Historic England
FISH Resource Description Thesaurus
Terminology for the description of archive type and format, now updated by FISH (e.g. excavation report, newspaper article, video clip). Originally developed by English Heritage and the National Trust.
Technical Illustration
Plan
Used for orthographic drawings in the horizontal plane, generally from above generally depicts localised areas.
Scale Drawing
A scaled drawing based on measurements taken from life.
Floorplan
Plan showing a horizontal section, size and arrangement of rooms within a building, may include location of doors, windows and other features.
Overlay
A drawing, generally on a transparent sheet, which can be placed on top of another image to combine information from both.
Topographical Drawing
A drawing used to convey information about the arrangement and size of features in a defined location under study.
Aerial Photograph Transcription
The process of transcribing the features on an aerial photograph onto a map or plan.
Harris Matrix
Stratigraphic Matrix
A schematic diagram showing the relationships of the composition and strata of layers identified during excavation or intervention.
Antiquity Model
Measured Survey Drawing
A drawing which depicts to scale a feature within the landscape. For drawings of selected features of a site use SCALE DRAWING..
Technical Drawing
A broad class of drawing that is produced following precise conventions of scale and projection. [AAT]
Pamphlet
Leaflet
A short published document, often a single sheet, describing a particular place, feature or service to assist visitors and users.
Visitors Diary
Visitors Book
A book in which visitors to a property, monument or exhibition record their thoughts and impressions on their experience.
Press Cutting
Newspaper Article
A written extract taken from a published newspaper.
Offprint
Off Print
Laser Disc
Optical Disk
Optical Disc
Data storage device in disc form that uses lasers to write and access data; can store data in analog or digital form. [AAT]
Digital Versatile Disk
Digital Video Disk
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc
A disc capable of holding more data than a conventional CD or CD-Rom. Commonly used as storage medium for film and interactive products.
C14 Dating Report
Carbon 14 Dating Report
Carbon Dating Report
Radiocarbon Dating Report
A report that primarily details the results of attempts to assign a date to orgainic material by measuring the amount of carbon 14 it contains.
Tree Ring Dating Report
Dendrochronology Report
A report that primarily details the results of attempts to assign a date to wooden structures or objects by the comparative study of the growth rings in trees and aged wood.
Compact Disk
Compact Disc
Optical discs on which programs, data, or music are digitally encoded for a laser beam to scan, decode and transmit to a playback system, computer monitor or television set. [AAT]
Floppy Disk
Floppy Disc
Thin round flexible disc with magnetic surfaces for storing and retrieving data. [AAT]
Digital Report
Historic Landscape Survey Report
A report depicting the results generated from an intensive survey of a large area of land including field recording, measured site surveys and land history.
Excavation Report
A report detailing the results of an archaeological excavation.
Deskbased Survey Report
A report on the archaeology of an area, based primarily on existing records and resources.
Field Survey Report
A report detailing the results of a field survey. Usually restricted to a survey of a small or specific area or site.
Watching Brief Report
A report written as a result of archaeological monitoring during development work.
Project Brief
An outline of the circumstances to be addressed, with an indication of the scope of work which will be required (English term)
Project Outline
An outline of the circumstances to be addressed, with an indication of the scope of work which will be required (Scottish term)
Project Specification
A schedule of work in sufficient detail for it to be quantifiable, implemented and monitored.
Project Design
A schedule of work set out in sufficient detail for it to be quantifiable, implemented and monitored. Can include contractual details relevant to the commissioning body. A project design may be a research proposal independent of the planning framework
Geophysical Survey Report
A report that primarily details the results of a survey that was conducted using remote sensing techniques such as resistivity and magnetometry.
Evaluation Report
A report detailing the results of an archaeological evaluation
Post Excavation Assessment Report
A report which represents an initial synthesis of the data collected from an excavation ahead of the production of a full publication/post excavation full analysis report.
