Dr. Vera Moitinho de Almeida was one of the recipients of the Virtual Mobility Grants in 2021. A grant aimed at strengthening networks by allowing scientists and project members to foster collaboration in a virtual setting, to exchange knowledge, share projects, learn new techniques, disseminate Action results, create new databases and increase the awareness of trends aligned with SEADDA objectives. Below Dr. Vera Moitinho de Almeida has provided an overview o the research she accomplished with the funding from the grant.
3D Models for Archaeological Research and Conservation: Recreating a FAIR pottery database
By: Dr. Vera Moitinho de Almeida
The main objective of this research was to gain practical knowledge on how to create a FAIR Pottery Database (Db) specifically for archaeological research and conservation. The first stage of work consisted of a general overview of the project and inherent possibilities. Further we have had to select appropriate software, and eventually it was decided to use Omeka S (https://omeka.org/), a free and open-source content management system (CMS), also adequate for the objectives of this research. The Pottery Db mock-up was structured and implemented locally. A small set of digital assets from U-Porto and the ODEEG project (in Zenodo repository and ARCHE archive, respectively) were used as the main benchmark dataset. Given the short time for implementation, it seemed more productive to concentrate in developing a well structured Db and thus reduce the number of items and media (set of 8 items and 33 media). Not with standing, distinct types of metadata, 3D models, photos, illustrations, and interactive maps were included (IIIF is supported too). As previously mentioned, given the short time remaining, only a small set of items and media were included to test the effectiveness and, to a certain level, the robustness of the Db. The fact of being a small set is not a problem per se, as larger collections are available and can be later batched. Considering all above mentioned, we are pleased as we achieved to strengthen the existing networks, create a new database, foster collaboration in a virtual setting, learn new techniques, exchange knowledge, and share projects, as well as to increase the awareness of new trends aligned with SEADDA objectives.
