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Figure 4.1. General data structure observed at MAL, showing ProjectSiteSample GroupSample hierarchy.
4.1.1 Field data internal external
4.1.1.1 Summary
A variety of data is collected in the field, from information about individual soil samples, general site information to information about the landscape surrounding the
investigated area. Field maps are used to record the location of sample points, archaeological features, variation in soil properties and other data which might be of use
interpreting the results of analyses. Additional information is also recorded on the field maps or on the actual sample bags.
Coordinate data X,Y,Z is most often produced by a 3rd party contractor using a total station. On some occasions these measurements are performed by MAL personnel using
a total station or GPS. Soil samples are marked individually in field using site location, sample number and
soil horizon. Field notes are used to describe texture, colour and anomalies such as cultural disturbances in terms of charcoal, burnt clay and similar objects. The marking
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of samples collected by external parties not trained by MAL personnel can be marked with considerable variation.
4.1.1.2 Component details
Data: Sample metadata
Comments: Highly variable and disparate. Many external projects have had
questionable sample labelling policies, and ineffective structures. A system must be devised which is both efficient and can cater for these
problem samples. The effectiveness of the SEAD must not however, be sacrificed in order to cater for badly designed legacy data.
Much of this data could be in paper form in structured files, but some is entered into MS Excel files during logging and processing.
Status: Current level of digitalisation: 2?
Volume of data: 5 Uniformity of data: 1?
Complexity of task: 5
4.1.2 Laboratory data
4.1.2.1 Summary
The majority of laboratory data is subject to routines which ensure the creation of appropriate metadata and data elements. There are, however inconsistencies in the
storage location and quality of this data, particularly where plant macrofossil analyses are concerned.
An ‘Incoming folder’ holds a master list of the information necessary for identifying sample batches. All samples handled in the laboratory at MAL are given a unique
identification number, referred to as its “MALnummer”, constructed by the concatenation of a sample batch number followed by a sample number. This minimizes
the possibility of mixing up samples from different investigations. These unique identifiers follow the samples through every step of the process, from pre-processing to
reporting and are used for all types of samples processed in the laboratory.
4.1.2.2 Component details
Data related to arrival of samples in lab
Data: Sample batch information: type, size, date received, external contact and
project information. Incoming folder Comments:
System was implemented in 1999 and is used as a temporary store for project meta data. This is digitised for 1999-2003.
Can be used as central node for project information if used consistently, and may be useful when creating project structure in SEAD.
Status: Current level of digitalisation: 2
Volume of data: 2 Uniformity of data: pre-1999: 2?; post-1999: 4
Complexity of task: 3
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