The protocol provided below is intended for the identification of new artifacts outside the pre-cataloging environment. For pre-cat procedures, consult ATLPM 015 - Preliminary Cataloging of Ancient Artifacts.
All work is assumed to take place within the New Atlantean Technology Database [NATD]. Work saved to local hard drives is not communally accessible.
I - Acquisition of New Artifacts
Artifacts are acquired by the AT Lab Network through many sources: city exploration, offworld missions, happenstance, and interplanetary trade. In most instances, artifacts will come to the AT Lab Network with a minimal amount of information regarding their provenance, utility, and even identity.
All artifacts should first be assessed for their potential threat to both scientist and city. Dangerous artifacts should not be brought to the AT Laboratories. If you encounter a dangerous artifact, or one proves harmful in the course of examination, cease activities and contact Major John Sheppard immediately.
II - Cataloging New Artifacts
Artifacts are cataloged in order of arrival. Time-critical artifacts will be marked with a fluorescent orange sticker and should be processed first.
Do not activate any artifact for the purpose of identifying it.
Search the Database.
Identify the unknown object's provenance by searching either the Ancient Technology Database (Modified) [ATDM] or the Ancient Technology Database (Full) [ATDF].
The ATDM database should be searched first because of the quicker results -- ATDF searches can take up to ten hours.
Do not run more than two simultaneous ATDM/ADTF searches; the server has a limited number of connections available to the entire Atlantis community.
Note: Database maintenance queries -- typographical errors, duplicate records, requests for record deletion, etc. -- should be sent to the Database Maintenance Task Group. Include all relevant ID numbers.
Choose the most likely reference and copy-and-paste its identification number into the ATD # field.
If there is an additional likely possibility, copy-and-paste its identification number into the ADT (2) # field.
If there is more than one additional likely possibility, consult your supervisor.
If neither database returns any results, or if the search returns a result that classifies the artifact as a weapon, forward the artifact to AT Lab 1/Dr. Rodney McKay.
Clearly label all artifacts as either "unknown" or "hazardous".
Do not mark any package as "urgent".
If an unidentified artifact activates and appears harmful, contact Major Sheppard immediately. Do not send the artifact to AT Lab 1.
Note: Before sending any artifact to AT Lab I, consult the Expedition Manifest to make sure that the unknown object is not something brought from Earth.
Photograph and measure the object. [Instruction Manual for Olympus E-3 (PDF)]. Warning: Measuring equipment is marked with both metric (centimeters) and imperial (inches) units, but all measurements must be recorded in metric units only when entered into the NATB. Do not go beyond two (2) significant digits.
Physical Description. Physical description of Ancient artifacts is a difficult and necessarily imprecise process. Descriptions should not exceed one hundred words and should include information on the color, size, and weight. They should not include speculation about the purpose of the device or use subjective terms such as "palm-sized" or "ugly". Any similarities drawn between the object and items found on Earth should be as general as possible. Do not activate any artifact for the purpose of describing its active state.
example:At its maximums, the object is thirteen (13) centimeters long and six (6) centimeters wide. It is flat on the bottom and has eight (8) irregularly sized facets on its front and sides. The facets are dull green glass, each a hexagon of irregular size. The vertices are brass-colored and rounded. The bottom is in the shape of an irregular hexagon and is made of the same brass-colored material as the vertices. It weighs 1.57kg.
Supplemental Information. Artifacts that are accompanied by in situ photographs, offworld mission reports (AARs), medical reports, or personal statements should have those attached. [Click "attach supplemental documentation" and then find the file either on the local hard drive or in the shared directory.]
Save All Work. After the artifact record is completed, it must be saved to the database [Control-D] so that it may be accessible to others.
Routing for Storage.
After an artifact has been cataloged, it must be prepared for storage. Route all artifacts to either "As-Is" or "Preservation", depending on whether they need a preservation case, protective wrapping, or conservation treatment.
It is essential that the artifacts record ID is visible. [See ATLPM 040 - Proper Placement of ID Stickers]
The following conditions must be indicated if they apply: Fragile, Liquid Component, Gaseous Component, Moving Parts.
Note: All artifacts that emit gases, heat or other energy, liquids or shoot projectiles must be routed to "Preservation" regardless of their condition.
