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Researcher access

Access comprehensive shipwreck data for authorized researchers and academic institutions

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About researcher access

The National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka provides enhanced access privileges to qualified researchers, archaeologists, historians, and marine scientists who require detailed data for academic study, conservation efforts, or cultural heritage preservation.

Complete records

Access to comprehensive archaeological and historical records not available in the public interface.

High-resolution media

High-resolution imagery and documentation of artifacts with detailed metadata.

Data exports

Raw data exports for statistical analysis and research in various formats.

API access

Programmatic access for integration with research tools and databases.

Regular updates

Notifications about newly documented shipwrecks and data updates.

Secure access

Protected access with monitoring and compliance with heritage preservation principles.

Important notice

All researcher access requests are reviewed by our academic committee to ensure data is used ethically and in accordance with cultural heritage preservation principles. Access is granted for specific projects with defined timelines and deliverables.

Application process

To request research access to the National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete application form

    Fill out the researcher access request with your research objectives and credentials.

  2. Submit documentation

    Provide supporting documents including institutional affiliation letters and research proposals.

  3. Review process

    Our review committee will evaluate your request within 10 working days.

  4. Access grant

    If approved, you will receive credentials and documentation for accessing the researcher interface.

  5. Agreement signing

    All researchers must sign a data usage agreement before access is granted.

Priority criteria

Priority is given to research projects that contribute to marine conservation, cultural heritage preservation, or historical documentation in Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about researcher access to the National Shipwreck Database

Who is eligible for researcher access?
Researcher access is available to qualified academics, archaeologists, historians, marine scientists, and cultural heritage professionals affiliated with recognized institutions. Students conducting thesis research under faculty supervision are also eligible.
How long does the approval process take?
The review process typically takes 10 working days from submission of a complete application. Complex requests requiring additional documentation or committee review may take up to 21 days.
What data is available through researcher access?
Researchers get access to complete archaeological records, high-resolution imagery, detailed artifact documentation, site coordinates, historical documentation, and raw survey data. Some sensitive location data requires additional approval.
Are there any fees for researcher access?
Basic researcher access is provided free of charge for academic research. Fees may apply for extensive data exports, custom analyses, or commercial applications. Contact us for details on commercial licensing.
Can I share the data with collaborators?
Data sharing is permitted only with collaborators named in your research proposal and data usage agreement. All collaborators must be approved by our committee and sign individual agreements.
What citation format should I use?
Please cite as: "National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka, Maritime Archaeology Unit, Central Cultural Fund, accessed [date], [URL]". Specific shipwreck records should include the site ID and last update date.

Technical information

Our researcher interface provides several methods to access and analyze shipwreck data:

Web-based research portal

Authenticated researchers can access our specialized research portal with advanced filtering, mapping, and data visualization tools specifically designed for academic research.

API access

We provide a RESTful API that allows programmatic access to shipwreck data. Researchers can integrate this with their own tools and perform custom analyses.

# Example API endpoint
GET /api/v1/shipwrecks?period=colonial&depth=50-100

# Response format (JSON)
{
  "data": [{ "id": "SLW-0042", "name": "Hermes", ... }],
  "metadata": { "total": 24, "page": 1 }
}

Data exports

Researchers can request custom data exports in various formats (CSV, JSON, GeoJSON) for use in statistical software, GIS applications, or custom analysis tools.

Security note

All researcher access is logged and monitored. Data use must comply with the terms outlined in your research agreement. Sensitive location data for protected sites requires additional approval.

Research access request

To apply for researcher access, email our research coordinator with your institutional affiliation, project title, research objectives, data requirements, and supporting documents (CV, research proposal, and institutional support letter).

What happens next?

  • Your application will be reviewed by our academic committee
  • You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours
  • The review process typically takes 10 working days
  • You will be notified of the decision via email
  • If approved, you will receive access credentials and instructions
Email application

Contact information

For questions about researcher access or assistance with your application, please contact our research coordinator:

Email
info@nsd.ccf.gov.lk
Phone
+94 91 222 2681
Research coordinator
Rasika Muthucumarana
Office hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM