Study on a Web-based Testbed for Historical Astronomy Records and Accounts Services

Korea has kept its records of astronomical phenomena since around 2,000 years ago. However, the contents and scope of relevant service have been limited for researchers who need those records due to lack of complete data collection. In this regard, it is necessary to establish efficient collection and management systems of Korean astronomical records by utilizing an environment that is easily accessible. This study is intended to complete the development of a testbed system that allows researchers to systematically input and validate, in a Web environment, multiple astronomical records among the historical documents until Modern Joseon after the Three Kingdoms Period. Recognition of the pre-translated data and tables in advance is followed by its storage in the database built on the Web. Then, data validation is implemented by providing a retrieval service according to a specific form to only a finite number of researchers who have access authority. This study is targeted at a testbed system that takes around three months to be completely developed. The completed testbed system is expected to allow internal and external researchers of an organization to easily access the service on the Web. This will ensure that the accuracy of the data can be verified mutually and help identify areas of service improvement. The opinions collected regarding service improvement will be reflected in the future system. Eventually, domestic astronomical records will subsequently be able to be utilized internationally through the multilingual service.