Adding Identifiers
Identifiers in tDAR can include a wide range of values:
- contract numbers
- internal project numbers
- permit numbers
- etc.
To enter an identifier
- click in the "Name" field
- begin typing the identifier name. For example: "State of California Contract Number", "BLM Permit Number"
- many fields within tDAR include auto-complete, so tDAR may suggest existing values that match what you've typed
- if an existing value matches, select it
- enter the identifier value in the "value" text box
Investigation Types
Investigation types describe the various types of activities performed during the creation of your resource. Select as many or as few types that apply.
Note: Hold your cursor over any of the investigation types to obtain a detailed description of the activities that an investigation type includes.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Site Information
The site information section includes the names of the sites associated with your resource and a summary of the types of archaeological resources found at those sites.
Enter as many or as few site names as you would like to describe the work completed in the creation of your resource. Use the "add another site name" to add more sites. Use the " - " box to delete site names that you entered in error or that you no longer want to associate with the project.
Select the "Site Type" descriptors that best describe the archaeological/cultural resources that occur at the sites you listed in the "Site Name" text boxes.
Note: Click on the " + " box next to a site type to open a more detailed list of descriptions for that particular site type. Select all the type descriptions that apply to the the sites you listed above in the "Site Name" text boxes.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Material Types
The material types section describes the types of materials that were collected, analyzed, or discussed in association with your resource. Select as many or as few that apply to your project.
What if my material type is not listed?
If a material type you're expecting is not listed above, you have two options:
- enter the material type in the "General Keywords" section
- contact tDAR and ask for it to be added
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Cultural Terms
Cultural terms describe the archaeological cultures and/or historic population groups who are affiliated with the cultural resources described, presented, or displayed in your resource. Select as many or as few cultural terms as you would like to describe the groups of people affiliated with this resource.
Within tDAR, cultural terms can be specific or general. tDAR will mark specific cultural terms with their generalized equivalents (e.g., "Early Woodland" is also marked as "Woodland"). Thus, if you select the specific cultural term "Early Woodland", your record will also be found by a user who searches for the more general term "Woodland".
Note: Click on the " + " box next to a cultural term to open a list of more specific cultural terms.
What if the cultural term I want to use is not listed?
If a cultural term you'd like to use is not listed, please add it to the "Other" section at the bottom of the cultural terms section. Data curators review these terms regularly and update the list of cultural terms to reflect commonly entered values.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Spatial Terms
Spatial information describes the location of your project area and/or the location associated with a particular project resource (document, image, etc). The spatial information entry section includes two separate components:
- general location keywords, including named regions, geographic features, states, towns, etc.
- a map that allows you to draw a box around your project area
Note: If you draw a project location box that is 1 square mile or less in area, tDAR will display a wider box to other users to protect your project area/site location. See the section "What if I want to hide my site location?" below.
Drawing a bounding box around your site
- Use the Google Map display to navigate to your site location
- click the "Select Region" button
- draw a box that best approximates the area that your project investigated, or the area that is associated with your resource
Entering Coordinates Manually
If you know the exact coordinates of your project or study area, you can enter them manually into tDAR. Click on the checkbox next to "Enter / View Coordinates." Coordinates can be entered in several different formats. For example:
- 40°44′55″N
- 53 08 50N
- Decimal: -73.9864
What if I want to hide my site location?
tDAR provides a number of options to protect the exact location of your project area and/or sites. If your bounding box is less than 1 mile square, tDAR will alter that box when it is displayed to users to obfuscate or hide the exact location. Alternately, you may simply draw a wider box.
What if I entered my site location incorrectly?
Simply click the reset button. You may also click on the "Enter / View Coordinates" and adjust the spatial information manually.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal coverage includes temporal keyword terms, calendar date ranges, and radio carbon date ranges (if available) for the archaeological/cultural resources associated with this resource.
Enter as many or as few temporal terms as you would like to describe the temporal coverage of your resource. Use the "add another temporal keyword" box to add additional terms. Use the " - " box to delete a temporal term that you entered in error or that you would like to remove from your project description.
Enter a calendar start date and a calendar end date for the sites or other archaeological/cultural resources that your project investigated. Use only numeric values in the calendar date text boxes (Do not enter calendar era designations such as "B.C.E" or "A.D."). To denote a date in the "B.C.E." designation, simply place a " - " before the date's numeric value. Thus, " - 200 " is equivalent to " 200 B. C. E."
If available, enter a radiocarbon start date and an end date for your project's archaeological resources.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
General Keywords
General keywords allow you to add any additional terms that are not included in the other resource metadata. This may include specific types of investigations undertaken as part of resource creation (e.g., "material sourcing","ceramic petrography","experimental archaeology"), specific site types ("rock gardens", "ground stone production area","shrine"), etc.
