tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record): A Domain Repository for Archaeology

This record is a pdf copy of the PowerPoint slides that were part of this presentation in the SAA symposium. The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR) is a domain repository for archaeological information maintained by The Center for Digital Antiquity (DA) at Arizona State University. Our mission is the long-term preservation of documents, data sets, images, geospatial information, 3D scans, and other digital files, to provide access for current and future uses. tDAR provides a secure location for sharing information on the web enabling the user to protect site location and other sensitive information. tDAR adds value to resources in the repository because the information is more discoverable and accessible in an internet searchable digital format. Robust metadata associated with each piece of digital information in tDAR ensure that files can be effectively managed and easily discovered. In addition, digital files in tDAR are preserved in original formats, and will be forward migrated to new industry standards as they develop so that information remains accessible for future users. As digital tools used to collect and analyze information change quickly, it is critical that tools like tDAR are integrated into archaeological workflows so that archaeological information is available and accessible for widespread current and long-term uses.