About ARK

Overview

ARK (The Archaeological Recording Kit) is a web-based ‘toolkit’ for the collection, storage and dissemination of archaeological data. It includes data-editing, data-creation, data-viewing and data-sharing tools, all of which are delivered using a web-based front-end.

It is designed to be adaptable to any digital or paper-based recording system, so does not dictate what or how the archaeologist records at a given site. Rather it provides a framework, an interface and a set of pre-fabricated digital tools for archaeological recording and data dissemination according to the unique needs of any given project.

Based on industry standard data technologies (Apache/MySQL/PHP), ARK is completely opensource and standards-compliant.

Mission Statement

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 the only recording system available that integrates plan data seamlessly onto every and any part of the recording 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 Arkinterface 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 up even quite divergent data structures and content.

Who is ARK for?

Archaeologists

ARK was originally designed for (and by) archaeologists, with an emphasis on excavation recording. It also supports paleoenvironmental research, the study of human remains, archaeological survey, geophysics, remote sensing, bibliographic databases and image collections.

Cultural Heritage Managers

ARK is not just for field archaeologists and their specialist collaborators, but also for a wide range of cultural heritage professionals. It is equally well-suited for site and objects conservators, museum professionals and anyone else involved in the care and study of the world’s built heritage.

Commercial and Academic Projects

ARK is ideal for use in the commercial, non-profit and academic sectors alike. It is light and quick and intuitive enough for use in the fast-paced world of commercial archaeology, but robust enough for the large, international academic research projects and non-profit cultural resource management work.

Non-computer Specialists

Because ARK’s interface is completely web-based, it requires no highly-specialised computer skills to use. If you have ever browsed the internet, you can use ARK. The initial set-up does require a bit of computer savvy, but once it’s up and running needs very little specialist attention.