARQL Query:
PREFIX : <http://www.ontotext.com/connectors/elasticsearch#>
PREFIX inst: <http://www.ontotext.com/instance/>
INSERT DATA {
inst:my_index :createConnector '''
{
"elasticsearchCluster": "vagrant",
"elasticsearchNode": "localhost:9300",
"types": ["http://www.ontotext.com/example/wine#Wine"],
"fields": [
{"fieldName": "grape", "propertyChain": ["http://www.ontotext.com/example/wine#hasGrape"]},
{"fieldName": "sugar", "propertyChain": ["http://www.ontotext.com/example/wine#hasSugar"], "orderBy": true},
{"fieldName": "year", "propertyChain": ["http://www.ontotext.com/example/wine#hasYear"]}
]
}
''' .
}
3. Confirm the new connector in Elasticsearch by verifying the creation of my_index (it will be empty initially).
4. Debug the connector using these queries to check for connectivity and status:
List Connectors:
PREFIX : <http://www.ontotext.com/connectors/elasticsearch#>
SELECT ?cntUri ?cntStr {
?cntUri :listConnectors ?cntStr .
}
Check Connector Status:
PREFIX : <http://www.ontotext.com/connectors/elasticsearch#>
SELECT ?cntUri ?cntStatus {
?cntUri :connectorStatus ?cntStatus .
}
Step 3: Insert Data into GraphDB
Ensure your connector listens for data changes by inserting, updating, or syncing data with the corresponding Elasticsearch copy. Use the following data insertion example:
SPARQL Data Insertion:
@prefix rdf: <http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#>
@prefix rdfs: <http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#>
@prefix xsd: <http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#>
@prefix : <http://www.ontotext.com/example/wine#>
:RedWine rdfs:subClassOf :Wine .
:WhiteWine rdfs:subClassOf :Wine .
:RoseWine rdfs:subClassOf :Wine .
:Merlo rdf:type :Grape ; rdfs:label "Merlo" .
:CabernetSauvignon rdf:type :Grape ; rdfs:label "Cabernet Sauvignon" .
:CabernetFranc rdf:type :Grape ; rdfs:label "Cabernet Franc" .
:PinotNoir rdf:type :Grape ; rdfs:label "Pinot Noir" .
:Yoyowine rdf:type :RedWine ;
:madeFromGrape :CabernetSauvignon ;
:hasSugar "dry" ;
:hasYear "2013"^^xsd:integer .
Debugging Tips
- Use the SPARQL queries above to validate your setup.
- Ensure Elasticsearch logs show successful connector interactions.
- Check that
my_indexin Elasticsearch reflects the inserted data from GraphDB.
Conclusion
Configuring GraphDB connectors with Elasticsearch allows you to combine semantic search sophistication with Elasticsearch’s robust full-text search capabilities. This integration unlocks advanced search and analytics for your data. Use the steps and SPARQL queries above to ensure a seamless setup.
For more insights, explore the GraphDB documentation and Elasticsearch official guide.
