n.a. (1985). Comput Appl Archaeol 1985.

The IPG aims to produce a record for each of the 1.4 million objects in the museum; assesses the planning process and the first year's progress in staffing and machine terms.

An SMR database must be flexible, accessible, credible, and appreciated. Argues that a combination of the NYCC version and the relational database version adopted by Bradford University would be a valuable research tool. An excursus is provided on a method for the estimation of aerial photographic potential, using the database.

Defines some goals for policy and strategy for those who work with records of the national heritage, with particular emphasis on the effective creation and use of such records.

Mathematical concepts applied to site stratigraphy, and an examination of the construction of suitable computer programs to assist.

Enumerates ways in which the National Monuments Record, once fully operational as a computerised service, could be exploited for the production of indexes, catalogues, answering of specific research or planning questions, compilation of retrospective bibliographies, and the like.

Describes the application of a Sirton Midas 3HD, running the network database management system MDBS, to three archaeological situations: an excavation, a sites and monuments record, and the management of radiocarbon dates.

Examines the level of training required for archaeologists and the way in which it should be conducted.

Gives an example of the evolution of a computing strategy for the excavation of a building at Wharram Percy, with emphasis on the methodological and human implications.

Improvements on the 1982 scheme include higher resolution, false colour displays, and more sophisticated software for analysis on several different microcomputers.