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Heritage documentation

Abstract:

Without preventive maintenance, small problems at monuments and buildings can quickly grow into critical issues. Monitoring is crucial for preventive conservation, but often overlooked for lack of a simple, straightforward process. Using low-cost digital tools, and building upon more than fi fteen years of experience of Monument Watch of Flanders, this KNOWHOW booklet outlines a practical, easily-replicable process for keeping an eye on buildings and monuments. This approach makes use of simple computer fi eld collection forms, digital photography, and databases to appropriately and systematically monitor and maintain heritage places. Both the well-tested monitoring process and the operational structure of this innovative Belgian not-for-profit are explained in order to help others learn from their success.