Creating a Paperless Recording System for Pilbara Rock Art
Stafford Smith, Jo McDonald, Jane Balme, Glen MacLaren, Alistair G. Paterson · 2025
The Centre for Rock Art Research at the University of Western Australia is directing much work into the Pilbara region. In collaboration with Environmental Systems Solutions, the Centre has developed a paperless field recording system and database to manage the high volume of work in this area. Digital forms on mobile devices, direct incorporation of DSLR photos, and a simple download procedure into the field database over Wi-Fi, present a solution that standardises recording methods, saves time on data entry, and reduces the opportunity for human error. The central database hosted at UWA provides a platform for powerful analyses of the rock art and provides a pathway for repatriating information about the art to Indigenous groups.