Home Introduction A: An Introduction to Historic Environment Records B: How do you manage an Historic Environment Record? C: Recording Practice Guidelines D: How do you compile, maintain and enhance an HER?
E: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping and spatial data F: Access to the HER G: Glossary and list of abbreviations H: Bibliography I: Useful websites J: Useful addresses

Introduction

Detailed contents    List of Figures    List of Panels    Foreword    Introduction to the Guidelines

 

 

Informing the Future of the Past:

Guidelines for Historic Environment Records (second edition)

 

Edited by Paul Gilman and Martin Newman

 

 

 

 


Published by English Heritage at the National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble, Drive, Swindon, SN2 2GZ.

 

ISBN forthcoming

 

© English Heritage 2007

 

All figures unless specified are © English Heritage. Applications for the Reproduction of images should be made to the National Monuments Record.

 

We gratefully acknowledge permission from the following organisations to reproduce information and illustrations:

 

Aberdeenshire Council, figures 57 & 58; Archaeology Data Service, figures 19 & 27; Buckinghamshire County Council, figure 56; Central Counties Air Operations Unit, figure 11; Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, figure 35; Cornwall County Council, figures: 48, 49 & 52; Essex County Council, figures: 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 39, 44, 45 & 55; exeGesIS SDM Ltd. figures: 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26 & 53; Hampshire County Council, figurer 42; Hertfordshire County Council, figures: 51 & 55; Historic Scotland, figure 68; Land Management Information System, figure 54; National Trust, figure 26; North Yorkshire County Council, figurers 23 & 24; Peterborough City Council, figure 59; Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland, figures: 50, 66, 67 & 68; Somerset County Council, figures: 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 & 69; University of St Andrews, figures: 36, 37 & 38; West of Scotland Archaeology Service, figures 28 & 29; Worcestershire County Council, figures: 11, 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 33 & 34.

 

Figures 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 42, 44, 45, 48, 49 , 50 , 51, 52, 55, 56, 57,58, 59 62, 66, 67, 68 & 69 are based on OS maps with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office © Crown copyright. All Rights reserved. Figures 32, 33 & 34 are based on British Geological Survey (BGS) data by Worcestershire County Council, BGS Digital License 2001/125. 2007. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS licence numbers for each organisation basing a figure on an OS map are given in the caption for the image.

 

English Heritage is the Government’s Statutory adviser on all aspects of the historic environment. The National Monuments Record is the public archive of English Heritage.

 

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A CIP catalogue record for this book will be available from the British Library

 

All rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced or translated in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. HER Managers may photocopy this document or store an electronic copy for use within the HER.

 

Front cover designed by Agnes Bell.  Website designed by Bruce Howard.

 

Cover: Moel Arthur Iron Age hillfort, Flintshire, © Clywd Powys Archaeological Trust 84-c-0274; Fire in Park Quadrant, Glasgow in 2006, © Crown Copyright: RCAHMS DP 009620; Shipwreck on coastline, Saltwick Bay, North Yorkshire, © English Heritage Photo Library K020590; Archaeology, Ashby De La Zouch Castle, Leicestershire, © English Heritage Photo Library N060476.

Contents

 

List of Figures

 

List of Panels

 

Foreword

 

Introduction to the guidelines

 

 

A. An introduction to Historic Environment Records

A.1 What are SMRs and HERs

                        A.1.1 The information resource

                        A.1.2 HER collections

                        A.1.3 Informing services

A.2 How and why did SMRs and HERs develop

A.3 Who manages HERs

                        A.3.1 Local government tiers

                        A.3.2 Local government departments

                        A.3.3 Staff

A.4 National heritage legislative and policy framework

A.5 Local authorities and planning

                        A.5.1 Development plans

                        A.5.2 Planning advice

A.6 What are the links to other records?

                        A.6.1 Local connections

                        A.6.2 Regional networks

                        A.6.3 National networks and resources

                        A.6.4 Wider context

A.7 HERs as public information services

A.8 The future

                        A.8.1 Strategic development and co-ordination

                        A.8.2 Data standards

                        A.8.3 Research frameworks

                        A.8.4 Access and education

                        A.8.5 Wider perspectives

                        A.8.6 From SMRs to HERs – evolution or revolution?

