1. XML Technologies for the Representation and Management of Spatiotemporal Information in Archaeology
Fabio Grandi Franco Niccolucci
University of Bologna University of Florence

2. 17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000
A New Research Project
Four Groups Involved:
1 technological unit (University of Bologna)
1 “interface” unit (University of Florence)
2 archaeological units (Neaples and Florence)
Background in XML Use for Cultural Heritage
Interest in Archaeological Methodologies
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

3. Information of Interest for Archaeological Research
Semistructured Information
Antiquarian Reports
Excavation Data and Diaries
Ancient Texts as Primary Sources
Metainformation
History and Geography Data
Working Hypotheses and Models
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

4. Semantic Richness of Information
Structured Data (Complex Objects)
Textual and Semistructured Information
Spatial and Temporal Features
Support of Indeterminacy
Use of Metadata
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

5. The Use of Computer Tools for Archaeology Research Support
Requirements:
Efficient Use of Computer Resources
Lossless Representation of Source Semantics (vs DB standardisation and normalisation)
Representation of Additional (Meta)Information
Availability on the Internet of User-friendly Tools
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

6. 17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000
The Project Goals
XML Infrastructure
Development of models and techniques for the representation and management with XML of data and metadata
Application Requirements
Definition of applications requirements for archaeological research support
“Buffering”
Collection and formalization of specifications and their mapping on the XML infrastructure
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

7. Goal: XML Infrastructure (1)
A Data Model based on XML
for the representation of:
structured (object-oriented) data
unstructured (textual) data
with extensions to support:
(indeterminate) temporal information
GIS-like spatial information
metadata
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

8. Goal: XML Infrastructure (2)
Design and implementation of algorithms for the management of XML data and metadata
C++ programs, XSL stylesheets, Perl scrips...
Development of SW tools to aid archaeologists in encoding and structuring information sources
automatic XML conversion
computer-aided document markup
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

9. Goal: XML Infrastructure (3)
Unit in Charge: University of Bologna
Previous Work: “The Valid Web”
encoding and management of temporal information in XML documents, based on timestamping tags and XSL selection
SW prototype [EDBT’2000 demo session]
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

10. Goal: Application Requirements (1.1)
Representation and management of excavation data concerning the Etruscan-Campanian settlement of Pontecagnano (mid-south. Italy)
Definition of descriptive models
excavation day, excavation diary, spatial information…
Prototype archives concerning recent campaigns
Methodologies on deployment of XML in archaeological research
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

11. Goal: Application Requirements (1.2)
Unit in Charge: Oriental University Institute of Neaples
Previous Work: use of relational databases and GIS for the representation and management of excavation data
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

12. Goal: Application Requirements (2.1)
Representation and management of material and written sources (historical texts) concerning the medieval settlement of Pratomagno (Tuscany)
Definition of a description language for heterogeneous historical sources
Digitisation and markup of sample documents
Methodologies on deployment of XML in archaeological research
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

13. Goal: Application Requirements (2.2)
Unit in Charge: University of Florence (Vannini)
Previous Work: interest in digitizing the “Historical Geographical Dictionary of Tuscany” by E. Repetti (19th century)
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

14. 17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000
Goal: “Buffering” (1)
Resolving the “impedance mismatch” between tecnhologies and user requirements
collection of user specifications and their mapping onto the XML infrastructure
coordination and interfacing between the units
management of checkpoints, feedback, testing…
Main role in the development of methodologies
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000

15. 17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000
Goal: “Buffering” (2)
Unit in Charge: University of Florence (Niccolucci)
Previous Work: use of markup languages and Web tools for archaeological research support, involvement in Project “Repetti”
17th CODATA Conference - Session I-6 - Baveno 2000