Manual recording techniques: Part I

Documenting historic buildings, in India are restricted to protected structures and are performed only prior to execution of civil works. Architectural documentation as a part of Recording, Analyses of the structures is seldom undertaken. It is only post the World Heritage nomination initiation by the country that Architectural Documentation has been undertaken as a mandatory action. Since documentation is relatively a new practise, still met with scepticism, the necessity of use of new technology to aid documentation is met with a question. As a result, consultants resort to using manual methods of documentation.

“Manual recording techniques use tools such as plumb bobs, measuring tapes, and paper and pencil to record buildings or sites. Although often labor intensive, these techniques are readily available and allow the study of buildings or sites in great detail. Usually this method of recording provides sufficient information and accuracy with which to begin conservation.” Source: Glossary, Vol-II, Recording, Documentation and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places. Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, 2007. 

The method of documentation is “triangulation”. 

Refer to: http://www.cr.nps.gov/hdp/standards/HABS/HABSrecording.htm

The tools that are currently being used for documentation are shown below. 

(To be read Clockwise)

A.  Chalk

B.  Measuring tape – 30 meters (canvas)

C.  String

D.  Spirit level

E.  Measuring tape – 15 meter (metal)

F.  Brick; to  weigh down string

G.  Set squares

H.  Cutter

  I.  Pencil