 

B. How do you manage an Historic Environment Record?

B.1 Managing the HER

B.2 Forward Planning for HERs

                        B.2.1 Assessing performance

                        B.2.2 How can forward plans help?

                        B.2.3 What should be included in a forward plan?

                        B.2.4 The forward planning process

                        B.2.5 Presenting the plan

                        B.2.6 Monitoring progress and reviewing the plan

 

B.3 Staff Training and continuing professional development

                        B.3.1 The principles behind continuing professional development

                        B.3.2 Understanding continuing professional development

                        B.3.3 Training in archaeology

                        B.3.4 The Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA)

                        B.3.5 Training in building conservation

                        B.3.6 The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)

                        B.3.7 Other relevant organisations

                        B.3.8 Training and CPD in HERs

B.4 Defining the HER

                        B.4.1 Recording policy

                        B.4.2 Updating the recording policy

                        B.4.3 Disposals

                        B.4.4 Inclusion of archaeological science data in HERs

B.5 Information systems

                        B 5.1 HER databases

                        B 5.2 Image management systems

                        B 5.3 Archaeological science data

                        B 5.4 OASIS and data exchange procurement

B.6 Data standards for the historic environment

                        B.6.1 What are data standards?

                        B.6.2 Why are data standards needed?

                        B.6.3 MIDAS and INSCRIPTION

                        B.6.4 The FISH interoperability toolkit

B.7 Management of Data Standards – FISH

                        B.7.1 How to get involved

B.8 Managing HER Information Systems

                        B.8.1 Technical support for HER systems

                        B.8.2 Data security

                        B.8.3 Procuring new information systems

                        B.8.4 Data migration

 

B.9 Intranets and the Internet

                        B.9.1 Intranets

                        B.9.2 The internet

                        B.9.3 Metadata for electronic resources curated by HERs

                        B.9.4 What is Z39.50?

 

B.10 Managing HER Collections

B.10.1 Cataloguing

                        B.10.2 Collection materials

                        B.10.3 Storage

                        B.10.4 Storage materials

                        B.10.5 Environmental risks

                        B.10.6 Day-to-Day Care

                        B.10.7 Digital archiving

B.11 Disaster Planning

                        B.11.1 Prevention

                        B.11.2 Preparedness

                        B.11.3 Reaction

                        B.11.4 Recovery

 

C. Recording practice guidelines

C.1 Data dictionaries and recoding practice guidelines

                        C.1.1 Keeping the recording practice guidelines up to date

C.1.2 Quality assurance procedures

C.2 Modelling the past on HERs

                        C.2.1 Defining a model

C.2.2 Current models

                        C.2.3 New roles, new models

C.2.4 Implementing a data model for HERs

C.3 Case study, recording events and monuments: Throckmorton    Airfield, Worcestershire

C.4 Monuments

                        C.4.1 The level of detail at which records will be created

                        C.4.2 Levels of interpretation: elements, monuments and landscapes

                        C.4.3 Relationships between records

                        C.4.4 Artefacts and ecofacts

C.5 Monument records

                        C.5.1 HER numbers and other identifiers

                        C.5.2 Core data for monuments records

                        C.5.3 A typical monument record

                        C.5.4 Indexing monument records

C.6 Events

C.7 Event records

                        C.7.1 A constant feature of HER databases

                        C.7.2 Core data standards for events

                        C.7.3 OASIS

                        C.7.4 A typical event record

C.8 Sources

                        C.8.1 Online sources

                        C.8.2 Distinguishing sources and events

                        C.8.3 Interpreting monuments from sources

                        C.8.4 Verbal reports

C.9 Levels at which sources will be catalogued

C.10 Source records

                        C.10.1 Core data standards for sources

                        C.10.2 A typical source record

C.11 Consultations and planning casework

                        C.11.1 The archaeological conservation process

                        C.11.2 The historic buildings conservation process

                        C.11.3 Why record conservation advice?

                        C.11.4 Consultation record and recommendations

C.12 Monument management

                        C.12.1 Monitoring

                        C.12.2 Management recommendations

                        C.12.3 Management activities

C.12.4 Case study, recording monument management: Shooting Butts Barrow, Shropshire

 

 

D  How do you compile, maintain and enhance an HER?

