Web Site & Database Notes (in prep)
The search page allows the browser to search a variety of fields in the online database relating to context, group and artefact data. Each dropdown menu on the search page looks for the various entries within that field, and populates the list with a single instance of each entry. The structure of the database as it currently stands is largely dependant on amalgamating various datasets produced by different organisations, and to differing degrees of completeness, and is likely to change as previous work is incorporated. It was felt that given this state of flux, a brief overview of the data might be useful.
Context Data
Main panel
When browsing context data, the main part of the web page draws information directly from the context database, the details of which should make sense to most readers. Period definitions are based on RCHME standard word lists, the excavators interpretation and discussion are given, and where during post excavation we have revised any interpretations this revision is stated - it is the revised interpretation field that populates the interpretation drop down menu of the search page. Over time a plan of each context, where one exists, will be incorporated in the context details page.
Right sidebar
The right hand column of the context details page shows what is considered to be the most illustrative photograph available, below which (if Ordnance Survey coordinates have been entered) is a small Google Map illustrating the location of that context. The initial view is of the first edition Ordnance Survey map, with options to show satellite or topographic data instead. At present the zoom facility is only available while in the satellite view, and if topographic or Ordnance Survey data is chosen after zooming, the zoom level reverts to the default. The topographic data is based on observations made over a number of years, which have suggested that in the immediate environs of Ladybridge Farm the 41.50 metre contour marks the transition between dry and marsh land. Areas below this contour are shown in blue, while areas above are shown in green rising through yellow, orange and brown as elevation increases. A key to the colour bands is shown at right (heights are metres above Ordnance Datum). The topographic model is likely to change as more terrain and hydrology data becomes available.
Below the context location, where available, are a list of radiocarbon dates from the viewed context (or where a cut is being viewed, from the fills of that cut). These are listed as date ranges (minus sign indicating BC, plus sign AD) and are calibrated dates. The probability of the context being within that date range and the sigma level are given in brackets. Where the Laboratory Number is blue, this is a link to further data on the radiocarbon dating, including the (uncalibrated) measured date, and intercept graph.
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