Sample Attributes

The physical archive is divided into collections which in turn are populated with samples. All samples are assigned attributes which can be used to uniquely identify them and associate with other samples and data. Physical samples exist as either individuals or sets (families) made up of a number of formats. Individuals are allocated a single family identifier and a single item identifier whereas sets share a common family identifier but may have many item identifiers (possibly of different format type). In addition to these fundamental attributes, samples are assigned descriptive, administrative and thematic parameters. The following text describes a particular sample from the GSPARC archive and introduces some key attributes (highlighted in bold). These attributes can be identified in the image below (part of a screenshot from an early standalone version of GSPARC).

This hand specimen (format ID HS) of amphibolite (a metamorphic rock type) from the authors personal collection has the unique identifier (29.HS.49). The family ID (23) may exist more than once depending on how many separate pieces were formatted (i.e. there may be a rock slab as well for example). The item ID (49) is unique within the GPSARC database and therefore can only occur once. A search query string containing this format ID will always return this particular sample. The specimen weighs 337g and measures 10cm x 7cm x 4cm, (i.e. size class CABINET). The specimen was collected in the field by the author (originator) and placed in the collection (provider). The sample is “as is” so has not undergone preparation (preparer). The sample is owned by the author (owner) who is also responsible for it (custodian). The sample details were entered into the database on 16th March 2001 (entry date). No further restrictions apply other than those imposed by the collection (status). Additional information is also supplied via an external reference (DP-NWS80GB0) which in this case is the ID assignment used by the author for his personal collection. One image of the specimen exists. The formal filename prefix (0023.HS.0049 = Amphibolite) conforms to the GSPARC convention.