D.1 Compilation – the beginnings

D.2 How does your recording policy fit in?

D.3 Compilation from basic sources

                        D.3.1 National heritage datasets

                        D.3.2 Compilation from documentary sources

                        D 3.3 Recording maritime heritage

                        D.3.4 Compilation from digital sources

                        D.3.5 Approaches to compilation from basic sources

D.4 Keeping up to date with fieldwork

                        D.4.1 Existing digital resources

                        D.4.2 Planning guidance and new fieldwork

                        D.4.3 Importing digital data from external sources

D.5 HERs and enhancement projects

                        D.5.1 National projects and programmes

                        D.5.2 Local Authority partnerships

                        D.5.3 Local groups and societies

                        D.5.4 Universities

                        D.5.5 National Thematic Recording Projects

                        D.5.6 Finding out more

D.6 Case studies of HER enhancement projects

                        D.6.1 Creating an event record and GIS layer (WoSAS)

D.6.2 Providing historic mapping for the HER: Worcestershire Tithe Map Project

                        D.6.3 Creating a deposit model for the Palaeolithic in Worcestershire

                        D.6.4 Funerary and ritual sites (Clwyd-Powys)

                        D.6.5 The Shorewatch (SCAPE) project (Univ St Andrews)

 

E. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping and spatial data

E.1 Geographic information in HERs: maps and GIS

                        E.1.1 Mapping

                        E.1.2 Mapping issues

                        E.1.3 GIS and spatial databases

                        E.1.4 Having a GIS strategy

E.2 GIS and spatial databases

                        E.2.1 Modelling and documenting spatial data

                        E.2.2 Systems to work with spatial data (GIS)

                        E.2.3 Sources of spatial data

                        E.2.4. Precision and accuracy

                        E.2.5 Useful websites and references

E.3 Using GIS in an HER

                        E.3.1 Uses of GIS and spatial data

                        E.3.2 Linking GIS to text databases

                        E.3.3 Developing HER layers in the GIS

                        E.3.4 Mapping features on the GIS

                        E.3.5 A sample heritage GIS

E.4 Spatial data standards and documentation

                        E 4.1 National and international spatial standards

                        E 4.2 Sharing spatial data

                        E 4.3 Useful websites and references

            E.5 Historic Landscape Characterisation

                        E.5.1 Introduction to HLC

                        E.5.2 Background

                        E.5.3 Development of HLC

                        E.5.4 Methodology

                        E.5.5 Issues relating to how HLC may complement the HER

                        E.5.6 Data maintenance and update

                        E.5.7 Applications for HLC

                        E.5.8 Case studies

                        E.5.9 Future developments

                         E.5.10 Useful web sites

E.5.11 Solving the ‘HLA in Planning’ Problem: Aberdeenshire case study

 

F. Access to the HER

            F.1 HER information services policy

            F.2 HER audiences

            F.3 Information services

                        F.3.1 Staff

                        F.3.2 Opening hours

                        F.3.3 Facilities and services

                        F.3.4 Access for all

            F.4 Access and charging policies

                        F.4.1 Public information

                        F.4.2 Commercial value of HER information

                        F 4.3 Acceptable use

                        F 4.4 Copyright, database right and licensing

            F.5 Legislation applicable to gathering, storage, use and supply of archaeological information

                        F.5.1 The Data Protection Act (1998)

                        F.5.2 The Freedom of Information Act (2000)

                        F.5.3 The Environmental Information Regulations (2004)

                        F.5.4 Implications for HERs of FOI and EIR

            F.6 The questions people ask of HERs

                        F.6.1 A user driven perspective

                        F.6.2 Common queries

                        F.6.3 Search mechanisms and output types

            F.7 Developing public access and outreach

                        F.7.1 Audience development

                        F.7.2 Promoting the HER

                        F.7.3 Case studies

            F.8 HERs and the World Wide Web

                        F.8.1 Communicating the HER

                        F.8.2 Making HER resources available online

                        F.8.3 Information gateways and portals

F.8.4 Records on-line: case studies

 

 

 

 

