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The Extended National Database for Wales (END). [http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/nmrw/extdbs.shtml|http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/nmrw/extdbs.shtml], The END is based on a partnership of Welsh heritage bodies, including the RCAHMW, the Archaeological Trusts of Wales, Cadw and the National Museums and Galleries of Wales (NMGW). who have created a national index of archaeological and architectural information. The information encompasses NMRW's site database, the Sites and Monuments Records held by each of the four Archaeological Trusts, and Cadw's scheduled monument and listed building database. CARN ([http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/data/carn.shtml|http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/data/carn.shtm]) is being developed as the entry point to the END.
The Extended National Database for Wales (END). [http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/nmrw/extdbs.shtml|http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/nmrw/extdbs.shtml], The END is based on a partnership of Welsh heritage bodies, including the RCAHMW, the Archaeological Trusts of Wales, Cadw and the National Museums and Galleries of Wales (NMGW). who have created a national index of archaeological and architectural information. The information encompasses NMRW's site database, the Sites and Monuments Records held by each of the four Archaeological Trusts, and Cadw's scheduled monument and listed building database. CARN ([http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/data/carn.shtml|http://www.rcahmw.org.uk/data/carn.shtm]) is being developed as the entry point to the END.
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Pastmap ([http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/PASTMAP/start.jsp|http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/PASTMAP/start.jsp]) is a map enabled query system for Scottish National Archaeological and Architectural Datasets (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, National Monuments Record of Scotland, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and some Sites and Monuments Records). This site, curated for the Scottish Ministers, is a partnership project between Historic Scotland and the RCAHMS, and also incorporates a dataset managed by Historic Scotland (Inventory of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes).” Scottish Ministers have just transferred sole responsibility for compiling and maintaining the Inventory to HS. Pastmap is being further developed with the Scottish SMRs as active partners, and the site hosts GIS data from several SMRs, with a view to having full coverage within 3 years time. A link to HLA data is also available through this portal (See case study in E.5.11).
Pastmap ([http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/PASTMAP/start.jsp|http://jura.rcahms.gov.uk/PASTMAP/start.jsp]) is a map enabled query system for Scottish National Archaeological and Architectural Datasets (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, National Monuments Record of Scotland, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and some Sites and Monuments Records). This site, curated for the Scottish Ministers, is a partnership project between Historic Scotland and the RCAHMS, and also incorporates a dataset managed by Historic Scotland (Inventory of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes).” Scottish Ministers have just transferred sole responsibility for compiling and maintaining the Inventory to HS. Pastmap is being further developed with the Scottish SMRs as active partners, and the site hosts GIS data from several SMRs, with a view to having full coverage within 3 years time. A link to HLA data is also available through this portal (See case study in E.5.11).
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!!D.3.2 Compilation from documentary sources
!!D.3.2 Compilation from documentary sources
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*__Zone 1__ - Dry Land: This lies above high water mark. Archaeological remains typically include such coastal installations as docks, jetties, harbours, coastal settlements and defences.
*__Zone 1__ - Dry Land: This lies above high water mark. Archaeological remains typically include such coastal installations as docks, jetties, harbours, coastal settlements and defences.
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Many HERs will have good coverage for Zones 1 and 2 within their existing data sets. Archaeological remains in these areas can be easily identified using traditional methods such as beach walking and map regression and can be investigated between the window of the tides using standard techniques including survey and excavation. However, given that local authorities have no jurisdiction beyond the mean Low Water Mark, very few HERs will have coverage for Zone 3. This was the situation for Teesside in the early 1990s. To redress the balance a project was instigated in 1994 to enhance the existing coastal dataset with particular regard to sub-tidal information.
Many HERs will have good coverage for Zones 1 and 2 within their existing data sets. Archaeological remains in these areas can be easily identified using traditional methods such as beach walking and map regression and can be investigated between the window of the tides using standard techniques including survey and excavation. However, given that local authorities have no jurisdiction beyond the mean Low Water Mark, very few HERs will have coverage for Zone 3. This was the situation for Teesside in the early 1990s. To redress the balance a project was instigated in 1994 to enhance the existing coastal dataset with particular regard to sub-tidal information.
