This module aims to:
1. Assist students to develop an understanding of the methods, techniques, applications and tools used in the documentation of different types of heritage: from tangible heritage assets such as settlements and buildings, archaeological sites and artefacts, to intangible heritage assets such as cultural landscapes, traditional knowledge, arts and crafts, oral history and significant historical events.
2. Provide students with the ability to identify the most appropriate strategy, approach and method to document heritage, based on a holistic consideration of the parameters involved such as nature and age of the asset, time and resources availability, asset values, target audiences, and end-users.
3. Develop, through hands-on activities, the students’ technical knowledge and basic skills in field documentation of built heritage through sketching, 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, terrestrial and aerial photography.
4. Dev elop, through hands-on activities, the students’ technical knowledge and basic skills in digital representation and visualization of built heritage through 2D drawing, traditional 3D modelling, 3D spatial data generation, rendering.
5. Develop the students’ technical knowledge of the workflows, standards and applications for digital acquisition and archiving of vulnerable heritage assets such as photographic slides and prints, film and glass plate negatives, maps and drawings, field sketches and notes.
6. Develop, through hands-on activities, the students’ basic skills in digitization, metadata development at multiple levels (collection/ work / image) and data entry for vulnerable heritage assets.
7. Develop the students’ basic knowledge about virtual heritage technologies and applications such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

(LO1) Understand, identify and apply the most appropriate methods, techniques and tools in the context of the documentation and presentation of tangible and intangible heritage properties and assets.

(LO2) Understand and apply workflows and standards in the context of heritage digital archiving.

(LO3) Understand technologies and applications for virtual recreation and immersive experience of heritage assets and settings.

(LO4) Develop a model template for field documentation, surveying, reporting, presenting the outputs produced as part of the hands-on activities and critically reflecting on methods, techniques and equipment used, data collected and preliminary observation findings, and challenges encountered.

(LO5) Develop a model template for digital heritage records presentation, including the images digitised as part of the hands-on activities illustrated by metadata on collections, subjects and images.

(LO6) Assess the most suitable building conservation techniques and ways to prevent future material decay by utilising digital tools and following appropriate conservation practice.

(S1) Heritage drawing skills.

(S2) Digitization and IT skills.

(S3) Communication and presentation skills.

(S4) Written literacy/ ability to produce clear, well-structured and well-written work.

(S5) Problem solving/ questioning and critical thinking/ inquisitive thinking in analysing situations and facts towards making appropriate choices and developing effective solutions.

(S6) Teamwork.

(S7) Time management.

Students would have been introduced into different types of heritage and the variety of management and conservation activities in semester one. In this module, students will be familiarised with different ways of documentation, digitisation, presentation and dissemination of heritage assets via a range of digital tools. This module looks more widely at the notion of Digital Heritage and documentation of heritage by digital tools.

Key topics will include strategies for identification of appropriate tools for documentation and presentation of heritage assets. For example, using laser scanner to document buildings, the use of flat scanner to document historical maps or rare photos, and the use of visual and audio footage to document oral traditions and performances.

This module looks at Knowledge Management as a way of framing views of information; collecting and collections; documentation standards; database theory and data modelling; production of metadata; collections an d content management systems; the legal and ethical implications of managing data; and copyright and right holders.

This module will be mainly based on hands-on workshops and training. We will use the resources that already exist at the LSA such as a laser scanner; drone; flatbed scanner; as well as digital tools for producing and managing metadata.

The Careers and Employability team will lead on group discussions/workshops on how to curate a digital portfolio, (e.g. via LinkedIn or a blog/website) for the purposes of showcasing digital work in applications and interviews with employers. In addition, by presenting research findings in different formats, students will enhance their employability by developing communication and presentation skills; whilst utilising a number of digital platforms. This will further be enhanced by offering feedback on the digital portfolio, offering advice and support by employers, as well as promoting self-reflection and awareness.

Theref ore, the six hallmarks and attributes of the UoL Curriculum 2021 will be met, while student employability will be enhanced by acquiring key criteria of five Areas of Competences, out of eight, recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).

Teaching method 1: Lecture
Weekly sessions through the semester will be structured as a combination of lectures and workshops. These will introduce key topics in the module and themes for readings and discussions.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to the reading list, additional sources and information on Canvas, as well as other digital and/or online material.
Teaching method 2: Workshop
Description: Weekly sessions through the semester will be structured as a combination of lectures and workshops. Workshops will utilise hands-on training and engagement with heritage experts.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to reading list and additional sources and information on Canvas and other digital online material.
Teaching method 3: Fieldwork
Description: In selected weeks, the students will be introduced to laser scanning fieldwork and/or traditional documentation of selected heritage structures.
Attendance recorded: Yes
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: Students will be directed to produce the drawings according to the instructions give during the lectures and interactive workshops.