Canmore benefits from major public input

28 October 2010

Since opening up general access a year ago, Canmore – the searchable online database of Scotland’s National Collection of buildings, archaeology and industry – has been bolstered by a wealth of public imagery and information.

Over 3,000 photographs and 500 text contributions have been made, with members of the public adding their own knowledge directly to RCAHMS interactive database – which already holds images and information on more than 300,000 buildings and sites throughout Scotland.

From photographs taken while paragliding or from cameras suspended on kites and carp poles, to text accounts of exploration dives of wrecks in the Firth of Clyde, an incredibly diverse range of material has already been shared with the National Collection.

RCAHMS Head of Education and Outreach, Rebecca Bailey said “The ability to share images and text contributions directly with a national archive appears to have fired the imagination and creativity of an army of amateur archaeologists and surveyors across Scotland.”

Many contributors have posted up text and images relating to sites where official records are incomplete and where the public's efforts can make a real difference. Communications Manager James Crawford said how pleased RCAHMS had been with the level of public contributions:

“This initiative represents a sea change in how archives can interact with the public. It is breaking down the boundaries between collections and their audiences and placing a new value on the knowledge, stories and reminiscences of every individual. The large number of postings is evidence of the high level of interest in sharing information on Scotland’s built environment, and demonstrates how effectively we can connect people to places in the digital world.”

Forthcoming developments of the online database include Canmore mapping – a new facility due to be launched at the turn of the year which will offer an interactive mapping interface for users to search for and locate sites.