We live in a world of Apps these days. There are apps to take photos, to issue diary reminders, to keep a journal, to play games, to socialise online with others, whatever you can think of, as the saying goes: There’s an app for that!
But there is one app that is not available yet that we’d dearly like to see. A Heritage Crime App – A crowd-sourced app for centrally compiling statistics on heritage crime.
There is something that comes very close, and that’s an app developed by Abavus/iTouchVision for reporting problems to your local council, called aptly ‘UK – My Council Services‘. It’s available free for all the major platforms; iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and web, and allows a user (after registering) to send a report to their local council (selectable) about things such as abandoned cars, noise nuisance, litter, potholes in roads etc – there’s a long list of report types available and reports can include photos taken ‘on the scene’. Compiled reports are then forwarded on to the relevant Council.
Now imagine a similar app ‘My Heritage‘ that would allow a user out on a site visit to capture details of a heritage crime: graffiti, broken windows, metal theft, tractor or 4WD ruts on/near a scheduled monument, damaged information boards or other vandalism. Photographic evidence could be taken, and geotagged for inclusion in the reports which would then be automatically forwarded to the relevant authorities; National Trust, English Heritage, CADW, the Police, ARCH, County Archaeologists (if there are any left!) Instant statistics would be available to organisations to quantify hotspots for crime by type, location etc. which could prove invaluable in the efforts to reduce such crime.
An alternate version of such an app could also prove very useful for crowdsourced surveys such as this recent example on the Isles of Scilly, checking for coastal erosion.
So how about it, any app developers out there fancy following up on this one? Are any of the large organisations already investigating going down this path that we haven’t heard about yet? What heritage related app would you like to see available, or better yet, which apps do you already use, and why?
The Heritage Journal 
7 comments
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03/05/2012 at 12:17
Dorothy Nesbitt
This is a really good idea (although I’m a technology luddite). I see that the metal detectorists have something similar as an iPhone app.
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Treasure Tracking
Treasure Tracking is an exciting new app for metal detecting enthusiasts. This amazing new iPhone app contains everything you need to capture the moment of your memorable finds. Relive the excitement when you log the GPS coordinates, include personal notes and store your favourite detecting discoveries.
Exciting Features:
•Add New Finds: Write notes, take a picture and record your favourite finds.
•Field Guide & Manual: iPhone access to the Minelab E-TRAC field guide and instruction manual. Knowledge at your fingertips!
•Patterns & Modes: Your time is precious. Access quick reference information for best results.
•Map: Record GPS locations of your finds allowing you to track successful hotspots.
•Gallery: Use your iPhone camera to create a unique library storing photos of those special discoveries.
To download Treasure Tracking for free click the Treasure Tracking App store button or click here and follow the links.
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It would be great if the app uploaded the info direct to the PAS to ensure that a better picture of finds distribution is gathered rather than the haphazard way the current system works.
Dorothy
03/05/2012 at 15:12
Alan S.
As you say, it would be great if that app allowed any sharing of the information at all, but sadly that’s indicative of the hobby as a whole, in our experience. All very secretive and exclusive. Our idea, though there are many obstacles to be overcome, would be for the greater good, not just individual gratification.
06/06/2012 at 13:38
Heritage
We are on it for our version 3.0, however it may be included as a simplified form until we can find ways of improving it and making the process completely automated. Watch this space.
Heritage
http://hrt.gs
06/06/2012 at 13:57
Alan S.
Good news. Who would you envisage the feedback form going to? Yourselves, the site owner, the local police? All three? If just yourselves, are you resourced to pass on damage reports in a timely manner to the appropriate authorities?
07/01/2013 at 15:41
hspheritage
Am compiling a report on creating a ‘Heritage Watch’ app specifically for national parks at the moment which could, in theory, be rolled out nation wide. We shall see how it goes!
07/01/2013 at 16:15
heritageaction
Please keep us informed. You are very welcome to email us if you would like to tell us more.
07/01/2013 at 16:18
hspheritage
Many thanks, it will be along hog, only just starting on the research but is something I want to carry forward and get funding for etc. Will be blogging as info comes to light.