Files
Abstract
Cultural resources are inherently spatial entities, and the paper based inventory systems that have prevailed for cultural resources have been relatively effective at recording and storing cultural resources data, but have limitations in the retrieval, analysis, and management of that data. The modern Geographic Information System (GIS) has made investment in cultural resources GIS (CRGIS) a priority for public and private organizations. But, uniformity in the approaches to developing CRGIS data is of greater value than a fragmented approach. Before the benefits of GIS can be fully realized, standardized approaches to developing and maintaining CRGIS data must be put into place. Therefore, industry-wide data standards and models must be developed and implemented as soon as is practicable. This research provides an overview of GIS and spatial standards development methods and techniques, highlights current technological and disciplinary trends, reviews current CRGIS standards development, and identifies key players in this process.