Page 25 - TVH 2000 Anniversary Shipwreck Project

Finds Handling System Alex Hildred A computer-based finds handling system was developed specifically for this excavation. The aim was to produce a system using a number of existing applications that would run on a network of personal computers. The system was based on four main applications; a Microsoft Access database was used for recording information about artefacts and the records for each dive, AutoDesk AutoCAD was used for producing charts and survey management, Microsoft Word was used for the text documents and MM Media Research Corp. LView Pro was used for managing images and graphics. All information about the site was to be kept in a digital form, any existing reports and pictures were to be digitized. Requirements The requirements were defined in the planning phase of the project. • To provide artefact tracking from initial excavation through to conservation and display • To facilitate the agreed recovery procedure • To be simple and easy to use • To provide efficient artefact positioning with full quality measures • To allow real time reporting to provide latest information • To allow multiple users to access the system at the same time Information Types The initial types of information included: • Artefact records (Figure 8) • Dive reports • Divers sketches • Digital photographs of the artefacts • Video stills for recording in-situ artefacts and structure • Charts and diagrams in a number of forms • Survey files • Archaeological interpretation • Site report The information types could be categorized as database records, raster and vector images and text. In addition to immediate types of information, we wanted the system to be able to be extended to accept additional information at a later date. It was envisaged that this would include: Artefacts • Details on methods and results of conservation • Reports to include artefact evaluation • Analytical data • Historical data • Additional photography or illustration - 23 -