On 21/7/2007 the Portable Antiquities Scheme published the following statement on ‘finds databases’: The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) strongly encourages finders to keep records of where they made their finds, and this is consistent with individuals, groups or organisations maintaining their own database/s of finds. However, following the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales, all such data (including precise findspot information) should be reported to the PAS, so that this information can be made available to the appropriate Historic Environment Record (HER) to advance archaeological knowledge. Only finds recorded on databases which are made available to HERs can be regarded as being responsibly recorded.
The UK Detector Finds Database (UKDFD) was established by finders who did not wish to record their finds with PAS. Whilst the PAS welcomes the fact that the UKDFD is now offering its data to HERs we have not felt able to accept this data direct for the following reasons (for similar reasons British Archaeology declined to publish an article about UKDFD):
1. During conversations with the UKDFD regarding the transfer of its data to the PAS the administrators of UKDFD made it clear they thought that very few finders would actually opt to transfer data. The PAS therefore did not wish to promote the UKDFD as mechanism for responsible recording when in fact few finders would actually be ‘recording’ finds consistent with any archaeological definition; there are concerns some finders’ record with UKDFD to say they record, when in fact that data is not made available to advance archaeological knowledge. In contrast the PAS makes all its data fully available to HERs (see http://www.finds.org.uk/finds/her.php) and researchers.
2. UKDFD have never said how many finds are recorded to at least a 6-figure NGR. PAS has repeatedly asked them this question (and so has the CBA) but they have never replied. The PAS believes that for maximum archaeological benefit, finds should be recorded to the highest level of precision, and therefore we actively encourage finders to use handheld Global Positioning Systems (GPS) devices whilst in the field. In 2007, 90% finds were recorded to at least 6-figures.
3. The PAS believes that many finders who record with the UKDFD are also recording with the PAS anyway. In fact many finds recorded on the UKDFD are based on descriptions created by our Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs), sometimes with little acknowledgement. We have asked the UKDFD whether they can tell us how many finds are also recorded with the PAS, but they have been unable to provide this information.
4. The FLOs who use the PAS database are all trained to record in a consistent manner and adopt the highest recording standards. They are supported by a team of Finds Advisers (period specialists) who train them in finds identification and recording, and provide additional expertise.
5. The PAS database conforms with a variety of data standards: MIDAS XML which has been formulated by the Forum for Information Standards in Heritage; English Heritage/MDA object thesaurus; an internally formulated materials thesaurus; English Heritage period list; English Heritage building material thesaurus. The PAS database is currently being redeveloped and will provide access to webservices for easy integration with third parties.
Portable Antiquities Scheme 12/3/09