Building Recording Report
A report detailing the results of a study of the fabric of a standing building.
Fieldwalking Report
A report detailing the results of an archaeological event were the ground surface has been studied and any visible archaeological material collected.
Heritage Statement
A report detailing the archaeological and architectural potential of a site or locality.
Interim Report
A report detailing the results of archaeological fieldwork that has been produced in advance of a full synthesis of the collected data.
Geotechnical Report
A report detailing subsurface investigations conducted to assist with the technical rather than archaeological aspects of a proposed development or extraction scheme.
Conservation Area Appraisal Report
A report providing an objective analysis of the elements which together define the special architectural or historic interest of a specific area.
Post Excavation Full Analysis Report
A report which represents the final assessment and analysis of an archaeological intervention.
Written Scheme Of Investigation
A specification that sets out the scope of fieldwork and post-excavation methods required to understand the extent, character and significance of any archaeological remains within a planning application area. A WSI is generally produced in response to a project brief issued by the Local Authority Archaeological Officer.
Report
A full written presentation of the details of a particular event or investigative technique, often including illustrations and appendices.
Unpublished Document
Document
A paper or set of papers with written or printed information, especially of an official type.
Planning Archive
Documents relating to the administration of planning applications.
Project Archive
Organised and documented collection of the records made during the course of a project.
Finds Collection
Collection of artefacts recovered during archaeological investigation of a site.
Album
A collection of items presented in a protective folder.
Collection
A resource comprising of a group of items the parts of which may be separately described and navigated. [DC]
Verbal Communication
Factual information conveyed orally to a recipient. Where this has been transcribed, use an appropriate term from the TEXT hierarchy.
Resource Type
Database File
Data suitable for processing using database management software.
Cad Data
Data suitable for processing using computer aided design (CAD) packages.
Geospatial Data
Machine readable files suitable for use in a geographic information system (GIS).
Dataset
Information encoded in a defined structure (for example, lists, tables, and databases), intended to be useful for direct machine processing. [DC] For manual data use index, gazetteer etc.
Image
A visual representation of a physical object, place or person. [DC] Use a more specific term where appropriate.
Teachers Pack
Materials selected and organised to be of use to teachers for use in education.
Webpage
A file of computer information stored on a computer connected to the internet coded so that it can be accessed over the internet using browser software.
Interactive Resource
A resource which requires interaction from the user to be understood, executed, or experienced. [DC]
Online Database
A database stored on a computer linked to the internet, which can be queried and browsed by remote users using the internet.
Service
A service is a system that provides one or more functions of value to the end-user. Examples include: a photocopying service, a banking service, an authentication service, inter-library loans, a Z39.50 or Web server. [DC]
Oral History Recording
Recorded interview intended to preserve the recollections of persons whose experiences or memories are representative of historical life.
Radio Programme
Recording of a complete broadcast radio programme.
Sound
A sound is a resource whose content is primarily intended to be rendered as audio. [DC] For example recorded speech, sounds or music.
Correspondence
Written communication, generally in the form of letters.
Notebook
Book used to record information or impressions in the field, often as a preparation for more formal reporting at a later date.
Manuscript
An unpublished document.
Oral History Transcript
Written copy of recorded interviews collected to illustrate history from personal experiences.
Text
A resource whose content is primarily words for reading. For example - books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. [DC]
Computer File
Data stored in a format that is meant to be manipulated and read in one or more software systems.
Machine Readable Storage Medium
Storage medium for information (text, images, files etc) in an encoded digital format.
Resource Format And Material
Audio Tape
Magnetic tape used to record sound. Includes both cassette and reel tapes.
Video Tape
A magnetic tape used to record moving images and sound. Use for both cassette and reel tapes.
Magnetic Storage Medium
The storage of material (text, images, files etc) in an electromagnetic format.
Film Reel
Positive image on continuous film strip suitable for projection of moving images.
Visual Medium
Any material that records, holds and communicates information in a primarily visual manner.
