Blog 2: Data and Digitization

     Reading the next two chapters of the textbook has allowed my understanding of digital humanities to grow. These two chapters introduced data production practices and formatting. Adding to my previous knowledge of DH, these new chapters gave me a better understanding of the information integrated into DH. A more in depth/nitty gritty look.  During chapter two a big talking point was structured and unstructured data comparing the differences between the two. Structured data includes statements of true or false and numbers. An example of this would be written facts or a spreadsheet. While unstructured data involves natural language which is ambiguous and unclear. With the example being a painting or picture which can be interpreted in many different ways. The books also gave many good examples on the topic explaining how the term “Washington” can either mean a family name or a location proving it is unstructured data. Whereas the example of a chart with set facts shows how there can’t be miscommunication and is structured data. 

    Another informative section in chapter two was the checklist for creating a data model. The key points were to identify structured data, create labeled categories for the data, divide the categories into numerical, descriptive, and true or false values, to access the difficulty and standardize the format, to limit the vocabulary, check for assumptions about categories that may have bias, and finally to check the data model for completeness and accuracy. Using this checklist, it could be applied to my DH project The Culture That Connects Us. I could use my newfound knowledge of whether the data is structured or unstructured, then with the structured data create a data model with the information provided to easily look at and get a better understanding on what my website truly is about.

    Continuing with the reading chapter three discussed everything you may need to know about HTML. HTML stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol which is the protocol files online must meet for their presentation and display. HTML, HTTP, and CSS are the main elements that are used to structure web-based elements. I found it interesting how every single web project is part of a complex system that has standards and protocols that regulate them. These seem important since they can ensure the safety and reliability of a website.