Data exploration is an essential feature that all scientific databases should consider, but unfortunately, there is a lack of models and tools for supporting and implementing it in an easy way. In this paper, we present a theoretical description of a new approach called semantic exploration model, focused mainly on the interaction and data exploration in scientific databases. The model is composed of three essential layers: rich interaction, control of behavior and semantics of information, which can be included, implemented and added with web standard technologies to traditional web architecture. This new model uses the semantics of the information as a tool of navigation and exploration of data through visual elements in the interface. We show all the parts involved in it as well as its functionality and a general description of implementation for a real use. The model is open and extensible and we believe that it offers a great potential for the development of a new generation of powerful systems oriented mainly to the exploration of scientific databases.

information retrieval, scientific databases, web engineering, rich interaction, web systems.