GlobaLID – a community-driven global lead isotope database with interactive web application

Lead isotopes are the most universally used method to reconstruct the raw material origin of archaeological objects made of lead, silver, copper, gold and their alloys, but also are routinely applied in e.g. ore deposit geology and environmental geochemistry. For all research utilising lead isotope signatures, a comprehensive compilation of existing reference data is essential. GlobaLID, a FAIR global ore lead isotope database coupled with an interactive web application, was set up as an open access repository and visualisation tool. The database was enriched by locally versed contributors with meta-information on geography, mineralogy, geology, metallogeny and analytical set-up of the original published data to allow their utilisation for a diverse range of research topics. The web application primarily serves the visualisation of the database. Different options for screening, filtering and plotting of the data are available, including the possibility to upload and plot user data and automatically match them to GlobaLID’s database.

A first version of the database and prototype of the web application were launched in late 2021. Feedback from the scientific community identified major issues to tackle in the on-going work on GlobaLID, e.g. the complete standardisation of revised datasets, the possible integration of further data and material types, and the additional implementation of statistical tools. The core team will create and implement a common standard for these tasks together with other researchers. Our presentation will first highlight GlobaLIDs most important features and subsequently present plans for its future development as a community-driven project.