iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

ADS is a world leader in promoting good practice in the use of digital data in archaeology and providing technical advice to the research community. As such ADS staff are encouraged to contribute to a wide variety of publications to publicise ADS activities and share our experience.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Over our first thirty years the ADS has won many awards for our work on preserving and disseminating digital data. In 2012 we won the Digital Preservation Coalition’s Decennial award for the most important contribution to digital preservation AND a British Archaeological Award for Innovation.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The Library was built 2016-2019 as part of Phase 2 of the HERALD project. HERALD was the name given to the works undertaken by the ADS and funded by Historic England as part of its HIAS programme to improve public access to historic environment data.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Digital preservation is at the heart of what we do, and it wouldn’t be possible without our amazing collections and archives team. From archiving collections big and small to raising awareness of the ADS as well as providing critical advice to depositors.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We deliver online and in person bespoke training to research organisations and practitioners in data management and digital archiving. We also have several training videos on our YouTube channel, as well as data management, access, and reuse guides on our website.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Developed by the ADS and partners since 1996, The Guides to Good Practice have been produced in a number of formats. Produced by our amazing standards team, the Guides provide information on the best way to create, manage, and document digital data to enable preservation, access, and reuse.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🎉 The 30th anniversary of the ADS is growing closer, and we are counting down the days with our final highlight of ADS life. This week we are focusing on our teams and achievements across our services, starting with outreach. 🎉

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

📢 Done your Intro to Ingest training? Level up with Ingest in Practice — Thurs 24 Sept, 10–11:30am online. Real datasets, real scenarios, hands-on practice 🗂️ 🔗 buff.ly/GD1QZja

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Ingest in Practice - 24th September 2026

A hands-on online follow-on session for ADS and HSDS users, applying Ingest to more complex, real-world deposit scenarios.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

While the core activity of the ADS is the long-term digital preservation of the data entrusted to our care, all resources archived with the ADS are Open Access, and delivered through our website to facilitate reuse by the heritage sector and wider community.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Not everything you find in our archives are thousands of years old! Our archives also capture what it is like to be on sites and some of the more unexpected visitors you might find. To see what you can find explore some of our 2.5 million records in our data catalogue!

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Community archaeology groups across the UK play a significant role in investigating and reporting archaeological remains, contributing important work to our knowledge of heritage and history in the UK. Many reports of community based fieldwork and research are available for free via our website.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The Arch-I-Scan project, developed an image-recognition and machine-learning service, trained using collections from varying social and regional contexts in Roman Britain. This allowed Arch-I-Scan to recognise, record, and digitally collate large quantities of data from ceramic remains.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Early medieval England thus witnessed a golden age of arable farming. How, when and why this transformation occurred are some of the most enduring questions in British agricultural history, but more than a century of landscape-historical research has failed to produce a consensus.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

As part of HS2, archaeological investigation took place on the site of St James’s Burial Ground, a major 18th-19th century cemetery site. This led to over 100 archaeologists excavating and recording over 40,000 burials, the largest archaeological excavation of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

HS2 brought an unprecedented opportunity to explore our past through the country's largest ever linear infrastructure project. As part of this project the ADS has been able to provide a single archive for all the data produced as a result of the fieldwork, safeguarding it for future generations.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We are officially half way through celebrating 30 years of the ADS, and this week we want to focus on our collections and highlight some of our favourites! Starting with The CVMA! Founded in 1949, The CVMA is the international research initiative dedicated to recording medieval stained glass.

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National Heritage Science Forum @nhsf.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

To explore available services for your project, use the Heritage Science Data Service's Catalogue of Services: buff.ly/SeACv7G @hsds-update.bsky.social @ads-update.bsky.social

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HSDS Catalogue of Services

Search the catalogue to find research facilities and services.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

📢 New here? Start with 'Introduction to Ingest' — ADS, Thu 17 Sep, 10am. Deposit archaeological and historic environment data 🚀 💻 Zoom | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs | 👥 No experience needed 🔗 Register: buff.ly/2pXzCv5

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An Introduction to Ingest - 17th September 2026

A hands-on online training session introducing ADS and HSDS users to Ingest, the new deposit system for archaeological and heritage data.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🏺 Collection Highlight 🏺 This week we would like to highlight a recently released archive: Illustrated Artefact Catalogue of Viking Inset Lead Weights from Britain and Ireland. This catalogue sits alongside a related article published in Internet Archaeology, To read more visit: buff.ly/0dvQ2g2

a detail shot of a decorated copper alloy inset

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Reposted by Archaeology Data Service

