HistArchers,

This is a question relevant to all of us, but not necessarily restricted 
to historical archaeology. I am in the process of redesigning my field 
data acquisition and would like some input from those of you who do this 
on a daily basis.

My goals for this database are to collect data in the field and the lab, 
store it in a digital database, and share it as broadly as possible.

I would like 1.  a geo-spatial relational database (i.e., MS Access not 
MS Excel) that 2. has front end that I can use in the field that is 
unconnected to the internet. In other words, I want digital forms that I 
can enter my data into (either from the paper forms used in the field 
or, eventually, on ruggedized tablet computers). 3. Once I come in from 
the field and the computer is connected to the internet, I would like it 
to backup and synchronize my data and make it available on a public 
website. And, lastly, I want it all FREE. There are expensive options 
here, and many of you, especially in the contract world who use such 
software (usually lacking the public sharing part). The prime example of 
this is likely ArcGIS. That is not an option for me and I am an advocate 
of opensource programs (my current bevy includes OpenOffice, Inkscape, 
GIMP and others) because of their flexibility.

Is there anyone out there using something like this or have ideas about 
where to go?

Thanks,
Ben Carter, PhD, RPA
Muhlenberg College