The Conservation Information System. Photogrammetry as a base for designing documentation in conservation and cultural resources management

Abstract: The subject of this doctoral dissertation concerns issues of documentation operations in conservation and cultural resources management. The area lack explicitly formulated and standardized models for application in documentation issues. The dissertation argues, with empirical support of case studies, for an application of modern photogrammetric technique and methodology. The aim is to formulate Conservation Information System (CIS) based on an understanding of the conservation system at large and its need for managerial support on operational, tactic and policy levels. The conceptual frame of this study is constituted by a comprehensive definition of conservation, i.e. a problemoriented activity devoted to preserve and develop cultural, social and natural resources in a process of change. The System approach and the application of metasystem paradigm provides a methodology by which a process of abstraction enables a deeper study of complex systems for identification of dysfunctions, and as a basis for prescribing the functions of proposed CIS. Three application oriented experimental case studies illustrate questions related with documentation and information management, and concerns (1) the documentation and exhibition of a viking age ship, (2) management of information on museum artefacts, and (3) the establishment of standardized information levels concerning built environments. Through experience and conclusions based on these cases a basic information level for proposed CIS is defined. CIS is intended to be operated by means of a decentralized structure based on executive decision making in developing as well as in established control systems, such as Archaeological sites and Excavations, Museum objects, Buildings and Built environments, Natural environments and Cultural landscapes. CIS is intended to be established as a digital network through Internet, providing routines for production and presentation of data bases. Modern digital photogrammetric technique and methodology, including digital imaging techniques in general, has the ability to provide structures for data and information flows, for a large part of the application areas for conservation control systems.