In-depth search
This page presents three levels of in-depth queries for exploring the platform's data: beginner, intermediate and advanced. These queries are based on the SPARQL language, which can be used to query structured databases such as this one. Each query example can be customised to access specific information about the persons listed in the database.
Please note: By default, the queries display all persons registered, without applying a filter to display only those resistance members officially recognised by the Belgian state. You can customise the filters to suit your needs in each query. This is covered in more detail in the advanced level.
To find out more about SPARQL and learn how to customise queries, see [this tutorial].
This section presents some basic queries for exploring the platform's data. For example, you can search for persons by family name, place of residence or membership in a resistance organisation. These queries do not require any advanced knowledge and will give you a better understanding of the basics of the SPARQL language. To cross-reference more data or retrieve additional information, please consult the section about intermediate or advanced level queries.
> Search for resistance members by family name
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
> Search for members of a resistance organisation
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
> Search for resistance members by place of residence
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Hint: If you prefer to explore the data using predefined tables by region of residence, consult this page.
This section presents queries for exploring the platform's data more extensively. For example, you can search for members of the Resistance by profession, view the number of members of the various Resistance organisations, or view the places where people died during the war on an interactive map. These queries require a slightly more advanced understanding of the SPARQL language and give you the opportunity to cross-reference several types of data to obtain more detailed information.
> Search for resistance members by profession
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Please note: The professions are shown as written down in the paper files; they have not yet been standardised or translated. It is therefore advisable to use search terms in both French and Dutch. We are actively working on categorising these professions to make them easier to find, and this update will be available in the next few months.
> Number of members of a resistance organisation
- View results in graph format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Hint: By clicking on the fields containing the names of the organisations in the graph, you can go directly to the organisation's detailed sheet.
> View places of death during the war
- View results on an interactive map.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Hint: By clicking on the dots on the map, you can display the names of the resistance fighters, their dates of death and any additional details.
Advanced queries let you explore data in depth. You can group results according to several criteria, retrieve more data or enrich local data with information from external sources using federated queries.
> List the women who have been detained, including their occupation and recognition status if available
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Please note: Some persons may be listed on several consecutive lines if there is more than one value for the dates of detention, profession or status obtained. If necessary, you can adjust the query to group the results; see the [tutorial] to find out more.
> List the members of the Resistance who have been recognised as ARA/FFC members, or who have received a letter of appreciation, with their place of residence and a reference to the individual archive files
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Please note: The number of results displayed is limited to 100 by default to avoid overloading the query and improve display performance. This limit can be adjusted or removed according to your needs.
> Enriching data on resistance members using external sources [federated query]
Federated queries take full advantage of the Linked Open Data principle by combining the local data stored in Resistance in Belgium with that of Wikidata, thereby enriching our information base. This process is possible as soon as a match has been established between our data and Wikidata. This gives instant access, starting from our records, to additional information such as Wikipedia articles, entries in the National Biography of Belgium, external identifiers (Righteous Among the Nations, ODIS, Maitron, VIAF, SNAC), or the names of institutions holding archives on these persons. This cross-referencing of data, a true bridgework between several sources, offers an enriched and in-depth view, enabling researchers to easily delve into these resources, without having to search for them manually. The example below can be customised to suit your needs.
- View results in list format.
- Test or modify the query (once the query has been opened, click on the blue "play" button in the bottom left-hand corner to run it and see the results).
Please note:: It is also possible to customise the query to enrich the data with additional content contained on Wikidata, such as photos, dates and places of birth and death, places of detention or awards received.