The integration of heterogeneous information from diverse disciplines regarding persons and goods

Abstract

This article presents a relational database capable of integrating data from a variety of types of written sources as well as material remains. In response to historical research questions, information from such diverse sources as documentary, bioanthropological, isotopic, and DNA analyses has been assessed, homogenized, and situated in time and space. Multidisciplinary ontologies offer complementary and integrated perspectives regarding persons and goods. While responding to specific research questions about the impact of globalization on the isthmus of Panama during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the data model and user interface promote the ongoing interrogation of diverse information about complex, changing societies. To this end, the application designed makes it possible to search, consult, and download data that researchers have contributed from anywhere in the world.

Archaeogenomic distinctiveness of the Isthmo-Colombian area

“…In general, the project has been designed to maximize opportunities for public engagement, as testified by ongoing meetings with local interest groups to discuss research design and findingst. In order to increase positive social impact, some information on the ancient samples are publicly available in the ArtEmpire’s database, translated into Spanish to increase accessibility ( https://artempire.cica.es/ ) ( Aram et al., 2020 ), and a documentary also has been released ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmxppS4oks ).…”

An interdisciplinary approach to the collapse of the port and degradation of freshwater resources at Panama Viejo (Panama), 1519–1671

“…Complementing such historical data, archaeological evidence of the same developments has been assembled from excavations in Panama Viejo since 1996, documenting the relocation of both the Cathedral and Mercedarian Church some 500 feet away from the coast, the abandonment of a well in the Main Square, c. 1570, the construction of a wall along the coastline against flooding in 1609 (Audiencia de Panamá, 1608) (Figure 3) and evidence of additional constructions to capture rainwater in the 17th century. An online, interdisciplinary database developed since 2016 makes it possible to analyse the results of specific archaeological excavations alongside the relevant historical documentation, dating architectonic elements encountered with greater precision than previously possible (An ARTery of EMPire, 2015; Aram et al, 2020). Subsequently, temporal and spatial projections of archaeological and historical data in GIS make it possible to connect different finds and begin to construct a narrative of change over time from a more holistic, less fragmented perspective.…”

Mapping biographies in a Relational Database. Biographies of Luxembourgish soldiers in the Second World War

“…Consequently, each data statement is meticulously cross-referenced with its source to ensure the traceability of information and to clarify the context in which the data originated. As Aram and Fernandez et al elucidate, a relational database proves to be an appropriate solution for gathering data from various sources [19]. Therefore, a relational database appears to be the most suitable approach for managing this complex and often ambiguous dataset.…”