Digital Data Collection, Storage, and Future Use: recognizing the resources required to preserve digital data

 

    Collecting archaeological data digitally, assuming the person doing so are competent with the technology, allows archaeologists to manage (record, store, search, and manipulate) data both efficiently and effectively. Using a GPS mobile mapper or UAV technology to map a site, for example, can provide an accurate and detailed record of where sites, features, and artifacts are in relation to each other and where they are located in space. Using these technologies to map sites compared to the traditional methods of using hand drawn maps and a compass has made site map making easier and more reliable. This is one simple example, but the possibilities of efficient data collection and management using digital tools are vast and exciting. However, I think that many users of these fieldwork improving technologies are amazed at the capabilities and promise of them but neglect to consider the work it takes to ensure the continued recollection and use of the data and the maintenance required for it. Early in the development of the field of digital archaeology, Ross and Gow (1992) did in fact explore this topic. They comprehensively examined and outlined the work required in ensuring data remains digitally accessible and relevant. The authors discuss the issues of technological obsolescence, physical damage and use wear of hardware, incompatibilities between newer and older software and hardware, and other threats to data. Machines need to be physically maintained; cleaning, software updating, special storage needs (e.g., humidity-controlled rooms), and specialists in specific technologies (especially of obsolete technologies) are required. What happens if a fire or natural disaster wipes out a data storage facility? Of course, we have reached new levels of protection with internet clouds backing up data, but this is still a threat for unbacked up data. More relevant to our present-day circumstances, what if someone hacks into a database or data becomes corrupted in some way making it irretrievable or unreadable? The list of possible threats and safeguards is long, but my point is not to address these threats, but rather to remind archaeologists (and other professionals) new to digital methods of data collection and storage of the resources required for upkeep and ensuring long-term usability. It might be easy to get caught up with how technology is benefitting one’s research methods without making a comprehensive long term data management plan. As a responsible archaeologist engaging with digital methods and tools, this is imperative to ensuring the data collected is available and useable for future generations.

Reference:

Ross, S.  and Gow, A. 1999. Digital Archaeology: Rescuing Neglected and Damaged Data Resources. A JISC/NPO Study within the Electronic Libraries (eLib) Programme on the Preservation of Electronic Materials. Project Report. Library Information Technology Centre, South Bank University, London. https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/100304/