Chairs: Rainer FELDBACHER / Florian ECKKRAMMER / Tobias ECKKRAMMER, Austria
After years of experience with database development and data handling in the field of archaeological projects the authors realized some main problems. The most problematic issues are the unequal design of data containers which store all the data from findings as well as the data import and export between distinct archaeological projects into different types of data containers of miscellaneous archaeological projects. That leads to massive constraints such as: a large amount of data is locally stored on a single (often private) PC with fair security, it is almost impossible for users in different geographically places to work with the same data and merge it in an appropriate manner. Based on a reference Project called “Archaeological Platform” (www.archaeologynet.com) which was started in order to develop a tool which allows mapping all the information and data flow generated out of an archaeological project and gives the opportunity to exchange and discuss data efficiently, globally and interdisciplinary it is supposed to discuss the advantage of such an system. Due to such a system the information is then shown in a holistic and affiliated way to the user. Nevertheless the user is in full control of the data exchange process. This means that the user (data owner) can decide which data to share with other selected users. Particularly with regard to globalization and integration the conference workshop aims to show the potential of an archaeological platform spanning over multiple projects and excavations. Specially discussed are interconnectedness of various projects and the benefits of a globalization in research. However, it is not only to discuss results of such a system, furthermore the workshop aims to a discussion about a practicable way on how to realize such a project. By discussing these topics among various experts we are going to find best practices how to store, describe and administrate data gained from excavations, findings in particular, publications and interdisciplinary information. Most important is the discussion on how to realize this networking with proper publication rights management. The more members and more different disciplines .are joined a broader network and an increased opportunity for more global research gets possible. The attendee of the workshop should have worked on excavations and ought to have dealt with one or more findings administration tools. Important is the readiness to create and work with an interdisciplinary platform for knowledge exchange.