A Model for Transferring Legacy Datasets to Living Documents: A Case Study Using A GIS Geodatabase for Archiving

Archaeology is faced with the inherent problem of managing legacy datasets. Often these datasets are in a state of disrepair, thus rendering them almost useless and difficult to properly archive or to integrate into the current archaeological dialogue. Unfortunately, this is a common issue and there is not much literature on the subject. To address this dilemma, an examination of the condition of the paper documents of a legacy dataset is needed. In this research, I will review the preservation methods of paper documents as a first step to archiving. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS) geodatabase will be used to convert a legacy dataset to an electronic database for archival purposes. The advantages of an electronic database in archiving archaeological research is the ability to easily exchange, store, update, reorganize and adapt data for various types of analyses. Geodatabases add a visual geographic context that is intuitive. This model is a living documents approach that offers transparency and accessibility to multiple disciplines. Furthermore, I will present a case study of a model that will give a conceptual framework to transfer legacy datasets to living documents for duplication or adaptation to other similar legacy datasets.