Preface:

The Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) in its report,
"Technologies for Prehistoric and Historic Preservation" (U.S. Congress,
1986), asserts that the development of technologically advanced,
cost-effective conservation tools and methods is essential to the
preservation of our cultural heritage.

The objective of this research effort was to assess opportunities to adapt
contemporary information technologies to the tasks of cultural resource
management.  This document presents an evaluation of the potential that a
variety of emerging data acquisition and information management
technologies might hold for the preservation process.  Prototype
preservation information systems were developed to test a representative
range of available computer and videographic technologies, and to
contribute to the formulation of a strategy for assimilating these
technologies into the preservation process.  Based on the technological
evaluations and the prototype applications, projections were assembled to
describe a future role for emerging electronic technologies in the
preservation process.

<afile12>   Premise:  A Basis for Action
<bfile11>   Nonrenewable Loss
<ffile11>   A Look to the Future