Association for Environmental Archaeology @envarch.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

FANTASTIC NEWS! Due to high demand the #AEA Conference has been extended to include all of Sunday 15th Nov. Early bird registration is open until 30th Sept 🤠 Visit: envarch.net/conferences @cifarch.bsky.social @ads-update.bsky.social #EnvironmentalArchaeology #zooarchaeology #archaeobotany

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Launched earlier this year, Ingest is our new digital repository deposit system designed to transform how heritage data is preserved and shared. Developed to streamline the process of depositing data and metadata, this system represents a significant advancement in our deposition capabilities.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

ARENA (Archaeological Records of Europe Network Access Project) was the first venture of ADS into Europe. Starting in 2001, it aimed to promote preservation and access to digital data in European archaeology and investigate the possibility of creating a European information infrastructure.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

ARIADNE began in 2013 as a project that brought together existing archaeological research data infrastructures across Europe. Its main output was the ARIADNE portal. The ADS played an important role publishing a number of new Guides and coordinating transnational access and training.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

On 15 Sept 1998 we launched the first generation of ArchSearch, our first online catalogue of digital resources. Dame Rosemary Cramp, founding Chair of ADS Advisory Committee cut the ribbon to launch ArchSearch1. In a reminder of how much things have changed this was pre data projector days!

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

For the last 30 years, we have travelled across the globe, delivering presentations, attending workshops and conferences, providing training, and raising awareness through national workshops, enabling us to engage with new audiences, share our expertise, and promote the services we offer.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Over the past 30 years, we’re proud that the ADS has been part of a range of research projects, working with European and International partners to improve the way archaeological data is preserved, shared and re-used.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

We are back celebrating 30 years of the ADS, and this week we are focusing on some of our key projects and achievements over the years, starting with the @hsds-update.bsky.social! Through investment from RICHeS, the ADS were thrilled to launch the Heritage Science Data Service in late 2024!

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Open Research at York @uoyopenres.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

In addition to publishing open access with @wrunipress.bsky.social, the researchers collaborated with @wessexarchaeology.bsky.social and @sheffieldmuseums.bsky.social to make materials and reports from the Sheffield Castle archive open access via @ads-update.bsky.social: doi.org/10.5284/1074... 🔓 ⛏️

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

📢 Ingest in Practice — this Thursday, 10–11:30am online! For ADS users who've done the basics with Ingest and want hands-on practice with their own datasets 🗂️ buff.ly/pmJQHag

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Ingest in Practice - 3rd September 2026

A hands-on online follow-on session for ADS and HSDS users, applying Ingest to more complex, real-world deposit scenarios.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

In 1996 the ADS website looked quite different, and was most commonly viewed via Mosaic or Netscape Navigator. Access to the different sections was via buttons which resembled Rock Art decorated pebbles.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Depositing your data with us ensures that they will be professionally curated in the long term and easily accessible for future reuse. There are six key reasons why you should deposit your data 👇

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Established in 2016, the Open Access Archaeology Fund aims to cover the Internet Archaeology publishing and ADS archiving costs of researchers who have no means of institutional support, and whose data is potentially more at risk.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Depositing in our repository ensures that they will be professionally curated in the long term and easily accessible. Looking at the data types in 1996, it's clear that times have changed and, as the leading accredited digital repository for heritage data, we have changed along with it.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

For the majority of our history the ADS has been based at The King’s Manor, a Grade I listed building in York city centre. This year after nearly 30 years, the ADS team said goodbye to King’s Manor for our new offices at the Guildhall, originally built as a meeting place for York’s medieval guilds

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

From our collections staff helping you deposit data to our developers constantly working to enhance our service, and our publications team ensuring we are at the forefront of national and international research, it is only due to our team's dedication and expertise that makes our work possible.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Launched in 1995, 1 year before the ADS, Internet Archaeology is an international, open access journal for archaeology, based at the University of York. Edited by Judith Winters, IA publishes quality, peer-reviewed research that explores the potential of digital publication.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

2026 marks our 30th anniversary! We'll be highlighting 30 things that have stood out in the last 30 years, reflecting on our history, achievements, and the people who have shaped the organisation. This week we want to focus on some of the things fundamental to the creation and success of the ADS.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

📢 Intro to Ingest training session — this Thursday 27th Aug, 10am! Open to all ADS and HSDS users. Come along and learn how to use our new deposit system 🚀 💻 Online via Zoom | ⏱️ 1.5 hours | 👥 Open to all Hands-on, interactive, and beginner-friendly. 🔗 Register: buff.ly/BKXaICg

eventbrite.com

An Introduction to Ingest - 27th August 2026

A hands-on online training session introducing ADS and HSDS users to Ingest, the new deposit system for archaeological and heritage data.

