The Sandford Inventory of Earth Buildings constructed using a GIS

The Sandford Inventory of Earth Buildings documents over 140 earth constructions. The Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England recording methodology is followed. The inventory has been constructed using (1) the historical context of the building and site, (2) the topographical data for the building site and its immediate surroundings, and (3) the architectural characteristics and details of the building. A geographical information system (GIS) integrates this information to produce some conclusions important to the conservator. To illustrate the Inventory, three farm buildings are described in depth, including results from field studies, and it is significant that two of these buildings are non-Listed. The GIS is used to explore the location of the earth buildings in relation to the archaeological sites, the contours, water systems, road systems, field boundaries and the geology of the area.