# Understanding Entities

In the semantic web, an entity is a thing that is uniquely identifiable and machine readable. As a rule, an entity contains enough descriptive information to differentiate it from other entities. Entities linked across knowledge bases make information reuse possible - reducing the need for manual data entry, reducing the introduction of errors, and improving the quality of semantic information on the web.

## Findable and accessible entities

Footlight automatically transforms unstructured information about events, places, organizations, and people into entities. Because Footlight integrates with Artsdata, these entities are shared with  Artsdata, so that it is easily available for anyone to reuse.&#x20;

### Reusing event information

Footlight turns unstructured and inaccessible event information into accessible event entities. These events are shared with Artsdata.ca so they can be reused by others -   streamlining the process of adding them to multiple listings.

The inverse is also true. When you add an event to the Footlight CMS, you can reuse specific information related to the event by simply linking to a prexisting entity in Footlight, Artsdata or elsewhere (like Google Maps). Examples:

* If a place entity already exists in Google Maps (with street address and geo location information included), simply link to the entity to use it as the event location.&#x20;
* If an organization already exists in Artsdata or Footlight (with logo and description included), link to the entity to use it as the event presenter or supporter.&#x20;

Using entities greatly reduces repetitive manual data entry.





