The objective of this project is to accelerate and expand the use of Department of Defense (DoD) cultural resources data for compliance, mission planning, and stewardship. This project also plans to adapt the nationally recognized and certified, The Digital Archaeological Record (TDAR) data warehouse for specific DoD requirements. The enhancements will merge existing DoD data in the TDAR repository with new DoD downloads into a military-specific application and integration toolbox to address mission needs according to FAIR data principles.

TDAR is an industry-certified digital repository that archives and makes cultural resource data reusable. It is a one-stop shop for the rapid discovery, download/upload, and integration of cultural resources related to diverse kinds of investigations. The plan is to modify and upgrade the existing TDAR software platform and repository software to meet DoD needs in a user-friendly format. The project team will combine rich, descriptive metadata and develop new DoD-specific metadata tags to focus searches and improve TDAR’s dataset integration tools. This process “translates” multiple datasets into a single file. When an integration is complete, the results can be downloaded and fed into Geographic Information Systems and/or other statistical packages for a variety of engineering and environmental analyses.

Making data reusable enhances information flow, supports timely decisionmaking, reduces data consolidation costs, and improves stakeholder engagement (with Tribes, for example). These processes have financial, legal, and social value. Research on other data repositories confirms improved information access and reduces operational and personnel costs (Beagrie et al. 2013). Finding and accessing information scattered across digital platforms is inefficient and time consuming. Information housed in repositories speeds data recovery for numerous managerial tasks (reporting, planning, etc.) and eases logistical challenges with personnel onboarding and turnover. Helping new employees easily find and learn from existing files reduces managerial time spent onboarding and accelerates the ability of new staff to complete tasks based on existing protocols. There is a social value component related to engaging with stakeholders. Qualitatively, data repositories enhance public perceptions of governmental transparency, an important aspect for Tribes. Poor information exchange with Tribes during cultural resource and environmental consultation has been viewed as a major stumbling point in the DoD stewardship process. Enhancing information sharing with Tribes via TDAR addresses this social justice issue and will improve relationships and consultation interactions. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)

References:

Beagrie, Neil, Beagrie, Charles, and Houghton, John 2013 The Value and Impact of the Archaeology Data Service: Final Report. Victoria University, Salisbury, UK. https://repository.jisc.ac.uk/5509/1/ADSReport_final.pdf