<scp>CTP</scp> Ontology: A Semantic Model for Structuring Cultural Thematic Paths

Abstract A thematic path enhances the appreciation of cultural heritage by connecting diverse cultural objects through shared themes. This study introduces the Cultural Thematic Path (CTP) Ontology, designed to support the creation, organization, description, publication, and management of thematic paths within the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector. While numerous ontologies address the management and description of cultural resources in the GLAM domain, none provides a comprehensive schema specifically for thematic paths. This work bridges that gap by detailing the design principles, ontology requirements, and implementation of the CTP Ontology. To ensure its effectiveness, the ontology has been validated through three distinct application scenarios and is made available following linked data best practices.