How important is GIS to your work?

Historic Environment Records are increasingly important as a coordinated reference point for all aspects of planning.  But how accessible are they?  Making effective use of GIS to agreed standards will be of considerable benefit to all involved.

English Heritage has commissioned research to take forward recommendations in an ALGAO report ‘GIS guidance for Historic Environment Records in England’ - January 2010 to investigate how England’s local authorities use GIS to maintain Historic Environment Records (HERs).  How is information recorded, managed and accessed?  And how useful is it to the planning process?

This important research will inform the drafting of new GIS Data Standards so that HERs can be used effectively across the country.

It will be informed by extensive consultation to review existing standards and GIS practice.  The outcome will be recommendations for new data standards and guidance on their use within HERs.

Can you contribute to this discussion?   

Local Planning Authorities will shortly be contacted by the research team.

To ensure you do not miss out, email: 

This research is being undertaken by sam, Groundwork and The Conservation Studio. Further information from or email or