New fusions: archaeological information in the relational database

Peter Hinge

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 1994, 5, 175-201

Abstract

The potential of the relational database management system (RDBMS) as a means of integrating disparate archaeological data sets is explored, using data recovered from the stratigraphically complex environment of excavations within the city of London. Means of checking and modelling the single context stratigraphies from such sites within the RDBMS are considered, followed by descriptions of techniques developed to allow integration of that model with dating information in order to aid identification of residual and intrusive material. Relational databases are seen to be a realistically accessible technology for archaeological bodies, and are of especial relevance to those working in the increasingly competitive commercial environment of developer funded rescue excavation, as is now common in London and England in general. They offer a means of aiding interpretation through both automating some of the repetitive tasks of site analysis and more importantly by allowing the wider patterns extending across previously discrete data sets to be sought.

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