Digging through Databases—A Case Study of Iron Age Sites in Finland by Generating and Analysing Keywords

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to open the discussion of FAIR principles in Finnish archaeology. This topic has not yet been actively discussed in Finnish archaeology. In this study, we were testing whether adding keywords could increase the reusability of the Register of Ancient Sites, as the reusability level of the current register is low. The case study focuses on creating an overview of the Iron Age sites in the Itä-Häme area. Keywords were added for all of the 585 archaeological sites in the study area, based on field reports and find catalogues. After giving keywords to all of the sites, it was possible to make queries from the register and form a new, more detailed overview of the Iron Age sites in the Itä-Häme area. Our study revealed mistakes and ambiguities in the register, but adding keywords increased its reusability. However, it cannot solve the main issue: basic research has not been carried out extensively enough in Finland. Based on the overview, it can be seen that Itä-Häme was an active and important area in the Iron Age, and an especially meaningful possible new site type was identified; however, more research in this area is needed.

Ten Years of Photogrammetry and LiDAR

“…Roiha and Holopainen, while researching a different kind of problem, wrote about the issues related to the reusability and failure to produce the FAIR principles in the FHA Antiquities record. The record is accessible through the Kyppi portal, and often contains also links to the field reports (Roiha & Holopainen 2023). Beginning in 2023, the national 'Arkeologia 2.0' project is aiming to renew the Finnish archaeological knowledge, research infrastructure and development, but its ultimate effects are still impossible to evaluate at its current planning stage (Finnish Heritage Agency 2023).…”