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Semantic Graph Traversal

The process of navigating a Knowledge Graph (KG) or semantic network by traversing edges (relationships) between nodes (entities) to retrieve multi-hop context. This technique allows RAG pipelines to resolve complex queries that require connecting disparate pieces of information, trading off higher query latency and schema complexity for superior factual accuracy and explainability.

Definition

The process of navigating a Knowledge Graph (KG) or semantic network by traversing edges (relationships) between nodes (entities) to retrieve multi-hop context. This technique allows RAG pipelines to resolve complex queries that require connecting disparate pieces of information, trading off higher query latency and schema complexity for superior factual accuracy and explainability.

Disambiguation

Unlike vector search which finds 'similar' items in a flat space, traversal follows 'logical' paths like 'Owner of' or 'Located in'.

Visual Metaphor

"A subway system where concepts are stations and relationships are the tracks; to get from Point A to Point C, the agent must physically pass through the connecting Point B."

Key Tools
Neo4jLlamaIndex (KnowledgeGraphIndex)LangChain (GraphQAChain)FalkorDBAmazon NeptuneOntotext GraphDB
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Conceptual Overview

The process of navigating a Knowledge Graph (KG) or semantic network by traversing edges (relationships) between nodes (entities) to retrieve multi-hop context. This technique allows RAG pipelines to resolve complex queries that require connecting disparate pieces of information, trading off higher query latency and schema complexity for superior factual accuracy and explainability.

Disambiguation

Unlike vector search which finds 'similar' items in a flat space, traversal follows 'logical' paths like 'Owner of' or 'Located in'.

Visual Analog

A subway system where concepts are stations and relationships are the tracks; to get from Point A to Point C, the agent must physically pass through the connecting Point B.

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