Tracing Paper
A translucent paper, which when laid over an existing image, permits the image to be seen and/or traced.
Drafting Film
A heavy grade, water proof plastic film used for the preparation of technical drawings.
Paper
A thin opaque, slightly absorbent material, generally made from processing of plant or other fibres, for use as a medium for writing, drawing and printing.
Waterproof Paper
Paper made for writing or drawing underwater.
Photocopy
A photographic reproduction of written or printed material produced by using toner particles under heat and pressure to fuse a copy onto blank paper.
Fax
Print Out
A hard copy of digital data that has been printed onto paper.
Card
A material stronger than paper, generally made from wood pulp.
Newsprint
A cheap and relatively rough paper on which newspapers are printed.
Hardcopy
Item in a format suitable for normal reading or viewing, without a computer or other device. For digital files or disks use MACHINE READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM or specific terms.
Gazetteer
Structured list of information about items of interest to a research project, for example monuments of a particular type.
Catalogue
Structured descriptions of an archive or collection used to assist retrieval and management, or presentation to the public.
Video Clip
An extract from a longer video film, used as an illustration.
Television Programme
Recording of a complete broadcast television programme, for instance a documentary. For extracts such as items from news broadcasts use VIDEO CLIP.
Moving Image
Broad term for all types of animated or live action images.
Rectified Photograph
A photograph usually of a standing structure that has been manipulated to allow the creation of a measured drawing of the facade or elevation.
Photograph
An image created by controlled exposure of light sensitive film. Usually a static image in time and space. For digital photographs double index with an appropriate term under MACHINE READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM.
Oblique Aerial Photograph
An aerial photograph taken at an angle other than 90 degrees to a feature in the landscape.
Vertical Aerial Photograph
An aerial photograph taken from directly above a feature in the landscape, suitable for mapping or survey purposes. For photographs taken from the air at an angle to the subject use OBLIQUE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH.
Aerial Photograph
A photograph taken from the air.
Chart
A depiction of land, coastal or sea areas intended to aid navigation, usually using latitude and longitude co-ordinates.
Sketch Map
A map generally produced manually to indicate main features of an area quickly, for example to assist location of a particular place.
Map
A pictoral depiction of an area of landscape.
Picture Postcard
Card printed with an image, often a photograph on one side, and space for a short message and a postal address on the other.
Illustration
An image used to convey information, often as part of a larger publication or exhibition.
Sketch
A drawing, often made in the field as the basis for later work, or to quickly convey important information.
Painting
An image created manually using paint or pigments, to record, illustrate or convey impressions.
Picture
General term for images used to represent a particular place or item, or convey information.
Sketch Plan
A plan of a feature or small area generally done in the field to quickly record the main features.
Reconstruction Drawing
A representation of a monument or landscape based on historical or archaeological information.
Artefact Drawing
A drawn representation of an archaeological 'find' or other cultural object.
Drawing
A manually produced image for illustration or record purposes.
Engraving
An image produced by creating marks on a hard material from which a print is then taken.
Woodcut
A relief process in which the design is cut into and printed from the plank side of a wood block [AAT].
Mechanical Print
Reproduced image derived by mechanical printing from an image engraved or carved on a suitable surface.
Book
A written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers.
Monograph
Publication on a specific topic, or limited scope of subject matter. Complete in itself, though may form part of a series.
Newsletter
Short publication used to disseminate information about a particular project or organisation, issued on a regular basis.
Volume
A bound written work.
Series
A written work issued in parts, with the intention of creating a completed sequence.
Guide Book
A book containing information about a place that has been produced for the use of visitors or tourists.
Publication
General term for documents that have been produced in large numbers for public sale or distribution.
Article
A written work for publication, being one of several found in a serial, monograph or magazine.
Journal
A publication that contains scholarly articles and is published regularly. Journals are often written by experts in a specific field and are peer reviewed before publication.
