Topic ID #5246 - posted 4/22/2009 11:29 AM
xj.archaeologist
Archaeology Databases - Because I LOVE Organization!
xj.archaeologist
So usually I make all of our databases. And by that, I mean an Access database where you can put in unit information (opening and closing depth, excavator, photos, unit designation, GPS info, etc, etc), and through various join and relates, have different tables for an artifact_library, abo_type, abo_temper, etc. I'm wondering if anyone knows of a sweet Access frontend that could do all of this instead of students having to manually use access (since it has a VERY steep learning curve, the only way I know it is through IT training and Microsoft certs). What does everyone else use for database management? (I also do all the GIS with ESRI, so I want something that can blend nicely).
Post ID#13871 - replied 4/22/2009 1:23 PM
FireArch
Moderator
Great question, 'cause Access is a pretty big pain isnt it? Fairly typical MS product - Here's the software, now try to figure it out by using our four inch thick book. You would think that a really nice GUI/cut-and-paste interface would have been developed for this fairly powerful app.
Post ID#14154 - replied 6/6/2009 10:06 AM
xj.archaeologist
[quote:="FireArch"]Great question, 'cause Access is a pretty big pain isnt it? Fairly typical MS product - Here's the software, now try to figure it out by using our four inch thick book. You would think that a really nice GUI/cut-and-paste interface would have been developed for this fairly powerful app.
Well, they have (in 2008) the ability to make quick forms, which makes Prov. info easier, but still, it can be a pain for people who have no idea. I want a way to do it where you can just click on the artifacts and they go into the unit information. Now THAT'S customized...
Well, they have (in 2008) the ability to make quick forms, which makes Prov. info easier, but still, it can be a pain for people who have no idea. I want a way to do it where you can just click on the artifacts and they go into the unit information. Now THAT'S customized...
Post ID#14163 - replied 6/8/2009 1:29 PM
FireArch
Moderator
Have you looked at SHARD? Its a free database system developed by The Anthropological Studies Center at Sonoma State University. (http://www.sonoma.edu/asc/shard/index.html). You can download it and poke around to see how they worked out that issue.
Post ID#17503 - replied 3/20/2010 10:04 AM
mitchel456
I was actually thinking of trying to create a system like this myself (not necessarily a front-end to Access, but a GUI interface to a database of the user's choosing, with tools for working more easily with the data, creating figures for reports from it, etc). Is this something that would be useful, or would it be solving a problem that pretty much everybody has already solved on their own?
Post ID#17505 - replied 3/21/2010 2:19 AM
BAJR
Why not start by using an Open SOurce database like Open Office Base and link it to QGIS or MapWindow GIS
I am starting to create one for survey (well... ok... have created one... but nothing like three years testing to find the irksome bits)
THE GUI is just the pretty face... make sure you have your backend as good as it can be... THEN try making the front end
Would love to see what you come up with.... the reason I use Open SOurce now... I can share it! and its free! Access (well... I have it and can use it well enough - but hey... the costs!)
I am starting to create one for survey (well... ok... have created one... but nothing like three years testing to find the irksome bits)
THE GUI is just the pretty face... make sure you have your backend as good as it can be... THEN try making the front end
Would love to see what you come up with.... the reason I use Open SOurce now... I can share it! and its free! Access (well... I have it and can use it well enough - but hey... the costs!)
Post ID#17515 - replied 3/23/2010 11:47 AM
tsm_sf
There are tons of open source database GUIs and Content Management Systems out there. Unfortunately most of them require you to roll your own particular interface in some form or another.
Check out http://www.wavemaker.com/ for an interesting example of this.
Honestly though, I think that your quickest solution would be to pay some kid $100 to slap a nice data entry page together for your access databases.
((I'd like to point out that using Access as a means of storing and sharing data is problematic in the long run))
Check out http://www.wavemaker.com/ for an interesting example of this.
Honestly though, I think that your quickest solution would be to pay some kid $100 to slap a nice data entry page together for your access databases.
((I'd like to point out that using Access as a means of storing and sharing data is problematic in the long run))
Post ID#17518 - replied 3/23/2010 2:52 PM
KB
One reason to stick with Access is because of native support of it within ESRI products.
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