> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pmse.gitbook.io/pmse-dhdk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pmse.gitbook.io/pmse-dhdk/1.-project-charter/1.1-project-description-and-scope/about-the-grantor.md).

# About the Grantor

## Geoportale Nazionale per l'Archeologia (GNA)

The <mark style="color:blue;">**Geoportale Nazionale per l'Archeologia (GNA)**</mark> is a web platform designed to centralize and make accessible the Italian archaeological heritage through a digital archaeological map. The primary goal of the GNA is to collect and share data related to all archaeological activities, excavations, and surveys carried out in Italy, allowing them to be freely accessed by researchers, professionals, and the general public.

{% embed url="<https://gna.cultura.gov.it/index.html>" %}

<mark style="color:blue;">**Key features of the GNA include:**</mark>

* **Open access**: The portal is public, and data can be consulted, downloaded, modified, and reused freely under the **Creative Commons BY 4.0** license.
* **Data integration**: The portal collects information about excavations, surveys, and preventive and emergency archaeological interventions, including those that would otherwise never be published.
* **Continuous updates**: The portal is regularly updated with new information regarding archaeological interventions, thanks to ongoing contributions from professionals and institutions.
* **GIS tools**: The GNA uses **Geographic Information Systems (GIS)** to visualize the data, allowing spatial representation of information on maps.

The **GNA** is managed by the [Italian Ministry of Culture (Ministero della Cultura)](https://cultura.gov.it/), specifically through the [Central Institute for Cataloging and Documentation (ICCD)](http://www.iccd.beniculturali.it/).

The ICCD is responsible for overseeing the development, maintenance, and implementation of the GNA, ensuring that it adheres to the standards set for the cataloging, documentation, and preservation of Italy’s archaeological heritage. The portal is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Culture to digitize and make Italy's cultural and archaeological assets more accessible for research, education, and public use.

***

### **What is the User Manual for the Geoportale?**

The **User Manual for the GNA** is a detailed guide intended for users of the portal who wish to **input, consult, and manage archaeological data** within the system. The manual provides the necessary instructions for properly using the portal’s functionalities, including those related to the collection and publication of data according to the standards set by the GNA and the GIS template.

## 📑 [See MediaWiki User Manual](https://gna.cultura.gov.it/wiki/index.php/Pagina_principale)

### **Purpose of the User Manual**

The purpose of the manual is to **guide users** in using the GNA portal, ensuring that data is entered correctly and consistently according to the required standards. It aims to ensure the **quality and reliability of the data** that is collected and published, thus facilitating the management and consultation of Italy’s archaeological heritage.&#x20;

Moreover, the manual aims to make the process of **archaeological documentation more accessible and standardized**, facilitating collaboration among institutions, professionals, and researchers in the field of archaeology.

### **Main Contents of the User Manual**

1. **Structure and Functionality of the Geoportal**:
   * **Overview of Sections**: The manual describes the different sections of the portal, such as data consultation, information searching, and new data publication.
   * **GIS Visualization Tools**: It explains how to use mapping tools and navigation features to explore the archaeological information available on the portal.
2. **Data Entry**:
   * **GIS Template**: The manual provides details on how to properly fill out the archaeological data within the GIS template, which is used to collect the information to be uploaded to the portal.
   * **Fields and Tables**: Each field in the template is described with the necessary information for correct entry (e.g., data type, format, allowed values).
   * **Data Input Procedures**: It explains how to add new data, modify existing data, and upload new information to the portal.
3. **Guidelines for Specific Use Cases**:
   * **Archaeological Surveys and Excavations**: It provides instructions on how to handle data related to specific research activities, such as excavations and surveys.
   * **Preventive Archaeology**: The manual also contains details on how to fill out data related to preventive archaeology, which evaluates the archaeological risk associated with new construction projects.
4. **Data Verification and Quality**:
   * **Quality Standards**: It describes how to ensure that the data entered complies with **GNA standards** and is complete and accurate.
   * **Control Procedures**: The manual explains how to perform checks to verify that the data entered is correct and relevant.
5. **Updates and Feedback**:
   * Users are encouraged to provide **feedback** and report any issues or suggestions for improvement to help continually enhance the system.
6. **Integration with Other Projects**:
   * **Interoperability**: The manual describes how GNA data can be easily integrated with other systems, such as those used for digitizing cultural heritage and managing archaeological archives.
7. **Accessing the Manual from the Template**:
   * Users can access the manual directly from within the application, with links to relevant sections based on the task at hand.