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Reposted by Archaeology Data Service

The Wolfson Digital Archaeology and Heritage Lab @dah-lab.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We have uploaded 38 (!) Digital Lunch lectures to our @uoyarchaeology.bsky.social YouTube account for your enjoyment. Check them out here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... In the meantime, Digital Lunches will resume in Spring 2027, after we've settled into the new lab.

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Digital Lunch - YouTube

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

📢 The next phase of our free Ingest training is now open! Sessions are online and run from Aug–Dec! 🔹 Introduction to Ingest — beginner training 🔹 Ingest in Practice — real world application Book online now - buff.ly/9BqsqTv #Archaeology #HeritageScience

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

CATS Week 2026! This July, our curatorial and technical staff took a break from archiving to discuss the major infrastructure changes in the last year! 👉 To find out more and read our latest blog written by Olivia Foster visit: buff.ly/acavBU5

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

⭐ New Blog Post Alert⭐ This weeks blog post, written by Dr Richard Lee, celebrates the Festival of Archaeology by highlighting some of the Community Archaeology collections that illustrate the breadth of public and volunteer activity across the UK. To find out more visit: buff.ly/75lqKQa

Visitors walking toward mossy stone ruins

A Father and son smiling at a table, using toothbrushes to clean dirt off finds

Students removing the large stones from the rubble fill of pit

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

⭐ New Blog Post Alert ⭐ Last month Archivists Burcu Aksahin and Marco Brunello, had the opportunity to represent the ADS and HSDS at the second ATRIUM Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) held in Athens, Greece. Read about their experience and key takeaways here: buff.ly/ommgfEp

Marco Brunello placing a sticky note on a white board as part of a collective discussion activity

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🌳 The Festival of Archaeology 2026 is here! 🌳 One of the ways we are celebrating this year is with our new self-guided walking route around Ilkley Moor, one of Britain's richest prehistoric rock art landscapes. To find out more or download the walking guide visit: buff.ly/QNptUoP

two people stood on a rock formation on Ilkley Moor

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

📖 Between the Fictional and Real Archive 💿️ The stereotype of dust covered archives can be seen throughout media. The focus of this weeks blog post by Leonora Fane-Saunders, focuses on the how closely work at the ADS mirrors this depiction of archives. To read the full post visit: buff.ly/GzLEVYF

image of students visiting a fashion store archive

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National Heritage Science Forum @nhsf.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Have you completed the Introduction to Ingest training? Get your questions answered and take your data work to the next level this Thursday! 💡 Ingest Drop-In Q&A Session 💡 16 July 2026, 10-11 BST 💡 Online 💡 @ads-update.bsky.social and @hsds-update.bsky.social.

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Ingest Drop-in Q&A Session - 16th July 2026

An open, informal Q&A drop-in for Ingest users. Bring your questions for the ADS and HSDS Team.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

📣 Got questions about Ingest, the new ADS deposit system? Bring them to our next Drop-in Q&A Session! 🗓️ Thursday 16 July at 10am 💻 Online via Zoom | ⏱️ 1 hour No agenda — just your questions answered. 🔗 Register: buff.ly/TKJAhxC #Ingest #OpenData #Archaeology

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Ingest Drop-in Q&A Session - 16th July 2026

An open, informal Q&A drop-in for Ingest users. Bring your questions for the ADS and HSDS Team.

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Archaeology Data Service @ads-update.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Last month the ADS moved to our new office at the Guildhall! Fittingly, @intarcheditor.bsky.social has also recently published the excavations from the annexe, offering a look into the site's long and varied past. To read the Guildhall paper visit: archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/news-events/...

A view of the outside of the guildhall from the opposite bank of the river Ouse

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National Heritage Science Forum @nhsf.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

HSDS Highlights - Guides to Good Practice 💡 If you want to improve your practice in creating, managing, and preserving digital heritage data across the entire project lifecycle, access the full Guides to Good Practice here: buff.ly/3qP4NLr @hsds-update.bsky.social @ads-update.bsky.social

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Guides to Good Practice

The Guides to Good Practice (G2GP) provide comprehensive guidance for creating, managing, and preserving digital heritage data across the entire project lifecycle. Developed by the Archaeology Data…

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