SEMAFORA Semantic Reference Data Models

To support the aim of the Semafora project, a series of Semantic Reference Data Models were created to provide a target semantic structure for the integration of standard archaeological survey data. 

The following models constitute the Semafora SRDM package:

Place: This model is used to document any places associated with the archaeological survey.

Institution: This model is used to document any institution associated with the survey.

Period: This model is used to document the generic historical period assigned to the production of artefacts, existence of sites or other observable archaeological and historical events.

Feature: This model is used to document any physical features, such as walls and other human-made structures observable on the field.

Project: This model is used to document the overarching project, a part of which is the archaeological survey. Some projects may involve surveys, excavations, and other archaeological activities.

Site: This model is used to document a site declared as archaeological as a result of the survey process.

Digital Object: This model is used to document any type of digital asset associated with the survey.

Survey Unit: This model is used to document a defined survey unit where the survey activity happens. It has both the properties of a place with dimensions and coordinates and of a physical thing from which samples can be collected.

Collection: This model is used to document a collection of physical things, usually artefacts, collected while surveying.

Artefact: This model is used to document individual artifacts collected from while surveying as a part of a larger collection of material things or as a singular artefact collection or documentation.

Image: This model is used to document any image representing components of the archaeological survey, such as artefacts, features, places, people, etc.

Observation: This model is used to document the act of observation usually associated with archaeological sites or survey units and the properties assigned to those as a result of the observation.

Bibliography: This model is used to document any textual object associated with the survey or any components of it.

Sample: This model is used to document a material sample of the survey unit. It partially overlaps with collection but acts as a parent sample that may contain other physical things besides human-made objects.

Person: This model is used to document an individual person (alive or dead) involved in some way in the survey process.

These models are intended to be used in order to guide semantic data mapping processes as well as to provide instructions for the creation of a target data semantic data management system.

Each model’s semantic reference data model description is stored here as a csv. The ongoing curation and updating of these SRDMs is undertaken using the Zellij system and can be accessed here:

https://zellij.pythonanywhere.com/docs/list/appaCfYmUmH78z85c