Practical Data Modeling with Open Source Technologies

The tutorial provides a general introduction to databases, and introduces the popular relational data model. It also discusses open source programs for database creation. It is hosted by the platform iDAI.tutorials of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI). In addition to this, the platform offers the first Arabic translations of international standards and guidelines on digitization such as OAIS, Dublin Core. Courses and resources are being continuously developed and added by the various initiatives of the project “Stunde Null/Hour Zero” with the support of the Archaeological Heritage Network. The platform was initially developed in the framework of the Funds-in-Trust agreement “Capacity Building, Technical and Media Support” between UNESCO and the German Archaeological Institute.

With the continuous growth of digital data related to cultural heritage, archaeological sites, archaeological objects and historical buildings, it becomes essential for professionals to learn how to create and manage a proper database.

Some of the learning outcomes of this tutorial are:

• General introduction to databases
• Introduction to the popular relational data model
• Basics of database design and Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Single table queries and the basic syntax of the SQL language
• Database design with multiple tables, foreign keys, and the JOIN operation