Having access to the PARP:PS database was invaluable when developing the Sangro Valley Project’s database and paperless workflow (see my first post for an overview and this post for more background information). In that sprit of cooperation I have made available an unlocked version of the database originally developed for the SVP. The database – which we have dubbed “Cera,” the Latin word for a wax writing tablet – can be downloaded here (see licensing below and in the ReadMe file that comes with the database). You can no longer download a demo of FileMaker Pro 11 directly from FileMaker. The file will work with the demo of FileMaker Pro 12, but it will need to be converted first.
This database should be considered unfinished. The basic excavation functions work quite smoothly, as do several more complex functions. There are a couple of features that I am not quite satisfied with. These include image handling, many of the computer layouts, and generating Harris matrices (this has always been considered an experiment, and I will write more on that later). For this season I plan to focus on refining and simplifying the user interface, redesigning our image handling procedures, and streamlining the behind-the-scenes running of the database. I am also in the process of transitioning to FileMaker Pro 12 to take advantage of the enhanced container fields and the FileMaker Go 12 improvements.
There are some features that were either borrowed from or inspired by the PARP:PS database. These include:
- creating specific layouts for iPads
- support for syncing from multiple iPads
- an audit trail to track edits to all fields in the database
Most features of the database should be self-explanatory, but some may be unique to the SVP. Any questions about the database should be left in the comments section below or directed to motzcf(at)mail(dot)uc(dot)edu.
Thanks to Susan Kane, director of the Sangro Valley Project, for allowing this database to be made public.
SVP Database by Chris Motz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Paperless Archaeology 
Chris,
I have so many questions I don’t really know where to begin. Here goes nothing:
1 Do you have to buy FileMaker to create a customized database control system?
2 How does this articulate with the data collection system illustrated on your “The Database” page?
3 How would you go about linking field photos taken with an iPad with Cera?
4 Does Cera handle artifact cataloging, spreadsheet creation, and site form creation?
5 Are you willing to contact me so we could talk a little about how I could apply this to my everyday work?
I am a CRM archaeologist in Arizona and have been dreaming of something like what I’m seeing here for years. I want to bring this into cultural resource management archaeology here in the States, which is light years behind with regard to computerization.
Please contact me whenever you get a chance
Bill White
Chris,
I am amazed by what I’ve seen here. I am a cultural resource management archaeologist here in the United States that has been dreaming of converting our paper-based data collection system to something exactly like what you’ve created.
Do you have the time to contact me so we can talk about how I can create a similar database that will help me greatly in the field.
Bill White
Hi Bill,
Yes, you need to use FileMaker Pro to create a database. The Sangro Valley Project database is completely separate from the PARP:PS database that John has built. There are many similarities but they are for two different projects. The SVP database handles almost all of our recording, including for objects. You can export from FileMaker into various other spreadsheet formats, but most of the time there’s no reason to leave FileMaker.
Feel free to email me at motzcf(at)mail.uc.edu if you have any more questions.
Chris