G Glossary and List of Abbreviations

            G.1 Organisations

            G.2 Projects and information resources

G.3 Legislation and conservation measures

            G.4 General

            G.5 HER Management

            G.6 Planning Advice

            G.7 Information management systems and recording practice

            G.8 GIS

            G.9 Data standards

            G.10 Information technology and the internet

            G.11 Access and copyright

 

H. Bibliography and further reading

 

I. Useful websites

I.1 National organisations

I.2 Training and professional development

            I.3 Information technology and the World Wide Web

I.4 Data standards

I.5 GIS

I.6 Disaster control plans

I.7 Regional organisations and HERs

I.8 Thematic recording projects

I.9 Storage and digital archiving

I.10 Access to information

I.10.1 Equality

I.10.2 Copyright

I.10.3 Freedom of Information

I.10.4 Education

I.10.5 Information gateways/portals

I.10.6 National databases

 

J. Useful addresses

 


List of Figures

 

Figure no.

Caption

A

 

1

The HER 'wheel' drives and is powered by an integrated approach to conservation and understanding of the historic environment

2

Designated wreck sites (February 2005)

3

HERs and other records

 

 

B

 

4

Information management cycle

5

The logo for the Forum on Information Standards in Heritage

6

The logo of MIDAS, the national data standard for the content of historic environment records.

7

The logo for the INSCRIPTION terminology standard web pages

8

A sample screenshot from the INSCRIPTION web page

9

The FISH web site www.fish-forum.info is the starting point for finding out about data standards for the historic environment

 

 

C

 

10

The event-monument-source data model

11

Throckmorton known archaeological sites prior to the 2001 Foot and Mouth epidemic

12

Placename evidence from 1774 Throckmorton Enclosure map 

13

Throckmorton events undertaken as part of Foot and Mouth mitigation

14

Relationships between monument records.

15

The monument record for the chapter house at Waltham Abbey displayed in exeGesIS SDM Ltd's SMR software.

16

Indexing monument records using the Thesaurus of Monument Types and other terminology lists in exeGesiS SDM Ltd's SMR software.

17

Creating links between a monument record and associated people and events in exeGesIS SDM Ltd's SMR software.

18

A report showing a monument record in the Essex Heritage Conservation Record.

19

Example of a project summary page from the OASIS form

20

How an event may be recorded in an  HER database

21

A typical source recorded in exeGesIS SDM Ltd’s HBSMR software

22

Consultation and conservation advice

23

A typical consultation record from the North Yorkshire County Council HER showing the details tab. 

24

A typical consultation record from the North Yorkshire County Council HER showing the consultation Stages tab and the link to the related event record.

25

Monument management process

26

Successive monument monitoring reports as recorded in the National Trust SMR

 

 

D

 

27

ADS web page – Excavation Index

28

WoSAS Events 1: An example of an archaeological evaluation specified to trench level, derived from contractor supplied data.

29

WoSAS Events 2: The event record for the heart of medieval Glasgow showing numerous events as points and polygons.

30

Elmley Castle Tithe map displaying apportionment details for land use

31

3D historic reconstruction of Elmley Castle using the digital tithe map

32

Date ranges of Worcestershire's Quaternary geology

33

Type sites selected for the Worcestershire Palaeolithic HER

34

HER data overlain on terrace deposits displayed by period

35

Maes Mochnant Standing Stone, Powys. 

36

NoSAS members surveying at Loch Hourn

37

Clyne Heritage Society members working at an eroding structure on the

beach at Brora, Sutherland

38

Unst Heritage Society surveying an eroding prehistoric mound in Shetland

 

 

 

E

 

39

Using three dimensional modelling in GIS to examine sites in their landscape setting 

40

Representing the location of a heritage object within a 'virtual space'.

41

Representing the approximate location of a heritage object as a fuzzy boundary.

42

A GIS generated map showing Bronze Age barrows over Landscape Types and rivers in Hampshire

43

Relationships between HER text databases and GIS in text

44

A GIS layer showing the use of polygons to show the extent of the early 19th-century defences at Chelmsford.

45

Great Chesterford scheduled area 

46

Examples of layers in a GIS

47

A new GIS layer: archaeological sites on arable land

48

The first HLC in England – carried out in Cornwall <