How can you measure the impact of historical research on a landscape preservation project?

Historical research is an essential component of any landscape preservation project, as it helps to identify, document, and interpret the cultural and natural values of a site. But how can you measure the impact of your research on the outcomes of your project? In this article, we will explore some methods and tools that can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your historical research and its contribution to the preservation goals.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 3 contributions. Learn more

1 Define your objectives

Before you start your historical research, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your landscape preservation project. What are the main threats or challenges that your site faces? What are the desired outcomes or benefits that you want to deliver? How do your preservation objectives align with the relevant policies, standards, and guidelines? By defining your objectives, you can set the scope and direction of your historical research and establish the criteria for measuring its impact.

Add your perspective

Myna Batavia

Growing Sasii - The exotic plant species destination/ Founder & Director/Green Carpet-The Garden Centre | Specialist - Garden Transformations
Report contribution
Impact measurement is efficiently carried out through documentation of the findings, influence of policies, economic benefits and public awareness. A landscape preservation project is an amalgamation of aesthetic design, historic data retention, public opinion sensitivity and economic centric.

Like

2 Conduct a baseline assessment

A baseline assessment is a systematic analysis of the current conditions and characteristics of your site, based on the available data and information. It helps you to understand the historical context, significance, and integrity of your site, as well as the existing resources, stakeholders, and opportunities. A baseline assessment can also help you to identify the gaps and limitations in your historical knowledge and the sources and methods that you need to use to fill them.

Add your perspective

3 Develop a research plan

A research plan is a detailed outline of the steps and actions that you will take to conduct your historical research. It should include the objectives, questions, hypotheses, sources, methods, tools, timeline, budget, and expected outputs of your research. A research plan can help you to organize and prioritize your research activities and resources, as well as to monitor and adjust your progress and performance.

Add your perspective

Yazan K. Mahadin

Commissioner for Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism | Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA)
Report contribution
A heritage impacts assessment necessitates a comprehensive research plan outlining objectives, questions, hypotheses, sources, methods, tools, timeline, budget, and expected outputs. This structured framework organizes and prioritizes research activities, aiding in resource management. It also facilitates monitoring and adjustment of progress, ensuring effective heritage evaluation while maintaining a clear focus on goals and outcomes.

Like

4 Implement and document your research

The implementation and documentation of your historical research are the core processes that generate the evidence and insights that inform your landscape preservation project. You need to follow the best practices and ethical standards of historical research, such as using reliable and relevant sources, applying appropriate and rigorous methods, acknowledging and citing your sources, and keeping accurate and organized records. You also need to document your research findings and outcomes in a clear and accessible way, such as using reports, maps, charts, photos, or databases.

Add your perspective

Yazan K. Mahadin

Commissioner for Petra Archaeological Park and Tourism | Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA)
Report contribution
Heritage impacts assessment relies on robust implementation and documentation of historical research. Adherence to ethical standards includes using reliable sources, rigorous methods, and proper citation. Maintaining accurate records is crucial. Clear and accessible documentation through reports, maps, charts, photos, or databases ensures transparency. These practices not only uphold ethical standards but also provide a foundation for informed decision-making in landscape preservation, integrating historical evidence and insights.

Like

5 Analyze and synthesize your research

The analysis and synthesis of your historical research are the critical processes that transform your data and information into knowledge and understanding that support your landscape preservation project. You need to use analytical and interpretive techniques to evaluate the quality, validity, and reliability of your research evidence, as well as to identify the patterns, trends, themes, and relationships that emerge from your research. You also need to synthesize your research results and conclusions into a coherent and comprehensive narrative that explains the historical significance and meaning of your site.

Add your perspective

6 Evaluate and communicate your impact

The evaluation and communication of your impact are the final processes that demonstrate the value and relevance of your historical research for your landscape preservation project. You need to use quantitative and qualitative methods to measure the extent to which your research has met your objectives, answered your questions, tested your hypotheses, and contributed to your outcomes and benefits. You also need to communicate your impact to your stakeholders, clients, partners, and audiences, using effective and engaging formats and channels, such as presentations, publications, exhibitions, or websites.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you measure the impact of historical research on a landscape preservation project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your objectives

2 Conduct a baseline assessment

3 Develop a research plan

4 Implement and document your research

5 Analyze and synthesize your research

6 Evaluate and communicate your impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Landscape Architecture

More relevant reading

How can you measure the impact of historical research on a landscape preservation project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your objectives

2 Conduct a baseline assessment

3 Develop a research plan

4 Implement and document your research

5 Analyze and synthesize your research

6 Evaluate and communicate your impact

7 Here’s what else to consider

Landscape Architecture

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills