Description
Return max(0, min(end values) - max(start values)).
Archival records often contain bounded dates, editions, and source identifiers. Arithmetic on supplied coordinates can check consistency while leaving historical interpretation and authenticity unresolved.
Return max(0, min(end values) - max(start values)).
When to use this tool
Use Public Archive Unit Date Overlap when you need a precise date-span or source-record bookkeeping step.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter firstStart, firstEnd, secondStart, secondEnd. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read overlap. Use the output convention below.
Require each date interval to be ordered. Return max(0, min(end values) - max(start values)).1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| firstStart | First Start | Required. Finite number. |
| firstEnd | First End | Required. Finite number. |
| secondStart | Second Start | Required. Finite number. |
| secondEnd | Second End | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| overlap | Overlap | Required. Finite number. |
json
{
"input": {
"firstStart": 10,
"firstEnd": 20,
"secondStart": 15,
"secondEnd": 25
},
"output": {
"overlap": 5
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This measures interval width without an inclusive endpoint increment; dates must already share one numeric coordinate.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Consult the original catalog and documented calendar or dating convention when historical interpretation matters.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Historic Public Unit Tenure Share
Intersect an ordered tenure interval with a positive-width reference interval.
- Urine Collection Window Fraction
Intersect the collection and target intervals.