Internet Archaeol 15. Ryan. Summary

Databases

Nick Ryan

Computing Laboratory, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NF, UK n.s.ryan@kent.ac.uk

Cite this as: Ryan, N. 2004 Databases, Internet Archaeology 15. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.15.8

Summary

Databases are deeply embedded in archaeology, underpinning and supporting many aspects of the subject. However, as well as providing a means for storing, retrieving and modifying data, databases themselves must be a result of a detailed analysis and design process. This article looks at this process, and shows how the characteristics of data models affect the process of database design and implementation. The impact of the Internet on the development of databases is examined, and the article concludes with a discussion of a range of issues associated with the recording and management of archaeological data.

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Features

This article will appeal to: academics, professionals and students of archaeology interested in the development and use of databases, computing professionals interested in applications
Key Features: archaeological and computer science approach, a critical overview of the use of databases in archaeology
Keywords: data retrieval; data storage; database design; managing data; data models