The Development of an Arches Resource Model for Recording Radiocarbon Information

Data and databases play an important role in managing heritage resources. Arches software is being used to design and build a prototype radiocarbon date database or model in order to improve the way in which disparate radiocarbon datasets are stored and shared. The database is one of many resource models designed within an Arches framework. The model complies with the Council of Museums Conceptual Reference Model, which is an international standard for the recording of heritage data. Arches is web-based, meaning that the radiocarbon database will be fully accessible online for data entry, querying and report production. The resource model will provide the next generation standard for managing radiocarbon datasets and linking them with other forms of heritage data in a highly structured and coherent manner.