Our mission has been to ensure that ARK is:
- user friendly
- flexible and customisable
- able to fully integrate spatial and non-spatial data
- web based
- open for export/import
User Friendly
Given the wide range of experience present on any archaeological project, ARK is designed for users with any level of computer proficiency. Methods of data entry, viewing, and manipulation can be learned in only a couple of hours and do not require any previous knowledge of the database or GIS software.
Flexible and Customisable
ARK does not force your project or unit into using our recording system, rather it offers a huge range of highly customisable tools for use with a wide variety of recording methods. The modular structure of ARK allows different degrees of database integration. Unlike most alternatives, ARK is equally comfortable with multiple interpretations and viewpoints.
Full Spatial Data Integration
Tight integration with spatial data makes ARK one of the few recording systems available that integrates plan data seamlessly into every and any part of the system out of the box. This means that every record in the system is searchable by a variety of mixed spatial and text criteria right from the start.
Web Based
The main ARK interface is web-based meaning that you can enter data, perform complex datamanipulation tasks, import data, export data and simply view data from anywhere on the planet (with an internet connection!). This also means that no special software is required for most tasks. The entire system interface is written in 100% valid XHTML 1.0 (strict). This paves the way for the next generation of XML data pooling technology.
Open for Export/Import
All data stored in ARK is open to easy export to standard formats. In addition to this openness, ARK can be made to import virtually any data set by means of built in import tools that make use of concordance mapping that will allow you to marry divergent data structures and content.