Internet Archaeology (Sep 1997)
Review of FieldWorker Advanced 2.3.5 and FieldWorker Pro 0.91 [Software]
Abstract
Until quite recently, field data recording directly into a hand-held computer has been a minority practice in archaeology. This is equally true of many other field-based disciplines and professions. Often there has been a very small number of enthusiastic individuals who have successfully used hand-held machines since they first became available. The majority have looked on, some making encouraging or even envious noises, but few have been tempted to follow the pioneers' lead. Most have tended to regard the available systems as too limited, too delicate or too expensive for their needs. One area of field recording where hand-held computers have become established is automated data logging. Many archaeologists will have encountered direct data logging programs used with geophysical instruments, electronic theodolites or GPS survey equipment. Most are designed to work with, at best, a limited range of instruments, and many run only on a specialised hand-held computer, often one supplied with the instrument. When such software is available for more general purpose machines, it is often produced only for laptops running DOS or Windows, although the Psion hand-held range has established a small presence in this area.
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