EDTF Uncertain/Approximate Qualifier Decoder
Split an Extended Date/Time Format value into its base value and trailing uncertainty qualifier (? uncertain, ~ approximate, % both).
Description
Decode a trailing EDTF uncertainty or approximation qualifier into its base value and plain-language meaning.
Split an Extended Date/Time Format value into its base value and trailing uncertainty qualifier (? uncertain, ~ approximate, % both).
When to use EDTF Uncertain/Approximate Qualifier Decoder
- Decode a trailing EDTF uncertainty or approximation qualifier into its base value and plain-language meaning.
- Apply the same explicit rule consistently during ingest, quality control, reporting, or preservation planning.
- Expose records that need human review without silently rewriting the source data.
How the calculation works
The percent sign is a combined EDTF qualifier here, not a numeric percentage.1
? = uncertain; ~ = approximate; % = uncertain and approximate Interpreting the result
The percent sign is a combined EDTF qualifier here, not a numeric percentage.
Limitations and assumptions
- This decoder removes only one trailing qualifier and does not validate the remaining date, masked digits, sets, seasons, or qualifiers inside interval endpoints.
- Preserve the original value and record the rule version when using this result in an archival workflow.
References
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Digital preservation — Wikipedia contributors
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