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*__Defining Boundaries__ – The sea is not divided into convenient administrative areas like the land and local authorities do not have powers below low water mark However, some HERs are developing maritime components and becoming involved in providing advice on marine archaeological features. Neighbouring Local Authority HERs should discuss how County/District boundaries will be extended in the form of arbitrary quasi-administrative areas Planning powers in Scotland do not currently extend beyond the low watermark – see [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum/scotscoast.asp#4|http://www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum/scotscoast.asp#4] for a discussion of the current framework for coastal management in Scotland)
*__Defining Boundaries__ – The sea is not divided into convenient administrative areas like the land and local authorities do not have powers below low water mark However, some HERs are developing maritime components and becoming involved in providing advice on marine archaeological features. Neighbouring Local Authority HERs should discuss how County/District boundaries will be extended in the form of arbitrary quasi-administrative areas Planning powers in Scotland do not currently extend beyond the low watermark – see [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum/scotscoast.asp#4|http://www.scotland.gov.uk/environment/coastalforum/scotscoast.asp#4] for a discussion of the current framework for coastal management in Scotland)
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In addition to statutory datasets (SMs and LBs) noted above, these can include the results of projects such as the Portable Antiquities Scheme or large scale survey projects for example funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, English Heritage or Historic Scotland In the past individual HERs had little influence over the data structure of such digital sources, limiting their effective integration. Many HERs did not have the staff time to allow them to recast the data correctly, resulting in backlogs. This meant that the resources created by such projects were underused. This problem has been recognised and is now being addressed in England by greater consultation with the EH NMR Data Standards Unit and HERs at the project planning stage and by the development of interoperability standards such as the FISH toolkit.
In addition to statutory datasets (SMs and LBs) noted above, these can include the results of projects such as the Portable Antiquities Scheme or large scale survey projects for example funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, English Heritage or Historic Scotland In the past individual HERs had little influence over the data structure of such digital sources, limiting their effective integration. Many HERs did not have the staff time to allow them to recast the data correctly, resulting in backlogs. This meant that the resources created by such projects were underused. This problem has been recognised and is now being addressed in England by greater consultation with the EH NMR Data Standards Unit and HERs at the project planning stage and by the development of interoperability standards such as the FISH toolkit.
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In most areas, there is an almost endless supply of potential documentary and digital sources. New journals and archives become available, new datasets are created or the breadth of the HER information base is extended to cover new topics. Many HERs have identified large quantities of sources that might be trawled, but it is difficult to estimate how any particular source will benefit the scope and information content of the HER without accessing the material.
In most areas, there is an almost endless supply of potential documentary and digital sources. New journals and archives become available, new datasets are created or the breadth of the HER information base is extended to cover new topics. Many HERs have identified large quantities of sources that might be trawled, but it is difficult to estimate how any particular source will benefit the scope and information content of the HER without accessing the material.
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A better approach might be to plan to maintain the HER incorporating information from field projects and to enhance the breadth and scope of the HER through enhancement projects. Both strategies will use documentary and digital sources.
A better approach might be to plan to maintain the HER incorporating information from field projects and to enhance the breadth and scope of the HER through enhancement projects. Both strategies will use documentary and digital sources.
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Since 1978, the NMR (England) has been compiling its Excavation Index, which currently holds records for over 76,000 archaeological interventions in England. These include interventions dating from the earliest episodes of scientific archaeology to the present day (see C.7.3). Information has been collected from a variety of sources (including HERs) and combines bibliographic recording with direct input from reports, recording forms and microfilm archives. The scope of the Index covers both invasive (excavation, evaluation, watching brief) and non-invasive (geophysical survey, desk-based assessment, field-walking and measured survey) methods of investigation. The Index provides both a record of the event that has taken place and acts as a signpost to the archaeological features identified and the associated documentary and archive sources. Since 1998 a sub-set of the Index has been made available on the internet (Figure 27) via the ADS Catalogue (see [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/]).
Since 1978, the NMR (England) has been compiling its Excavation Index, which currently holds records for over 76,000 archaeological interventions in England. These include interventions dating from the earliest episodes of scientific archaeology to the present day (see C.7.3). Information has been collected from a variety of sources (including HERs) and combines bibliographic recording with direct input from reports, recording forms and microfilm archives. The scope of the Index covers both invasive (excavation, evaluation, watching brief) and non-invasive (geophysical survey, desk-based assessment, field-walking and measured survey) methods of investigation. The Index provides both a record of the event that has taken place and acts as a signpost to the archaeological features identified and the associated documentary and archive sources. Since 1998 a sub-set of the Index has been made available on the internet (Figure 27) via the ADS Catalogue (see [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/]).
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[{Image src='Ex_Index_sm.jpg' alt='Figure 27: ADS web page – Excavation Index.'}]
[{Image src='Ex_Index_sm.jpg' alt='Figure 27: ADS web page – Excavation Index.'}]
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Since 1990, English Heritage has sponsored Bournemouth University to conduct an annual data-collection exercise, the Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP). The results of the exercise have been published as The Gazetteer of Archaeological Investigations in England, issued as an annual supplement to the British and Irish Archaeological Bibliography. The database compiled to produce these printed volumes has been deposited with the NMR (England).
