Infinite Possibilities: Archimedes on the Web

Google Tech Talks September 8, 2008 ABSTRACT Following up on the March 7, 2006, Google TechTalk on the Archimedes Palimpsest, this presentation will discuss the challenges faced in hosting the digital multispectral images, metadata and encoded transcriptions on the Web. After a decade of scientific study of this historic and valuable manuscript, on October 29, 2008, all the Archimedes Palimpsest images and transcription data will be released to the public. The release candidate will be available at http://www.archimedespalimpsest.net in time for this TechTalk. The Program Manager and the Data Manager of the Archimedes Palimpsest Team will discuss advances in the imaging program since 2006, the collection and management of the data, the Greek transcriptions, and the encoding of the transcriptions in a standardized format. They will also discuss the free availability of the data under a Creative Commons license for the development of GUI's and applications linking the spatially aligned images and transcriptions. Speaker: Michael B. Toth, R.B. Toth Associates Mike has been the Program Manager and Systems Integrator for the Archimedes Palimpsest Program since 1999. He provides management, systems integration and strategic planning for the study, preservation and display of cultural objects for museums and libraries. Speaker: Doug Emery, Emery IT Doug manages image metadata collection, data storage and distribution for the Archimedes Palimpsest Project. His educational background is in ancient cultures and languages, but for the past several years he has worked as a programmer and database administrator in academics and private industry. Doug brings professional expertise in data management, as well as an understanding of the issues involved in working with ancient manuscripts as a freelance computer consultant.