📚 [Documentation] "About this dataset" page for Cliopatria

[edwardchalstrey1]

Section of Documentation

Seshat website

Description of Improvement

This should be a page on the Seshat website for users to find but could also be linked to from the docs.

Can be copied from: https://github.com/Seshat-Global-History-Databank/cliopatria

"About this dataset" page should include:

• [x] Summary of the dataset
• Link to paper or pre-print (in GitHub repo/Zenodo)
• [x] Link to Cliopatria GitHub repo
• Link in Cliopatria GitHub repo to this page not needed

Also...

• [x] Appropriate links to the new page should be included on the polity pages and world map where the Cliopatria polygons are displayed
• [x] Include a link to the Cliopatria repo on the download page

Pre-requisites:

• [x] Cliopatria repo set up - #60
• [x] Jim Bennett/ Cliopatria team to supply text

[edwardchalstrey1]

Jim Bennett suggested text:

These maps of historical polities are part of Seshat’s Cliopatria project and are available in digital GeoJSON format under an open-source license [link to repository]. They have been compiled from numerous sources, which are documented [link to paper]. While we strive to reflect the best historical knowledge, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these maps. Border uncertainties, as well as differing opinions on the names, territorial changes, and durations of polities, are common challenges facing historians. We welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement. Following standard Seshat protocol, any reported errors will be addressed after expert historian review [link to ] Please note that users and analysts of this map data are solely responsible for assessing its suitability for their specific purposes.

Dan Hoyer:

I would specify what sort of licence you use when you say "under an open-source license [link to repository]" -- we use a CC By-NC SA for the Seshat data

in the 3rd line ("While we strive...") I don't think we need to talk about the accuracy of maps per se (they are accurate in that they reflect their own assertions...). I think we just want to note that there are multiple different ideas about polity territory and we've only captured one, leading to the point about uncertainties. I would suggest changing that line to: "While we strive to reflect the most current historical knowledge, we acknowledge that these maps reflect only one version of the territory held by past polities." This leads nicely into the next line imo, specifying that uncertainties and disagreements are common challenges.