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Archaeological Digital Data Management

Archaeology relies heavily on digital data: photographs taken in the field, GIS information, analytical and descriptive data sets, project reports, etc. Without a well thought-out approach to data management, important information will be overlooked or lost because it is forgotten, misplaced or damaged. Good digital data management requires attention to the means of data storage, aspects of archiving data, how data are to be preserved, and the curation of data so that is discoverable, accessible and usable. This online seminar will explore the practical aspects of good data management: how to organize materials during the life of a project, tools and methods that they can integrate into their existing projects and workflows to ensure data is prepared preservation and accessibility once a project is complete.

The seminar will:

  1. introduce participants to the Center for Digital Antiquity and tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record), its repository of digital archaeological data and information;
  2. identify good digital data management practice as it relates to the topics of data storage, data archiving, long-term preservation, and the access and reuse of archaeological data; and
  3. describe best practice for the organization of digital archaeological materials during the life of a project and prepare them for curation and preservation.

Presenters

Francis P. McManamon is the Executive Director of Digital Antiquity.  Issues and topics related to the management of archaeological data and information is one of his professional focuses. Digital Antiquity develops and maintains tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record), an international repository for data and documents related to archaeology and archaeological investigations.

 

 

 

 

Leigh Anne Ellison is Coordinator for Marketing, Sales, and Projects, Center for Digital Antiquity. She has served as a Digital Curator at Digital Antiquity. Digital Antiquity develops and maintains tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record), an international repository for data and documents related to archaeology and archaeological investigations. Leigh Anne has a M. A. in Anthropology (Archaeology) from Northern Arizona University.