The hypothesis consider two different outcome. The relationship between the two aspects must to be evaluated as part of a single learning and application process.
Step 1 – Bibliographic database on digital documentation in the conservation
In general, the analysis of approaches, points of view and experiences in the documentation activities, using well defined standard or without pre-definite rules, from selected institutions in Europe and USA.
In line with this approach, the consequent database structure will be discuss looking the request and the necessities of the GCI documentation staff. The aim of this study is to design a web-based application, which keeps track of all the projects carried out in each department. The results should be a unique and complete bibliography and a database on the documentation and recording methodologies and technologies in computer-aided documentation. This product seems to be a necessary tool for any professional conservator-restorer.
Step 2 – Customization of the documentation softwares
On the other side, the customization of the software used for the graphical documentation is a distinctive goal where the expected result is to standardize, according the conservators needs, the softwares[1] used for the computer based documentation. We need rules or basis of comparison in measuring or judging capacity, quantity, content, extent, value, quality in the conservative documentation.
The objective is to define some common standard in the graphical documentation softwares and to verify how modify the software structure and interface[2].
The focus in the field of the documentation of cultural heritage will be the definition of a lexicon containing general terms, graphic indication, data base categories and information structure for describing state of conservation, executive techniques and so on.
Digital method was, in
fact, favored over traditional manual recording for a number of reasons: reports digitally generated can be viewed and
printed at different scales; the whole site can be displayed at once, versus
manual reports, usually done in sections, thus providing a level of visual
information less easily attained with the traditional condition reports. The
capability of the software makes classification and quantification of the
information possible, so that, for example, a precise calculation of the amount
of paint loss or of the linear extent of cracks can be obtained. Designing a
customized program, which the conservators could use with
little training we can produce an ideal system that hould allow the
conservator to enter condition information directly into the computer, on site,
preferably without the help of a software expert. The documentation activities
pertain to the conservators.
[1] mainly AutoCAD – the actual version –or/and a free and open CAD software and GIS software
[2] exactly as made in the 1997’s Condition report of Siqueiros mural “Amèrica Tropical”