How the new Historic Environment Record (HER) Works

Dorset’s Historic Environment Record is an MS Access database linked to MapInfo GIS software. The database and GIS use HBSMR software. The Record lets the user compile information on historic buildings, monuments, site activities (such as excavations), bibliographic sources, and finds.

The Site and Monument page displays information on the type of monument with a summary, and shows if there any other monuments, finds or activities associated with the monument.

The user can then select a more detailed description of the monument and look up information on the sources and archives related to the monument.

Information about any work (known as activities) carried out on or near the monument such as a survey or an excavation can be accessed from the Site Activity page.

The Finds page gives details of any finds found either as isolated findspots or associated with sites and monuments. It gives a full description of the find and details of where it s now stored.

The new HER also has an image viewer that provides links to pictures, plans or sketches for individual sites held as digital images.

Using the GIS mapping component attached to the HER, the locations of all of the sites (red points) and any archaeological work done in the area (blue triangles) can be clearly seen on a digital map. By selecting a monument or activity of interest on the map the relevant record can be accessed instantly.

The Historic Environment Record is available to the public and Dorset County Council welcomes enquiries.