Enter these keywords into the text provided. If you decide to enter additional keywords, enter succinct keyword terms that accurately describe your project. Also, enter succinct terms that researchers in your area use commonly.
Inheriting Values
tDAR allows you to "inherit" the metadata that you entered at the project level to describe the documents or other resources associated with that project. Inheriting metadata from the project to the document helps you to simplify your data entry.
You will see a checkbox labeled "Inherit values from parent project" in many of the data entry sections on the document page (and on other resource entry pages). Use this checkbox to inherit the relevant values from the associated project to the individual resource.
To "inherit" values from the parent project to the document here, check the box labeled "Inherit values from parent project".
What if I change the values in my project?
If you change any metadata values at the project level, tDAR will update those "inherited" values at the resource level.
For example, if you change "Investigation Types" for your project, any resource that inherited "Investigation Types" from that project will be automatically updated.
What if I only want to inherit "some" of the values in my project?
You can inherit values by clicking on the "inherit values..." box, and then un-select the box to make additional changes that are particular to that resource. For example, you can inherit the spatial information from a project to a related resource. You can then un-select the "inherit values..." box to add or subtract location keyword terms particular to that individual resource.
You can also use the project as a template for your resource entry. You can simply enable inheritance to "copy" the values from the project, and then turn inheritance off to make specific changes.
Resource Provider
The "Resource Provider" section records the institution that "owns" the resource (i.e., sponsored the production or publication of the document) and/or that gave you permission to upload the resource to tDAR. For example, if the Bureau of Land Management sponsored a report and they provided you permission to upload that report to tDAR, the BLM should be entered in the "Resource Provider" section.
Individual & Institutional Credit
Individual and institutional credit fields allow you to record the roles that various people and institutions played in the creation of your resource.
The "Person" field captures the names, contact information, and roles of the different people that contributed to your resource. When you begin to type in any of the listed fields, tDAR will suggest users that are already in tDAR. Begin entering text into any of the following fields to obtain a drop-down list of registered tDAR users:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Institution
Select a user that matches the person you would like to enter. If you do not find the person in the drop-down list, enter that person and their current contact information (i.e., current email address and current institutional affiliation) as accurately as you can.If you are unsure of a person's email address and their current institutional affiliation, please leave those record boxes blank. Finally, select the role that this person played in your project.
The "Institution" field captures the names and roles of institutions that contributed to your project. Begin entering text in the "Institution Name" record box to obtain a drop-down list of institutions currently entered into tDAR. Select the institution that matches the one you would like to enter. If you do not find that institution in the drop-down list, enter the full name manually.
To add additional persons and/or institutions, click on the "add person" and/or the "add institution" buttons. If a person or an institution played more than one role in your project, you will need to a separate record for that person or institution to record that role.
Resource Notes
The resource notes field allows you to enter any additional information about your resource that is not captured in the resource metadata fields. This field acts as a comments section, where you can enter a small narrative that might help other users better understand some important aspect of the resource you are uploading to tDAR.
Select the type of note you wish to create from the "Type" drop-down box. Enter your note in the text field provided.
Access Rights
At the resource (e.g., document) level, access rights allow you (the project creator) to specify two kinds of users:
- full-rights users -- users who can modify the resource's metadata AND manage/download resource files
- read-only users -- users who can view and download the resource file
Note that access rights allow you to control ONLY who can EDIT the resource metadata and who can VIEW and DOWNLOAD the resource fill. Access rights do NOT allow you to control who can view the resource metadata.
To specify full-right's users, enter user information in the "Users Who Can Modify This Resource" fields. Enter the names of persons who have the right to edit resource metadata and manage/download resource files. You can grant access rights ONLY to registered tDAR users. When you begin to type in any of the text boxes provided, tDAR will provide suggestions to you from among its registered users. Select the tDAR user(s) that have the right to edit this resource.
To specify read-only users, enter user information in the "Users Who Can View/Download the Attached File(s)" field. Enter the names of persons who have the right to view and download resource files. You can grant these rights ONLY to registered tDAR users. When you begin to type in any of the text boxes provided, tDAR will provide suggestions to you from among its registered users. Select the tDAR user(s) that have the right to download attached files.
Why don't I see the "Users who can view/download the attached file(s)" section?
This access rights section is only visible when you mark a resource as confidential or as embargoed.
If you did not mark your resource as confidential or as embargoed, then your resource file(s) are available to all tDAR users. You cannot control the access rights to the file(s). You will need to mark these resources as confidential or embargoed if you would like to control access.
Done? Time to Save
Once you've completed your resource entry, click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the project page to save your metadata. 
Labels