The Past, Present, and Future of the Digital Archaeological Record: Research Computing for the Long-term Preservation of Archaeological Data

We are pleased to announce a new virtual seminar series, Enabling Research: A Seminar Series on Research Software, organized by ASU-RSE! This seminar series explores how research software drives discovery across disciplines. Each session features researchers and software engineers sharing insights into the tools, practices, and collaborations that make modern science possible, and the challenges they face. Whether you develop software, rely on it for your research, or are simply curious about the intersection of technology and science, this series offers inspiration and practical knowledge for all.

Archaeological data is inherently fragile, and unfortunately prone to loss and mismanagement. To alleviate these issues, the Center for Digital Antiquity (CDA) created The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR), an online repository for archaeological information focused on long-term preservation and reuse. For almost 15 years tDAR has been an important archive for preserving archaeological data from around the globe, with a mission to collect and preserve datasets “indefinitely”. But how can CDA/ASU maintain such a project, and how can it be redeveloped to meet needs that were unimagined when tDAR began? The creation, maintenance, and rebuilding of this data repository requires a blend of engineering, policy, fundraising, daily maintenance, and far-seeing vision. tDAR is currently guided by its third “generation” of developers and directors who are preparing for its largest expansion since its inception and original deployment. This presentation highlights the Center’s cyber infrastructure and how they have created and maintained this important archival service and how they are preparing for its next 20 years of use and growth.

Questions? Please visit rse.asu.edu for more information about Research Software Engineers at ASU.

Find more events in Enabling Research: A Seminar Series on Research Software.