Since 1990, English Heritage has sponsored Bournemouth University to conduct an annual data-collection exercise, the Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP). The results of the exercise have been published as The Gazetteer of Archaeological Investigations in England, issued as an annual supplement to the British and Irish Archaeological Bibliography. The database compiled to produce these printed volumes has been deposited with the NMR (England).
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The merger of the RCHME and English Heritage in April 1999 brought with it an opportunity to integrate the Excavation Index and The Gazetteer of Archaeological Investigations into a single resource. This concordance was made possible through the OASIS project, an alliance between English Heritage, the AIP and the ADS, with funding from the Research Support Libraries Program (RSLP). OASIS aims to create a single index to the grey literature of archaeological assessment reports and excavation archives in England, which will be delivered via the ADS ArchSearch catalogue The OASIS project has developed an on-line recording form and aims to promote its use by contractors so that they can submit index-level records of archaeological investigations to the NMR and the relevant HER. (See section C 7.3)
The merger of the RCHME and English Heritage in April 1999 brought with it an opportunity to integrate the Excavation Index and The Gazetteer of Archaeological Investigations into a single resource. This concordance was made possible through the OASIS project, an alliance between English Heritage, the AIP and the ADS, with funding from the Research Support Libraries Program (RSLP). OASIS aims to create a single index to the grey literature of archaeological assessment reports and excavation archives in England, which will be delivered via the ADS ArchSearch catalogue The OASIS project has developed an on-line recording form and aims to promote its use by contractors so that they can submit index-level records of archaeological investigations to the NMR and the relevant HER. (See section C 7.3)
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There is currently no equivalent Excavation Index covering Scotland. Currently fieldwork is reported annually through the Council for Scottish Archaeology’s Discovery and Excavation in Scotland publication. Some SMRs transfer Discovery and Excavation data into an Events module, but data is also transferred into the RCAHMS NMRS database and supplied to the relevant SMR as part of an on-going data exchange programme. The current extension of OASIS to Scotland will help develop indexes both locally and nationally.
There is currently no equivalent Excavation Index covering Scotland. Currently fieldwork is reported annually through the Council for Scottish Archaeology's Discovery and Excavation in Scotland publication. Some SMRs transfer Discovery and Excavation data into an Events module, but data is also transferred into the RCAHMS NMRS database and supplied to the relevant SMR as part of an on-going data exchange programme. The current extension of OASIS to Scotland will help develop indexes both locally and nationally.
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Since the advent of planning policy guidance for archaeology (PPG16 England, Circular 60/96 Wales, and NPPG 5 and PAN 42 in Scotland), archaeological consultants and field units have carried out much of the archaeological fieldwork in Britain on the basis of competitive tendering. The contractors operate to briefs or specifications developed by archaeologists working alongside the HER in local government planning offices. As well as specifying the archaeological research, briefs will normally include recommendations covering the deposit of material resulting from the research. In England this includes data and reports to be deposited in the HER, finds and archives deposited in local museums or other repositories and computer-based information to be deposited in a recognised digital archive. In Scotland the SMRs by custom and practice require the deposition of the original site archive (for example the paper, photographic and digital records) for long-term preservation with the RCAHMS, whilst copies of all reports are deposited in the SMR. For artefacts the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel (who provide independent advice to the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer) decides the appropriate depository.
Since the advent of planning policy guidance for archaeology (PPG16 England, Circular 60/96 Wales, and NPPG 5 and PAN 42 in Scotland), archaeological consultants and field units have carried out much of the archaeological fieldwork in Britain on the basis of competitive tendering. The contractors operate to briefs or specifications developed by archaeologists working alongside the HER in local government planning offices. As well as specifying the archaeological research, briefs will normally include recommendations covering the deposit of material resulting from the research. In England this includes data and reports to be deposited in the HER, finds and archives deposited in local museums or other repositories and computer-based information to be deposited in a recognised digital archive. In Scotland the SMRs by custom and practice require the deposition of the original site archive (for example the paper, photographic and digital records) for long-term preservation with the RCAHMS, whilst copies of all reports are deposited in the SMR. For artefacts the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel (who provide independent advice to the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer) decides the appropriate depository.
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Creating an index record to an event or archive should not place a new burden on units - it is work that many already do and that since 1997 has been supported by the Standing Conference of Archaeological Unit Managers (SCAUM). Standard record forms for collecting information from units have been developed by the Greater London HER, SCAUM, the English NMR, the AIP, Northamptonshire HER and others. Where used, these paper forms have met with some success in improving the flow of information from data collector to HER.
