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2.0.0 FIELD NOTES

2.1.0 Sketching and field-noting requirements
2.2.0 Supplementary information: 35 mm, field photography, historical research, photogrammetry

2.1.0 SKETCHING AND FIELD-NOTING REQUIREMENTS

2.1.1 The field sketches, dimensions and notes are produced on graph paper with 8 divisions per inch. Only one side of the graph paper may be used. Sketch with a 2H or similar lead to produce dark lines without smearing. Colored pens or pencils may be used to write the dimensions in a system that separates horizontal, vertical and diagonal measurements.


Figure: 2.1: Field sketch of ground level plan, Michigan Island Light,
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, Wisconsin.

2.1.2 Sketches quickly become covered with numbers, so making them readable for future restorers and researchers is essential (Figure 2.1). Complex elements should be simplified into a systematic collection of detail sketches, so that windows, doors, moldings, etc., are recorded separately from their placement on the structure and the structure's overall dimensions.

2.1.3 It is important to make the field note sketches large enough to accommodate dimensions and other notes neatly. Graph paper grids are useful in developing proportional sketches. Only the hard edges of structures and objects are shown; textures, shading and plants are not. 2.1.4 Three-dimensional sketches can be used to clarify overall massing, and for locating detail elements--which must be keyed to two-dimensional field notes. Objects and surfaces which project from the plane of the main drawing at an angle--such as the sides of a bay window--are best drawn separately as elevations. 2.1.5 The location and configuration of an unusual material such as bark siding or a repair patch of a different material should be called out with a note. This is preferable to drawing the material. 2.1.6 Field sketches may be hard lined, but time constraints will usually mandate freehand drawing. Further suggestions for producing readable field sketches can be found in the paragraphs on measuring plans, elevations, sections, details and landscapes. 2.1.7 Sheets must be labeled with the project name, structure, drawing name, delineator, date, and HABS number if known, and placed in the field notebook cover provided.

Figure 2.2: Newel Post field sketch. George W. Eckhart House Wheeling, WV

2.2.0 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 35 MM, FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY, HISTORICAL RESEARCH, PHOTOGRAMMETRY

2.2.1 35 mm field photography is an invaluable tool in producing and refining measured drawings, when it is undertaken in a timely manner, with very specific subjects. Because it cannot approach large-format (4"x 5" or larger) photography in image quality, it is not used for comprehensive documentation to HABS standards. Unless specifically directed otherwise, a 35 mm camera should only record details and material characteristics not easily measured. This includes: stone, adobe, plaster and similar textures; wrought iron, tile patterns, stained glass and other ornamentation; cracking, weathering and other types of damage. Photographs may be used for tracing highly irregular ornamentation, or for reference in reproducing textures.

2.2.2 Hints for successful photography:

1. shoot and process the film early in the project;
2. use 100 ASA film outdoors, 400 ASA indoors;
3. bracket exposures: for important shots, change exposure by
   1/2 f-stop on either side of light meter reading;
4. use a tripod and cable release, especially on close-ups in dim
   light;
5. hold camera parallel to image plane of the subject;
6. use 50 mm or longer lenses to minimize distortion;
7. use slides to record documentation process.
8. In general, avoid photographing objects and building features
   which can be easily measured and drawn; this will save the
   project time and money.
9. A perspective correcting lens is helpful, but not essential.

2.2.3 Use a measuring rod with 12" interval markings in the major plane of the photographic image to assist in determining the scale of the object. This recording technique is not a substitute for standard field-noting techniques.

2.2.4 For more information on the photographic recording of historic structures, refer to the appropriate works listed in the Bibliography.

2.2.5 The value of measured drawings is greatly enhanced by adding notes derived from sources such as team historians or other human resources. They can often provide information on architectural and historical significance; construction history and methods; origins of materials; and the relationship of the site to local commercial and industrial activities. This type of information should be sought out as early in the project as possible.

2.2.6 In recent years, the ability to accurately record structures has been enhanced through photogrammetry. While the techniques and technologies of photogrammetry do not directly involve the work of architects, an awareness of its capabilities is useful in project planning.

Photogrammetry is the use of specialized cameras which either use stereo views or electronic technology to produce images which are virtually undistorted and dimensionally exact. In some instances, the images can be translated through computer aided drafting and design (CADD) software into drawings plotted in the same fashion as construction drawings. This technology is most appropriate for the documentation of large, complex details, identical repetitive elements, and large "organic" structures such as pre-historic ruins. The Bibliography contains references on this subject.

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