Posted by: Blog Administrator
on Oct 25, 2011
Tagged in:
softare ,
SMR ,
Site and Monuments Record ,
mapping ,
Historic Environment Records ,
HER ,
HBSMR ,
GIS ,
find ,
fieldwork ,
excavation ,
digital ,
database ,
data standards ,
archaeology ,
archaeological site
Wiltshire Council’s Archaeology team are really pleased to be able to announce a major development and investment in the service which will help us and our customers appreciate and understand the County’s rich archaeological resource. We have recently purchased and installed a new Historic Environment Records (HER) Database System.
Whitesheet Hill on the HER system
Archaeology section at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre
The HER is a database and mapping system which is the definitive record of all known archaeological sites and find spots in Wiltshire and Swindon. In total it contains records of over 20,000 archaeological sites and finds, 6,550 events (excavations and other fieldwork projects) and 50,000 sources. The system we were working with previously (known as the Site and Monuments Record or SMR) was developed in the 1980s and had limitations.
The new software using GIS mapping linked to records held in database known as HBSMR. The new system will improve our digital facilities and functionality, especially when it comes to sharing our information with others. Importantly, it also means we are now able to meet national data standards for HERs. Along with our new software we have developed a three year action plan for further enhancements and improvements to the system.
The new system is the vital tool in the work of the Archaeology team, especially in relation to the work we do regarding development proposals, advising farmers and landowners and dealing with over 5,000 archaeological enquiries every year. If you would to find out more, please contact the Archaeology team on 01249 705503 or email archaeology@wiltshire.gov.uk
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So, just what do our visitors come and see?
Posted by: Blog Administrator
on Nov 3, 2009
Tagged in:
Work Experience ,
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. ,
volunteers ,
village ,
variety ,
unlock ,
treasure-hunting ,
townswomen’s guild have ,
telephone rings ,
team meeting ,
strong room ,
search room ,
research ,
public ,
profession ,
procedures ,
Principal Archivist ,
postal strike ,
post ,
photographs ,
past ,
paperwork ,
owner ,
mould-infected ,
local studies ,
local school ,
local hospital ,
local history ,
living records ,
legal case ,
late 19th and early 20th centuries ,
laptop ,
jigsaw puzzle ,
information ,
immediate action ,
heritage field ,
guest speaker ,
glimpse ,
front door ,
file ,
fictional ,
fascination ,
eager ,
e-mails ,
duties ,
drying room ,
donation ,
day in the life ,
database ,
data projector ,
Council staff ,
computer ,
community centre ,
collection ,
Claire Skinner ,
challenge ,
catalogue ,
Archivist ,
archives conservators ,
Archives ,
archive service ,
afternoon meeting ,
accessioning ,
A-level history
No day is ever exactly like another for archivists, which is one of the reasons I went into the profession. It offers variety, challenge and a fascination for anyone interested in the past. The day below is a fictional one, a composite of many days in my life and those of my colleagues, designed to give a brief glimpse of just some of our many duties.
The Principal Archivist, Claire Skinner at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Open Day, 2007
Today begins with our monthly team meeting – an opportunity for staff in both archives and local studies to talk about the operation of the search room and see if we can improve our procedures. Following this I unlock the front door at the usual time of 9.30 am and let in the people already waiting patiently outside, obviously eager to come in and begin or continue their research! 'Read more' to find out what else the day brings......
