This deliverable reports the activities conducted within Task 5.4 "Executing complex similarity queries over multi layer P2P search structures" of the SAPIR project. In particular the deliverable discusses complex similarity queries issues and the implementation of the query processing over the P2P indexing. The document is accompanied by a zip file containing the javadoc for MUFIN.

The paper presents an approach based on visualization and ontology techniques to analyze large repository of geographic metadata: the aim of the metadata analysis is to support the search for expressive geographic resources. The approach is characterized by a visual reasoning to facilitate the navigation in an unfamiliar space of geographic metadata and a semantic reasoning to support the seeker in the definition of the search criteria. In particular, the analysis of categorical attributes of metadata is considered. Techniques and concepts of information visualization, graphic interaction and ontology are analyzed and exploited: the main principle of the approach is to integrate some of these techniques and concepts to facilitate data searching activity.

Within the frame of the Italian Programme of Research in Antarctica, a main goal is to design and implement a system suitable to manage and diffuse scientific data and information concerning the Italian expeditions. This article deals with the study and the design of a resource discovery system, based on a Web interface, for searching and downloading data stored in a Geo-Data Server. The main features 01' the Geo-Data Server are the definition 01' a cartographic and image database, following international standards, a relational catalog containing meta-information concerning the data archived, and a high-level interface to access the system. The structure and the main elements 01' the Geo-Data Server are shown together with an analysis of the specific characteristics and functions of the system itself, using the latest state of the art technology and appropriate standards. The advantages and features 01' the approach followed have been tested by developing a system containing a meta-information database, a GIS component. a search engine and a simple interface to access the data derived t'rom Italian expeditions to Antarctica.