Index
Cover
Overview of ASCix
overview_001.txt
Long Term Data
The broad intent of the
ASCix Digital File Cataloguer
is to create an electronic data set that has at least some possibility of being deciphered
by researchers other than those that created it.
It tries to do this by maintaining a directory where
every file
has:
- A structured name
which is coded to provide some information about its contents
- A shadow text file
which contains expanded versions of the information coded into the name as well as:
- Keywords linking that file to others in the data set
- a Caption which can be used to summarize the contents of the file
- and Comments where details about the file itself can be added.
This directory also contains a series of comma separated files (.CSV) which can be
imported into any spreadsheet or database. These compile the whole data set to
produce reports including:
- The
whole data set
should allow any subsequent user to import the data into the software of their
choice. This also allows ASCix to recreate any lost or damaged shadow files.
- A table explaining the
File types
contained in the data set.
- A table of the
Authors
including contact information,
- and
Optionally
there can be a table for each:
- Code
the primary component of the file name
- Keyword
as defined by the user
- and one for any
query defined by the user
ASCix
adds nothing proprietary to the data set and it is hoped that given the Shadow Files
and the Reports along with the files themselves any scholar, using any software they
prefer, could make sense of the data and/or import it into their own environment for
further study and analysis.
The logical extension of this principle would suggest that non-proprietary formats be
used for the files to be catalogued. Word Processing documents can be saved as
.TXT, Spreadsheets and Database files as .CSVs and CAD files as .DXF. Where
significant data loss accompanies such a conversion both files can be catalogued (just
in case posterity has the appropriate software).
what ASCix does, does not and is not.
- It DOES
- Move files from one directory to another
- Copy files to new locations, giving the copies new names
- Write shadow files containing some provenience data for each catalogued file
- Write reports in the form of .CSVs intended for importation to the DBMS or
spreadsheet of your choice.
- It does NOT
- Delete anything it did not create (unless edits have been made to the copies)
- Rename anything
- Convert anything to other formats
- Overwrite anything (without your consent,
so read the messages)
- It IS NOT
- Finished
- Bug Free
- Warranted
(it should be
copies
that you put into the system)
Files Referenced for "overview"
overview_001.txt
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Index
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Inquiries to:
steve@icomos.org
Generated by: CART
(Tue Mar 08 12:38:43 2005
)