The reason for this project is that it is very hard to automatically sort the navigation and ice (and other specific items) from blocks of text in the hand-written log books. Having those details pulled out and associated by line with date/time/position and page url offers the most effective means of turning text into actionable data that can be sorted in all kinds of ways.
If you have a doubt about an entry you can always come back to this principle, and/or ask for help in this Shipyard page.
Additional information found can typically include the following which are entered on the remarks worksheet.
natural phenomena (volcanoes, kelp, sun spots, auroras)
- the names of other ships seen or visited and which must be recorded
- crew names
- reports of ice from other ships
- whaling details
- other animals seen
- Transcribing: capturing the log details, and information resources which is a 'must read' before you start transcribing
- Transcribing: managing your recording workbook
You will also bump into the OldWeather Arctic project which also extracts weather and ice details from the ships of the US Navy and Coast Guard. Your help with OldWeather Arctic would also be most welcome!
