Accessibility statement

Buildings Recording - ARC00110M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Archaeology
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module aims to provide an introduction to the key techniques and approaches for recording historic buildings. From traditional hand survey and record photography, to the latest photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques, this practical module provides training in these methods and considers their appropriate application.

The module is aimed at students with no prior knowledge of building recording, but who are interested in how architectural drawings of historic buildings are produced. Students have said they enjoyed the opportunity to try such a wide range of techniques, and that they will never look at a building in the same way again.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

To introduce students to a range of recording techniques used in the metric survey of historic buildings

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should:

  • Understand the range of recording methods (hand, instrument, photographic recording) used to capture and process metric survey data from historic buildings

  • Understand basic techniques of hand, instrument and photographic survey of historic buildings

  • Understand the basic techniques of processing historic buildings survey data in the computer lab using appropriate software environments (CAD, VectorWorks, PhotoPlan)

  • Gain practical skills of data capture, management, processing and archiving survey data

Module content

This practical training module provides an introduction to the measured survey of historic buildings. It offers students practical experience of evaluating and applying the most common techniques employed for recording standing fabric. Starting from sketch planning and visual analysis, we explore a range of survey techniques including: record photography, hand survey, and digital recording. The strengths and weaknesses and application of each technique is considered, as is the decision-making process. The module concludes with an introduction to digital drawing in CAD and the production of orthographic photography through Structure-from-Motion (SfM) recording.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

Pass/fail

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback within 20 working days

Indicative reading

Historic England (2016) Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Practice. London: Historic England.

Historic England (2016) Drawing for Understanding: Creating Interpretive Drawings of Historic Buildings. London: Historic England.

Historic England (2017) Photogrammetric Applications for Cultural Heritage: Guidance for Good Practice. London: Historic England.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.