In History Revealed’s ‘My life in history’ series, Jon Bedford talks about his role as a geospatial imaging analyst at Historic England
What is geospatial surveying and how is it used when the heritage sector?
Geospatial refers to the relative position of things on the Earth’s surface, so a geospatial surveyor captures detailed records of sites, buildings and structures to create highly accurate and detailed 3D models, plans, sections, and other survey products. These are then used for record purposes or by other specialists, such as engineers and conservators.
Our work at Historic England has many uses, including providing data from which our engineering teams can determine the stability of a building or other structure; producing scaled images to inform a stone replacement or other repair schedule; or making more traditional plans presented as line drawings. We also make digital 3D models that can be presented online to allow other conservation professionals involved in a project and the public to visualise an object or place and virtually move around it.
How did you become a geospatial surveyor at Historic England?
My career started in commercial archaeology, where I worked for about 12 years before moving to the metric survey team at English Heritage, and subsequently the geospatial survey team with Historic England. Since then, I’ve surveyed hundreds of monuments, buildings, areas and objects for a wide variety of clients and project requirements: the benefit of the breadth of that experience was what led me to the role.
What does your role entail?
We use geospatial survey techniques to record, illustrate and digitally document historic objects, structures, places and landscapes. We have a range of skills and expertise in how best to use digital cameras (either hand-held or on a drone), theodolites [an instrument used to measure horizontal and vertical angles] and 3D laser scanners to gather accurate survey data on site.
We then process this data using specialist software and graphics packages to form engaging and innovative products. These can be used to inspire others to explore and analyse heritage with new eyes. We’re part of a broader technical conservation team at Historic England, which has specialists in a number of areas outside myfield of expertise. It’s the combination of data, analysis and interpretation from everyone that helps us ensure that our products are suitable for the needs of any project.
What are the main challenges that you face in your role?
One of the bigger challenges is that no two jobs are the same, so although we have standardised methods and procedures for some elements of the work there’s always a certain amount of inventiveness required to make sure we get as complete a record as we can. This is nearly always one of the more enjoyable challenges. Additionally, the geospatial survey sector is very dynamic, with new methods, equipment and software emerging all the time. We have to keep a close eye on new developments to make sure that we’re staying current and performing our work as efficiently and safely as we can. With a small team, even relatively minor efficiency savings in different parts of our workflows can cumulatively have huge benefits.
Has there been a project you would consider your favourite?
I couldn’t pick any single project as a favourite; there have been so many good ones over the years. The joy of the work lies in the variety of projects that we undertake and the places we get to visit. We’re a small team with a national remit, so all members will normally be involved in one aspect of a project or another. The fieldwork element of the job is hugely enjoyable, and we are usually, where safety allows, given access to all areas to ensure we can measure as complete a survey as we can.
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To give a flavour of the variety, over the last few months we’ve made 3D models of objects from the English Heritage collections at Lullingstone Roman Villa and the tombs at Lanercost Priory; undertaken condition surveys at Thornton Abbey gatehouse, Pendennis Castle and some ceramics kilns in Stoke-on-Trent; and we’ve worked in support of our colleagues in the archaeological projects team during excavations at Richborough Roman amphitheatre.
How can someone get involved in geospatial surveying?
There are several potential routes, one of which is apprenticeships. Earlier this year, I’m proud to say that Historic England’s first geospatial apprentice gained a distinction. Other routes include degree courses and professional survey qualifications, which – while they are excellent introductions to the broad subject of geospatial survey – do not typically focus on the specific requirements for surveying cultural heritage. That said, you don’t need to be a highly trained specialist to enjoy the benefits of some of the techniques we use.
The recent emergence of photogrammetry [extracting 3D information from photographs] as a recording tool available to everyone (rather than a few well-funded survey companies), has been a great boon for us in involving members of the public in recording projects. All that’s required is a camera and some free software; plenty of online guidance is available, and I’d encourage anyone with an interest to have a go. Making your first 3D model is a very satisfying experience!
This article was first published in the March 2022 issue of BBC History Revealed