XLUM: an open data format for exchange and long-term preservation of luminescence data

Abstract. The concept of open data has become the modern science meme, and major funding bodies publishers support data. On a daily basis, however, mandate frequently encounters technical obstacles, such as lack suitable format for sharing long-term preservation. Such issues are often community-specific best addressed through community-tailored solutions. In Quaternary sciences, luminescence dating is widely used constraining timing event-based processes (e.g. sediment transport). Every study produces vast body primary that usually remains inaccessible incompatible with future studies or adjacent scientific disciplines. To facilitate exchange preservation (in short, data) in studies, we propose new XML-based structured called XLUM. applies hierarchical storage consisting root node (node 0), sample 1), sequence 2), record 3), curve 4). level holds information on component photomultiplier, thermocouple). A finite number curves represent an optically stimulated curve). Records part measured particular sample. This design allows user to retain from measurement process. additional related metadata fosters mining projects large datasets. less memory-efficient than binary formats; its focus exchange, preservation, hence XLUM stability by design. inherently stable updates backwards-compatible. We R package xlum, facilitating conversion different formats into format. licensed under MIT licence available free be open- closed-source commercial non-commercial software research projects.