Creating an index record to an event or archive should not place a new burden on units - it is work that many already do and that since 1997 has been supported by the Standing Conference of Archaeological Unit Managers (SCAUM). Standard record forms for collecting information from units have been developed by the Greater London HER, SCAUM, the English NMR, the AIP, Northamptonshire HER and others. Where used, these paper forms have met with some success in improving the flow of information from data collector to HER.
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However, using paper forms means that HER officers often have to re-key the information provided by the units. To minimise duplication and decrease data-entry backlogs, the use of digital forms has been explored. The OASIS form is one example, another was recommended in the ADS Guide to Good Practice for Excavation and Fieldwork Archives ([http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/|http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/]). Digital versions of the paper forms described above have also been produced either as tables in word-processed documents, spreadsheets or simple databases.
However, using paper forms means that HER officers often have to re-key the information provided by the units. To minimise duplication and decrease data-entry backlogs, the use of digital forms has been explored. The OASIS form is one example, another was recommended in the ADS Guide to Good Practice for Excavation and Fieldwork Archives ([http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/|http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/]). Digital versions of the paper forms described above have also been produced either as tables in word-processed documents, spreadsheets or simple databases.
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The use of digital forms is not trouble free and several factors should be taken into account in agreeing specified formats for digital data in briefs. These include:
The use of digital forms is not trouble free and several factors should be taken into account in agreeing specified formats for digital data in briefs. These include:
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HER officers should set aside time to validate and enhance data. This may include:
HER officers should set aside time to validate and enhance data. This may include:
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Various forms of electronic storage media are used to move data around. An important consideration is that both sender and receiver need to use a shared technology for successful data transfer:
Various forms of electronic storage media are used to move data around. An important consideration is that both sender and receiver need to use a shared technology for successful data transfer:
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*Compression software can be used to produce zip files (for PCs) and tar files (for Unix systems) which increase the capacity of floppy discs. See [http://www.pkware.com|http://www.pkware.com] for information about PKZIP.
*CD ROMs and DVDs can transfer up to 650mb of data for CDs and 4.7 Gb for DVDs and are becoming commonplace as CD and DVD writers become more widespread. See [http://cd-info.com|http://cd-info.com] for information about CDs and DVDs.
*High-capacity floppy and Zip drives may also be used. For information see [http://www.winzip.com/winzip.html|http://www.winzip.com/winzip.html].
*Files may be transferred between users as attachments to email messages. File transfer is not without its problems as many mail servers refuse files over a certain size and 'bounce' messages back to the sender. There are also security implications as e-mall attachments are notoriously vulnerable to viruses.
*File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient way of transferring data but requires technical support. FTP is a communications program used to link source and destination systems, in which either the sender or receiver logs on to a remote system to effect a transfer. Security issues mean that many system administrators restrict access from outside although they may set up an area where files can be placed for transfer. For information about FTP see [http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm|http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm]
*Compression software can be used to produce zip files (for PCs) and tar files (for Unix systems) which increase the capacity of floppy discs. See [http://www.pkware.com|http://www.pkware.com] for information about PKZIP.
*CD ROMs and DVDs can transfer up to 650mb of data for CDs and 4.7 Gb for DVDs and are becoming commonplace as CD and DVD writers become more widespread. See [http://cd-info.com|http://cd-info.com] for information about CDs and DVDs.
*High-capacity floppy and Zip drives may also be used. For information see [http://www.winzip.com/winzip.html|http://www.winzip.com/winzip.html].
*Files may be transferred between users as attachments to email messages. File transfer is not without its problems as many mail servers refuse files over a certain size and 'bounce' messages back to the sender. There are also security implications as e-mall attachments are notoriously vulnerable to viruses.
*File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient way of transferring data but requires technical support. FTP is a communications program used to link source and destination systems, in which either the sender or receiver logs on to a remote system to effect a transfer. Security issues mean that many system administrators restrict access from outside although they may set up an area where files can be placed for transfer. For information about FTP see [http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm|http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/basics.htm]
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*The new data need to be in a format acceptable for import to the software maintaining the existing database. ASCII delimited text is a standard export format for transfer into databases. In this format, a delimiting character separates the contents of the fields in a database record, for example a comma, percent or hash. Care must be taken to select a delimiter that is not present in the data. Most database applications support a number of import and export formats to facilitate the transfer of data between packages: for example as well as delimited text, Microsoft Access also supports import of data from other Access databases, Excel, Lotus, Paradox, Foxpro, dbase, Btrieve and SQL.
*There needs to be a clear mapping between the new data and the fields that define the structure of the existing database. Where possible, the HER should specify the fields for data capture.
*The new data should conform to any vocabulary control or data standards that have been agreed for the main database. Vocabulary lists should be supplied with the new data, particularly where codes are used. Candidate terms identified in the new data may need to be put forward for addition to existing wordlists or thesauri.
