HubAdmin is more than a simple data management tool
Preserving past knowledge is difficult. It requires a lot of work, on and off the field. Archaeology is about uncovering hidden truths about past civilisations. Some are amazing, while others solidify existing theories. With every excavation, artefact discovered, and stratigraphic layer, a story unfolds and becomes part of humanity’s past.
Archaeologists work a lot, and sometimes, it is difficult to keep up with the challenges. One of them is proper data management. How to manage, preserve, and share various excavation data and different types of archaeological records in a solid manner? Security is fundamental, especially when dealing with sensitive discoveries.
We work with amazing research institutions like Oxford Archaeology that understand the importance of using digital tools. One of the results is HubAdmin, a fully customizable Content Management System. This CMS responds to archaeological needs.
In the rows below, we will explore some of the biggest challenges archaeologists face in data management. We will underline the role of HubAdmin in transforming data management in archaeology.
The primary challenges archaeologists face in data management
Fragmented and manual workflows
Far too many archaeologists use spreadsheets, binders, and notes to register excavation data. It is not a productive approach, especially when time is of the essence and you don’t want to compromise on quality and data precision.
To be fair, some of these tools may be practical, but also prone to data loss, transcription errors, and human inefficiencies. Such issues lead to delays in research evolution.
Lack of context-specific structuring
When it comes to archaeological work, specificity is key. Generic databases and CMS platforms will do only half the work, and that is in the best case.
Personalized solutions improve data collection and quality. To this end, specialists working in archaeology need to add stratigraphy, typologies, and geospatial metadata and contextual records for a deeper understanding of excavation finds.
Collaboration and control issues
Archaeological projects involve many people. From field archaeologists, lab assistants and technicians, researchers, editors and administrators, to sponsors and public officials, flexible data access is necessary.
Without a clear user management system, data can be lost or altered, thus creating the proper context for loss of quality, endangering the results.
GIS and mapping data
Archaeologists need to add geospatial data to their work. Excavation overflows with layers of geospatial data. Some of them include trenches, site boundaries, satellite images, contextual maps, and structures. Generic systems have limited capabilities for integrating GIS data with archaeological records. Personalized systems do the work with ease.
How HubAdmin solves these common problems?
When you work with one of the best archaeological teams in the world, the chances are you get to develop amazing software for archaeology needs. HubAdmin is a specialized CMS to meet clear archaeological necessities.
Key features of HubAdmin:
Role-based user management
You can set who gets to access data and for how long. Administrators, editors, and contributors have clear roles and permissions. This is a sure way to ensure data integrity and overall security.
Editors can manage records, while admins have full system control of everything.
Contextual record management
You create and manage records with dedicated custom fields like “authors”, “institution”, “county”, or “site codes”. In addition, each entry can include a link to GIS pins, thus creating context and a geographical layer to the finding.
Structured and searchable data
HubAdmin is perfect for ensuring archaeological records are organized, easy to discover, and reuse. Projects move faster and in a secure manner with heightened security. Work without losing time endlessly scrolling for data.
GIS integration
The future is here. HubAdmin permits researchers to map excavation data directly, including structures, trenches, and items. As a result, spatial analysis is easier and clearer than ever. Researchers can also add older maps for better historical context.
Flexible and customizable CMS
We understand that every archaeological project has unique parameters. HubAdmin is customizable to meet specific needs and standards.
Archaeological institutions could benefit from HubAdmin flexibility and bring stability to their data management departments.
Why HubAdmin is perfect for archaeological projects in Europe
Europe is home to amazing civilizations with deep roots in the past. Archaeology is adapting perfectly to various conditions to bring the past to life. From large-scale digs to specialized academic projects, archaeology serves many purposes. HudAdmin adapts fast and responds to industry challenges:
1. Scalability: HubAdmin works for small excavations and multi-institutional projects;
2. Compliance-ready systems: HubAdmin keeps data safe and standardized. Easy to access and share when needed.
3. Centralized publishing: HubAdmin makes it easy to distribute findings with researchers, colleagues or the public.
4. Metadata flexibility: HubAdmin can support local typologies, stratigraphy, and layers.
Our clients think HubAdmin makes their archaeological projects run smoothly. The CMS adds clarity and sustainability in handling all types of excavation data. Do you want to learn how to maintain solid data without sacrificing scientific rigor? Contact us to discover how HubAdmin can help!
In our 18 years of experience working on archaeological web apps, we saw one important challenge for archaeology: making sure knowledge is preserved and accessible.
HubAdmin is a custom-built solution that shortens the gap between excavation data, GIS mapping, and proper team collaboration. For most European projects, our CMS is a smart and scalable solution to manage archaeological knowledge.