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Getting Started

The Archaeology Data Service Data Catalogue is a comprehensive platform for discovering and accessing archaeological data and resources from across the UK.

With access to over 1 million archaeological resources, the catalogue makes it easy to discover relevant materials by bringing together collections deposited with the ADS and information from historic environment inventories into one searchable platform. Explore the UK's archaeological heritage through an intuitive interface that lets you search by location, time period, and subject matter."

ADS Data Catalogue search results page

The Catalogue allows you to search using multiple parameters:

  • 🏛 What (keywords and data types)
  • 🌎 Where (geographic location)
  • 🕐 When (time periods).

Search results can be displayed in multiple ways: as individual listings, aggregated on an interactive map, or plotted on a timeline view.

Find out more in the video below :

Training videos to support using the Data Catalogue can be found in this playlist on the ADS Youtube channel.

Built on the same robust infrastructure developed by the ARIADNE Research Infrastructure for the ARIADNE Portal, our catalogue is specifically designed to serve the needs of the ADS community, while presenting our distinctive collection of archaeological datasets and digital resources.

For further information about the Archaeology Data Service, please visit the ADS Website.

How to Use This Guide

This user guide will help you navigate the features of the catalogue, from basic searching and browsing to advanced data discovery.

Navigate through the guide using the menu on the left-hand side of the page. The guide has been organised to build from basic concepts to more advanced features.

Navigation features:

  • Click section headings to expand subsections
  • Use the search bar at the top of the page to find specific topics
  • Your current page is highlighted in the menu
  • On mobile devices, tap the menu icon (☰) in the top left hand corner to access the navigation pane

Pro tip

Use the search function at the top of the page to quickly jump to any topic across the entire guide.

Ready to start exploring? Begin with Searching the Catalogue to learn the basics or jump straight to the Catalogue to start discovering archaeological resources.