*The new data need to be in a format acceptable for import to the software maintaining the existing database. ASCII delimited text is a standard export format for transfer into databases. In this format, a delimiting character separates the contents of the fields in a database record, for example a comma, percent or hash. Care must be taken to select a delimiter that is not present in the data. Most database applications support a number of import and export formats to facilitate the transfer of data between packages: for example as well as delimited text, Microsoft Access also supports import of data from other Access databases, Excel, Lotus, Paradox, Foxpro, dbase, Btrieve and SQL.
*There needs to be a clear mapping between the new data and the fields that define the structure of the existing database. Where possible, the HER should specify the fields for data capture.
*The new data should conform to any vocabulary control or data standards that have been agreed for the main database. Vocabulary lists should be supplied with the new data, particularly where codes are used. Candidate terms identified in the new data may need to be put forward for addition to existing wordlists or thesauri.
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For HERs the maintenance of the basic information base from standard sources and fieldwork is a continuous process. As well as this day-to-day work, HER managers are recommended to plan enhancement projects to fill gaps and enhance the quality of their records. Such gaps in content or issues concerning quality are often identified by HER Audits (see B.2.4). In some cases the need for enhancement to comply with national standards will be considered to be so important that it is made a priority and funded from core budgets. An example of such a project can be found in Section D.6.1. In other cases different strategies for record enhancement can be adopted, some involving participation in national projects and programmes, some working with other departments within local authorities, others working with local societies and specialist-interest groups.
For HERs the maintenance of the basic information base from standard sources and fieldwork is a continuous process. As well as this day-to-day work, HER managers are recommended to plan enhancement projects to fill gaps and enhance the quality of their records. Such gaps in content or issues concerning quality are often identified by HER Audits (see B.2.4). In some cases the need for enhancement to comply with national standards will be considered to be so important that it is made a priority and funded from core budgets. An example of such a project can be found in Section D.6.1. In other cases different strategies for record enhancement can be adopted, some involving participation in national projects and programmes, some working with other departments within local authorities, others working with local societies and specialist-interest groups.
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Grants for SMR enhancement from Historic Scotland currently prioritise fulfilment of PASTMAP objectives. Historic Scotland may also provide initial start-up funds for the provision of an archaeological service at a Local Authority that was previously without one.
Grants for SMR enhancement from Historic Scotland currently prioritise fulfilment of PASTMAP objectives. Historic Scotland may also provide initial start-up funds for the provision of an archaeological service at a Local Authority that was previously without one.
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This section aims to present examples of some types of projects and programmes that are currently collecting information about aspects of the historic environment. Some case studies of projects run by HERs are also included.
This section aims to present examples of some types of projects and programmes that are currently collecting information about aspects of the historic environment. Some case studies of projects run by HERs are also included.
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At any one time, English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland may be involved in a number of projects and programmes which are developed in response to research and knowledge of the resource. Many of these involve partnerships with local authorities and others and some carry funding and offer opportunities to enhance HERs (either through work carried out in-house by HERs or from data available from the English NMR/NMRS).
At any one time, English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland may be involved in a number of projects and programmes which are developed in response to research and knowledge of the resource. Many of these involve partnerships with local authorities and others and some carry funding and offer opportunities to enhance HERs (either through work carried out in-house by HERs or from data available from the English NMR/NMRS).
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A research framework may identify weaknesses in knowledge of the resource for a particular period or theme and suggest strategies for addressing the gap. They include national and regional frameworks. Regional research frameworks aim to provide an assessment of land use, settlement, environment, economy and society in a regional context and to provide a framework for curation, decision-making and research. HER enhancement might be planned in the light of a regional research framework or national thematic framework
A research framework may identify weaknesses in knowledge of the resource for a particular period or theme and suggest strategies for addressing the gap. They include national and regional frameworks. Regional research frameworks aim to provide an assessment of land use, settlement, environment, economy and society in a regional context and to provide a framework for curation, decision-making and research. HER enhancement might be planned in the light of a regional research framework or national thematic framework
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This programme of intensive and extensive archaeological surveys aims to provide up-to-date assessments of the surviving resource in urban areas and to improve databases. The intensive urban surveys, covering major historic towns and cities, are leading directly to the creation of Urban Archaeological Databases (UADs). The information derived from extensive surveys, covering the smaller historic towns of England (with similar surveys to also cover major conurbations) is held within the local HER A growing number of the town assessment reports from the extensive surveys are appearing on the ADS web site (see list at [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/]).