Serial
A written work issued at regular intervals, numbered consecutively with no intended or planned end point.
Excavation Diary
A diary used to record the events and activities during an excavation.
Diary
A chronological journal, generally showing appointments, or recording memories and impressions of a days events over a period of time.
Card Index
Cards, often printed with forms, for the recording and sorting of information in a structured manner.
Index
A structured set of data taken from a larger work to assist in location of particular subject matter.
Context Sheet
A form used to record the details of a feature identified by archaeological investigation, generally including location, depth, colour, texture, inclusions and stratigraphic relationship to other contexts.
Field Recording Form
A form to record the details of a monument or site found during the course of a field survey or visit.
Project Recording Form
A form that records the details of a project, for example, an excavation index form.
Record Form
A paper form used to record specific information in a systematic way.
Section Drawing
Drawing of the vertical face of an excavated feature or features depicting the vertical extent and stratigraphic relationship between identified layers or deposits.
Context Plan
Scale drawing showing the horizontal extent, height and arrangement of an excavated layer or feature on an archaeological site.
Excavation Drawing
A schematic depiction of the results of an archaeological excavation.
Infrared Film
Photographic film responsive to infrared radiation. Used to record temperature variations in the subject, indicative of hidden archaeological or architectural features.
Glass Plate
A sheet of glass coated in a light sensitive substance on which a photgraphic image can be developed.
Colour Print
A photographic print of a polychrome image (composed of colours other than, but not exclusive of, black, white or grey tones).
Black And White Print
A photographic print of a mononchrome image (composed of grey, black and white tones).
Colour Slide
A photographic slide of a colour (polychromatic) image.
Black And White Slide
A photographic slide of a black and white (monochromatic) image.
Colour Transparency
A positive colour image on film which can be projected onto a screen when light is shone through it.
Black And White Transparency
A positive black and white image on film which can be projected onto a screen when light is shone through it.
Colour Negative
A photographic frame of developed colour film which can be used to print a photographic image.
Black And White Negative
A photographic frame of developed black and white film from which a positive print can be produced.
Photographic Medium
The class or material that a photograph is produced upon. [AAT] Use a specific term or terms as appropriate.
Microfiche
A flexible, transparent sheet of film bearing a number of reduced images.
Microfilm
A film strip or roll containing reduced images.
Microform
A medium containing microphotographic images, usually reproduced on film, requiring magnification to render them readable.
Official Designation Notification
This term is appropriate to official notifications of a monument or area whether they are statutory or purely advisory. Where possible the specific document type should be indexed for example Scheduled Monument Notification.
Scheduled Monument Notification
Any notification, update or amendment relating to the scheduling of a monument. Usually includes description and a map showing the limit of the scheduling. It confers a statutory status and receipt is an acknowledgement of the scheduling.
List Of Buildings
A list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. This list confers a statutory level of protection status to the buildings contained within it and usually includes a description of each building.
Statutory Designation Notification
This class of documents confers statutory designation on the monuments listed within them. It usually is restricted to legally defined national or local notifications of designation.
Battlefields Register
A list of English battlefields maintained by English Heritage. Inclusion in the document does not confer any statutory status. It lists and records the details of battlefields to preserve their nature and survival.
Register Of Parks And Gardens
A register which including sites retaining any evidence of pre-1750 layouts; significant evidence of pre-1820 layouts; good examples of the best gardens from 1820 to 1880; are good examples of the best gardens laid out after 1880 but before 1970.
Advisory Designation Notification
The contents of these documents do not confer any statutory designation on the monuments listed, they are purely advisory notifications for use within preserving the historic environment.
Scientific Dating Report
A report that primarily details the results of attempts to assign a date to materials or deposits using scientific methods such as Palaeomagnetism, Dendrochronology or Radiocarbon Dating.
Archaeological Science Report
A report detailing the results of the application of scientific techniques to the analysis of archaeological materials.