From what I gathered at the archaeology on the web conference at UCL and the
HBSMR users group in Huntingdon (correct me if I'm wrong Sarah: is Matthew
Stiff still on the HERforum?) is that MIDAS II will be using the CIDOC CRM
system, which is a conceptual model for storing data allowing
interoperability of databases. Basically, in terms of this discussion, this
should allow a value to be given to a date, such as 'built', 'demolished',
'used', 'evidence for' and so on. This would make the dates stored in SMRs
more meaningful.
Kim Biddulph
Unlocking Buckinghamshire's Past Project Officer
County Archaeology Service
Buckinghamshire County Council
01296 382072
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/countryside/
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/archaeology/
-----Original Message-----
From: LEE, Edmund [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 26 August 2005 11:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: MIDAS 2nd edition phase indexing standard. Was 'Use of Periods'
Hello all,
Taking this off in a slightly different direction, remember that MIDAS
currently (i.e. the 1st edition in 1998) 'Recommends' *both* Period term
and Minimum and Maximum Dates. This reflects the generally
archaeological focus of SMRs in the 1990s. Period terms are used in
archaeology as more precise dates are often unknown e.g. we use 'BRONZE
AGE' although we know that a site could be more specifically dated and
indexed as such if we had the information.
But the standards are there to serve the needs of the community. How
would it be if we altered the standard in the forthcoming 2nd edition so
that *either* a period date *or* a date range were required, with
preference for a more precise date span where this is available?
The VICTORIAN issue then, to some extent, goes away. If a building dates
to 1848, then just say that in the Minimum Date unit. Use of the term
(or POST MEDIEVAL etc) would be there for indexing the less well dated
sites.
We can then focus on the more complex problem of what we actually mean
by a dated / period indexed phase. Is it just when we know a site was
extant from our best (only?) source, or the date of assumed
construction, or a 'phase' in the architectural sense i.e. a period of
development, extension or restoration etc etc. We probably need to be
more proscriptive about separating these.
Best wishes
Ed
MIDAS 2nd edition Project Manager
_____________________________________________________________________________
__
English Heritage is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
All information held by the organisation will be accessible in response to a
Freedom of Information request, unless one of the exemptions in the Act
applies.
Visit our Web Site : http://www.buckscc.gov.uk
**** Buckinghamshire County Council E-mail Disclaimer ********
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential
and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity
to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended
recipient, the use of the information by disclosure, copying
or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have
received this email in error please notify the system manager
at [log in to unmask]
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been
swept for content and for the presence of computer viruses.
**** End of Disclaimer ***************************************
|