This programme of intensive and extensive archaeological surveys aims to provide up-to-date assessments of the surviving resource in urban areas and to improve databases. The intensive urban surveys, covering major historic towns and cities, are leading directly to the creation of Urban Archaeological Databases (UADs). The information derived from extensive surveys, covering the smaller historic towns of England (with similar surveys to also cover major conurbations) is held within the local HER A growing number of the town assessment reports from the extensive surveys are appearing on the ADS web site (see list at [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/|http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/]).
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This programme aims to inform landscape conservation strategies in the context of planning and agricultural policies (see also E.5). One aim is to help landowners to commission historic landscape surveys to inform 'whole farm management plans' under the Countryside Stewardship (now Environmental Stewardship) and Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) programmes of Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). HLC can also provide useful input to [DEFRA’s Environmental Stewardship Entry Level and Higher Level Schemes|http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es/default.htm].
This programme aims to inform landscape conservation strategies in the context of planning and agricultural policies (see also E.5). One aim is to help landowners to commission historic landscape surveys to inform 'whole farm management plans' under the Countryside Stewardship (now Environmental Stewardship) and Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) programmes of Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). HLC can also provide useful input to [DEFRA's Environmental Stewardship Entry Level and Higher Level Schemes|http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es/default.htm].
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Most HERs have the opportunity to enhance their information resources through partnerships with other departments within their local authorities. There are three principal forms of partnership which are of potential benefit. These are: collaborative working with staff within corporate Information Technology sections; corporate GIS systems and interdepartmental collaborative projects to develop multimedia resources for public benefit. Another development in many authorities is the integration of archaeology, historic buildings and natural environment records.
Most HERs have the opportunity to enhance their information resources through partnerships with other departments within their local authorities. There are three principal forms of partnership which are of potential benefit. These are: collaborative working with staff within corporate Information Technology sections; corporate GIS systems and interdepartmental collaborative projects to develop multimedia resources for public benefit. Another development in many authorities is the integration of archaeology, historic buildings and natural environment records.
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Many local authorities or national bodies have specialist IT sections. Collaboration with the specialists in these sections can help to ensure appropriate use of IT resources and input to developing specific IT aspects of HERs. An example of a collaboration between an HER and an IT section can be seen in Section D.6.2.
Many local authorities or national bodies have specialist IT sections. Collaboration with the specialists in these sections can help to ensure appropriate use of IT resources and input to developing specific IT aspects of HERs. An example of a collaboration between an HER and an IT section can be seen in Section D.6.2.
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Many departments within local government maintain GIS layers. These normally include archaeology, Rights of Way, ecology and strategic planning and may also include minerals extraction and flood risk areas. Often this means that different spatial layers are available across a corporate network, some intended for general use by the various departments (for example OS map layers), some maintained for a specific purpose.
Many departments within local government maintain GIS layers. These normally include archaeology, Rights of Way, ecology and strategic planning and may also include minerals extraction and flood risk areas. Often this means that different spatial layers are available across a corporate network, some intended for general use by the various departments (for example OS map layers), some maintained for a specific purpose.
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Many HERs have good links with other information providers based in local libraries, museums, record offices and archives. All these contain information in their catalogues and accession registers that provide useful sources for enhancing HER databases. Perhaps more exciting to potential users are the photographs, historic maps and documentary archives that they hold.
Many HERs have good links with other information providers based in local libraries, museums, record offices and archives. All these contain information in their catalogues and accession registers that provide useful sources for enhancing HER databases. Perhaps more exciting to potential users are the photographs, historic maps and documentary archives that they hold.
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In some areas, collaborative projects are creating multi-disciplinary cultural-heritage resources drawing on materials from different locations. This may involve digitisation projects to scan and capture historic maps and documents, images of sites and museums objects and associated database development about the sites, catalogues and bibliographic material. For an example of such a project see Section D.6.2. or 6.3.
In some areas, collaborative projects are creating multi-disciplinary cultural-heritage resources drawing on materials from different locations. This may involve digitisation projects to scan and capture historic maps and documents, images of sites and museums objects and associated database development about the sites, catalogues and bibliographic material. For an example of such a project see Section D.6.2. or 6.3.
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In some authorities, HERS, Historic Buildings Records and, sometimes, natural environment records are being brought together. This means that a range of new information is accessible about:
In some authorities, HERS, Historic Buildings Records and, sometimes, natural environment records are being brought together. This means that a range of new information is accessible about:
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Many local societies have programmes of research, some of which lead to the publication of site gazetteers and the deposit of materials with local HERS. Local societies may also be provided with copies of HER maps and print-outs which they update based on their knowledge. As with the national thematic recording programmes, an important consideration for HERs is the form in which information will be deposited.
Many local societies have programmes of research, some of which lead to the publication of site gazetteers and the deposit of materials with local HERS. Local societies may also be provided with copies of HER maps and print-outs which they update based on their knowledge. As with the national thematic recording programmes, an important consideration for HERs is the form in which information will be deposited.
