How It Works

1. Data Ingestion

Content enters the system through various channels: manual curation, automated collection from partner sources, and community contributions. Each item is validated and processed to extract essential information.

Learn more: Data Sources

2. Metadata Extraction

For each media item, we extract and structure metadata including title, author, date, location, license, description, and tags. This metadata is standardized and validated to ensure consistency across the archive.

Learn more: Metadata Style Guide

3. Indexing

Once metadata is extracted, items are indexed for fast retrieval. The indexing system supports full-text search, faceted filtering, and cross-referencing between related items.

4. Search & Discovery

Users can discover content through multiple interfaces: keyword search, timeline visualization, geographic mapping, and browsing by collections or licenses.

Learn more: Search Guide

5. Filtering & Analysis

Advanced filtering allows users to narrow results by media type, date range, location, license, author, and other metadata fields. Timeline and map visualizations provide additional analytical perspectives.

Learn more: Timeline Guide, Map Guide

6. Citation & Export

Each item includes citation information in multiple formats (APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX). Users can export search results and generate citations for academic or professional use.