Why it matters
Without AI, fragility, corrosion, and contamination risks can go unnoticed; delayed conservation referrals and improper packaging create post-excavation backlogs and condition issues.
From design to safety
Design
AI guides conservation planning
AI reads the written scheme of investigation, initial material surveys, context summaries, and site logistics to flag conservation requirements, packaging workflows, storage sequencing, and transfer criteria before fieldwork begins; it aligns with HER and CIfA standards.
- wet finds
- packaging
- silica gel
- conservation referral
Build
In-field triage and packaging
AI tracks grouping of finds by context sheets and condition readings, triggering conservation referrals and packaging steps prior to removal from the trench; it validates packing lists against the WSI and archive rules.
- wet finds
- packaging
- glass
- iron
Operation
On-site processing and notes
AI monitors ongoing finds processing, updates context sheets, logs condition changes, generates packaging labels and transfer notes, and exports data to the HER submission portal and post-excavation workflow.
- wet finds
- packaging
- silica gel
- glass
Maintenance
Condition checks and refits
AI flags deterioration signals, schedules conservation referrals, coordinates silica gel refreshes, packaging replacements, archive deposition readiness, and rechecks against conservation risk registers after each trench phase.
- silica gel
- packaging
- conservation referral
Safety
Safety checks in handling
AI reviews handling steps for fragile finds, ensures containment for moisture and contaminants, logs conservation actions with the site safety officer, and cross-checks with buried services and drainage plans.
- wet finds
- iron
- glass
- packing
Part by part
- 1
wet finds
- Watch for
- Moisture ingress, salt crystallisation, surface delamination risk, or friable surfaces threatening integrity.
- AI action
- Detect moisture gain or salt signs and trigger immediate waterproofing and careful dry transfer instructions.
- 2
iron
- Watch for
- Rust flaking, corrosion products, or differential staining indicating lost integrity.
- AI action
- Flag corrosion indicators and suggest protective packaging and accelerated conservation review.
- 3
glass
- Watch for
- Thermal shock cracks, vapour contamination, or dulling glaze from moisture.
- AI action
- Notify conservator and enforce controlled handling and cushioned packaging.
- 4
packaging
- Watch for
- Incompatible packaging materials, mislabelled or insufficient protective layers.
- AI action
- Recommend packing configuration and generate packaging manifest and transfer notes.
- 5
silica gel
- Watch for
- Saturation indicators, moisture front progress, or compromised desiccant.
- AI action
- Trigger silica gel refresh or replacement schedule and update condition records.
- 6
conservation referral
- Watch for
- Untested materials or unusual preservation needs requiring specialist input.
- AI action
- Create conservation referral ticket with priority and attach context sheets, photos, and prior treatments.
Worked example
Conservation First Aid and Packaging on a 12.5 ha site with early Iron Age finds
Illustrative scenario with sample data.
A large construction site encounters fragile wet finds and corrosion-prone iron and glass in trench sections; early packaging decisions are critical to prevent damage.
Signal in
context: Iron Age trench 3, context_id 42; finds: wet wood fragments, glass beads; condition: damp, varying surface integrity; packaging: initial bubble wrap + cardboard for fragile items; detector logs: moisture sensor 12.6% RH.
System out
AI recommends immediate moisture control, protective packaging plan, and a conservation referral to the curator; issue packing slips and transfer notes for contaminated or fragile items.
Human sign-off: Conservation officer signs off on packaging plan and conservation referral; project manager approves transfer protocol and archive deposition readiness.
How to roll it out
Phase 1
Weeks 1 to 4
Baseline data capture from field notes, initial context sheets, and starter conservation referral templates.
Phase 2
Weeks 5 to 8
Automated packaging workflows, label standards, and moisture monitoring across early temp storage.
Phase 3
Weeks 9 to 12
Full integration with post-excavation assessment workflows and HER submissions.
Where people stay in charge
- Decisions on significant conservation risk must be signed by the designated conservator or HER officer.
- All packaging changes and transfer notes require traceable audit logs and supervisor approval.
- Referrals to specialists must be documented with explicit justification and an anticipated timeline.
Questions owners and crews ask
What is AI used for in conservation on site?
AI assists with condition detection, packaging planning, and referral management; it reads context sheets, moisture readings, and packaging materials to guide on-site care.
Who approves conservation actions during excavation?
A designated conservator or heritage officer approves high-risk actions and ensures compliance with CIfA and HER requirements.
What records does the AI generate for packaging?
It creates packaging manifests, transfer notes, condition logs, and conservation referral tickets linked to context sheets and finds.
How is safety linked to finds conservation?
Safety ensures fragile items are handled with appropriate containment, moisture control, and professional oversight; it logs actions to the site safety file.