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Where possible, HER officers should aim to work with local societies to agree a standard recording form that incorporates the HER's core standards and reflects national data standards (in Scotland ASPIRE compliant). Ideally, guidance should be offered to society members on how to complete the recording forms, possibly through training days. HER officers should allow time to check the quality of information while it is being collected. In England and Scotland Local Societies have received grants to undertake archaeological projects from the Local Heritage Initiative fund, but this scheme has now come to an end. These grants have enabled local groups and HER staff to work together on enhancement projects. For an example of this see Section D.6.2.
Where possible, HER officers should aim to work with local societies to agree a standard recording form that incorporates the HER's core standards and reflects national data standards (in Scotland ASPIRE compliant). Ideally, guidance should be offered to society members on how to complete the recording forms, possibly through training days. HER officers should allow time to check the quality of information while it is being collected. In England and Scotland Local Societies have received grants to undertake archaeological projects from the Local Heritage Initiative fund, but this scheme has now come to an end. These grants have enabled local groups and HER staff to work together on enhancement projects. For an example of this see Section D.6.2.
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University research excavations and fieldwork continue to be an important source of information about the historic environment. HER managers are recommended to establish good contacts with any universities that are active in their areas and, as with other fieldwork programmes, to discuss arrangements for the deposit of information and archive. HER managers may also wish to work with their university contacts to identify possible research topics for students interested in working in the local. area. Liaison with the ADS may be useful as a source of information about university-based archaeology. An example of HER enhancement resulting from partnership between a university and an HER can be seen in Section D.6.5.
University research excavations and fieldwork continue to be an important source of information about the historic environment. HER managers are recommended to establish good contacts with any universities that are active in their areas and, as with other fieldwork programmes, to discuss arrangements for the deposit of information and archive. HER managers may also wish to work with their university contacts to identify possible research topics for students interested in working in the local. area. Liaison with the ADS may be useful as a source of information about university-based archaeology. An example of HER enhancement resulting from partnership between a university and an HER can be seen in Section D.6.5.
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A number of thematic records have been or are being created at a national level by special interest groups. Some of these involve major programmes of fieldwork and trawls of documentary sources in response to a perceived threat to an element of a resource that is under-represented in HERs. Others have arisen in response to the interests and enthusiasms of specialist societies. Many have the potential to attract funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund because of their potential for involving members of the public as volunteer fieldworkers and researchers.
A number of thematic records have been or are being created at a national level by special interest groups. Some of these involve major programmes of fieldwork and trawls of documentary sources in response to a perceived threat to an element of a resource that is under-represented in HERs. Others have arisen in response to the interests and enthusiasms of specialist societies. Many have the potential to attract funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund because of their potential for involving members of the public as volunteer fieldworkers and researchers.
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Many of these recording projects start with the collection of information from HERs and the NMR but go on to include original fieldwork and research. Most are willing to share the information that they compile with HERs, sometimes by providing digital data, record cards or reports or alternatively by publishing their results in print or on the internet. By complying with data standards (including recording metadata), these recording projects are enabling interoperability between different database systems mounted on the internet (see B.9 and D.4).
Many of these recording projects start with the collection of information from HERs and the NMR but go on to include original fieldwork and research. Most are willing to share the information that they compile with HERs, sometimes by providing digital data, record cards or reports or alternatively by publishing their results in print or on the internet. By complying with data standards (including recording metadata), these recording projects are enabling interoperability between different database systems mounted on the internet (see B.9 and D.4).
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An important consideration for HERs is how far they will be able to specify the format in which any information is to be deposited with them. Ideally, thematic projects would collect data in accordance with the data standards laid out in MIDAS and use the reference-data lists that make up INSCRIPTION (ASPIRE in Scotland). This general principle has already been achieved for a number of projects (undertaken with collaboration from the NMR, CBA, the MDA and ADS) which plan to offer digital data to (or have already made their data available to) to HERS, for example:
An important consideration for HERs is how far they will be able to specify the format in which any information is to be deposited with them. Ideally, thematic projects would collect data in accordance with the data standards laid out in MIDAS and use the reference-data lists that make up INSCRIPTION (ASPIRE in Scotland). This general principle has already been achieved for a number of projects (undertaken with collaboration from the NMR, CBA, the MDA and ADS) which plan to offer digital data to (or have already made their data available to) to HERS, for example:
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The Countryside Agency's Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) is another example of a scheme that has the potential to result in new sources of information to enhance the HER. As the scope of LHI projects covers both the natural and the man-made environment, HER managers may need to consider their collecting policies before deciding which information to incorporate into their records. However, the LHI will come to and end on 31st March 2007, when it will be subsumed into the broader Heritage Lottery Fund programmes. Applications for projects were still being accepted until the end of June 2006.
