Issues arising from computer‐based recording of heritage sites

This paper considers the value of using computer models to store, manage and illustrate records of historic buildings. The paper is based upon the research and development work carried out by a team at the University of the West of England (UWE) in building such a model. It considers some of the problems that were encountered and reflects upon the skills and resources necessary for its construction. Multiple media are now available for data acquisition and entry. More overt and explicit classification and codification of facts is necessary using computers. The chosen media and descriptors will enhance or limit the later use of such data. Few heritage organisations have achieved maturity in their use of computer‐based information systems. Such use necessarily starts with acquisition of an archive of data but ought to proceed to being able to answer locational questions such as “where” and “when” and ultimately to the support of strategic analysis and “what‐if” speculation. It is argued that both media and descriptors have to be chosen appropriately to support these longer term applications. This paper explores some options, discusses criteria for selection, and considers how organisations will need to collect, assemble and use data in order to construct such models.