Radiocarbon Database: A Pilot Project

Abstract

Computer storage and surveys of large sets of data should be an attractive technique for users of 14C dates. Our pilot project demonstrates the effectiveness of a text retrieval system, NOVA STATUS. A small database comprising ca 100 dates, selected from results of the Trondheim 14C laboratory, is generated. Data entry to the computer is made by feeding typewritten forms through a document reader capable of optical character recognition. A text retrieval system allows data input to be in a flexible format. Program systems for text retrieval are in common use and easily implemented for a 14C database.