ICT:DA-procedure
Procedure – Creating a DigitalAsset (DA)
This page explains how to create a DigitalAsset.
A DigitalAsset represents the research interpretation of exactly one file.
Important: A DigitalAsset is NOT the file itself. The file is storage. The DigitalAsset is meaning and description.
When to create a DigitalAsset
Create a DigitalAsset whenever:
- you upload a new file that has research relevance
- a file needs description or interpretation
- you create a derivative (OCR, crop, enhancement, etc.)
- the same physical source results in multiple processed versions
Rule of thumb:
One file → one DigitalAsset page.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 – Upload the file
Upload the file normally using MediaWiki:
- "Upload file"
- choose file
- save
Do NOT add research metadata on the File page itself.
Step 2 – Create the DigitalAsset page
Open:
Special:FormEdit/DigitalAsset
Fill in:
- File → select the uploaded file
- Description → explain what the file shows
- Asset type → image/text/etc.
- Source type → scan/photo/etc.
- Language (if relevant)
- Notes (optional)
Step 3 – Link to HeritageObjects
Under "Represents":
Select one or more HeritageObjects that this file documents.
Examples:
- HO:Sanatorium façade
- HO:Patient register 1923
This step is essential.
Without this link, the file has no research meaning.
Step 4 – If derivative, link parent
If this file was created from another DigitalAsset:
Use "Derived from" and select the parent.
Examples:
- OCR derived from scan
- cropped image derived from photo
This preserves provenance.
Step 5 – Save
Save the page.
You are done.
Examples
Scan
File: Register_scan_12.jpg DA page: "Scan of admission register page 12"
OCR
File: Register_scan_12_OCR.txt Derived from: Scan DA page: "OCR transcription of register page 12"
Crop
File: Facade_crop.jpg Derived from: Facade photo DA page: "Detail of entrance door"
Good practices
✓ Write meaningful descriptions ✓ Always link to HeritageObjects ✓ Create separate DA pages for each derivative ✓ Keep one file per DA
Avoid:
✗ uploading files without creating a DA ✗ storing interpretation on File pages ✗ grouping multiple files into one DA