The Countryside Agency's Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) is another example of a scheme that has the potential to result in new sources of information to enhance the HER. As the scope of LHI projects covers both the natural and the man-made environment, HER managers may need to consider their collecting policies before deciding which information to incorporate into their records. However, the LHI will come to and end on 31st March 2007, when it will be subsumed into the broader Heritage Lottery Fund programmes. Applications for projects were still being accepted until the end of June 2006.
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A well-known feature of British life is the number of societies and special interest groups that exist around the country. Many of these have now begun to compile databases and to create records about sites of special interest to them. Although many of them have been working outside the main focus of interest of most HERs, some of their activities are increasingly becoming recognised as important. Examples include:
A well-known feature of British life is the number of societies and special interest groups that exist around the country. Many of these have now begun to compile databases and to create records about sites of special interest to them. Although many of them have been working outside the main focus of interest of most HERs, some of their activities are increasingly becoming recognised as important. Examples include:
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Details of these and other projects can be found on the HEIRNET register. [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/heirnet/index.cfm]
Details of these and other projects can be found on the HEIRNET register. [http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/heirnet/index.cfm]
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An email discussion list exists to promote discussion and colaboration between these groups. HER managers can also use this list to promote cooperation between HERs and recording projects. [http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/helps]
An email discussion list exists to promote discussion and colaboration between these groups. HER managers can also use this list to promote cooperation between HERs and recording projects. [http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/helps]
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!!D.6.1 Creating an event record and GIS layer
''Stuart Jeffrey, West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS)''
The recommended Event Monument Source (EMS) model for SMR management has meant that those SMR databases that have been historically developed with these three elements undifferentiated have required extensive restructuring. At WoSAS this process was seen as an opportunity to develop a more sophisticated GIS polygon layer representing archaeological events that could inform development control directly as well as offering a further resource to be supplied as baseline data to contracting units. The project to remove and restructure existing event records from the SMR and to enter unrecorded events from the existing paper archive as well as defining them in the GIS was carried out over a period two years. However, this does not represent full time work by a single individual, as the work was conducted as intermittent work by a number of WoSAS staff and volunteers.
The resulting Events recording system has a database record and GIS point for every known event in the record from the nineteenth century to the present and range from forestry surveys to geophysical surveys to area excavation. Each Event is directly related to the relevant Sources and Monuments. “Live Events”, that is those that have been started but not yet completed are also represented in the Events database as well as WoSAS's development control management (Consultation) system. The definition of archaeological events in a polygon layer in the GIS was complicated by various ambiguities and variations in precision in the available spatial descriptions, which ranged from poor textual references to highly accurate digital data derived from GPS survey. A series of metadata fields were incorporated into the Event polygon layer in order to inform users of the accuracy of the source data. This allows Events defined accurately to, for example trench level, to share a layer with Events such as poorly defined unsystematic reconnaissance surveys. These fields are Feature, Source, Confidence and Results, their contents are constrained by a list of specific values. An example of polygon attributes in the GIS might be:
|Event ID| __1076__
|Compiler|__MO'H__ The initials of the staff member who created the polygon.
|Map_scale 2500|The scale of the base map used in digitising if appropriate.
|Dig_scale 1500|The scale at which the map was displayed for digitising.
|Entry date|__13/05/2004__ The date the polygon was created.
|Name|__Archaeological Field Evaluation and Watching Brief at Tollpark, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire__*
|Director|__Duffy, P__*
|Organisation|__GUARD__*
|Year|__1998__*
|Context_comment|__Work carried out during construction of a car park to the north of a factory (and trenching at camp), to check if there are any archaeological remains. Condition attached to the planning consent.__
|Results_comment|__No archaeological remains were found.__
|Sub_Event|__Trench 1__ The designation of this polygon where the event is represented by more than one polygon
|Source Code|__(1) Digital data from contractor (EDM survey)__
|Feature Code|__(5) Trench extent – Trial Trench__
|Confidence Code|__(6) Accurate to within 1m__
|Results Code|__(8) Entirely negative__
All elements are derived from the GIS Layer attribute table except those marked with an asterisk, which are derived from the SMR database Event Record via an ODBC link. Although the vast majority of polygons represent site/survey extents, where good data is available down to trench level, as in the above example, it can be incorporated into the GIS layer. This most often happens when survey data is supplied digitally by the contracting unit or when it can be digitised satisfactorily from a paper report.
This page (revision-44) was last changed on 18-Sep-2012 10:40 by Alison BennettTop