Meath Methodology

Published By Categorised as Methodology

Here is a clear step-by-step methodology summary of the Meath Field Names Project (Phase 1, c.2010–2012), structured like the Borgue project summary and divided into collection, recording, and digital mapping phases:

1. Project Planning & Design

  • Mapping & Survey Tools:
    • Meath County Council’s spatial services advised on survey sheet and map design.
    • Microsoft Access database structure designed early for data capture.
  • Field ID System:
    • Each field within a townland was manually numbered to assign a unique identifier.
    • Volunteers were trained in the numbering system; returning the numbered map was critical.

2. Field Name Collection

  • Volunteer-based Survey:
    • Volunteers gathered field names and completed both report sheets and manually numbered maps.
    • The integrity of the system depended on pairing name data with numbered field maps.
  • Data Entry Timeline:
    • Data input into the Access database began in September 2010.
    • Continued steadily until September 2012, covering all submitted townlands.

3. Database Design & Function

  • Database Features:
    • Structured for user-friendliness, error minimisation, and query/report generation.
    • Each record linked to a specific field within a specific townland using the unique ID.
  • Outputs:
    • The Access database itself was seen as a core output, enabling future use and analysis.

4. Digital Mapping & Integration

  • Software:
    • Chose MapInfo for GIS work to ensure compatibility with Meath County Council systems.
  • Initial Challenge:
    • Explored existing datasets from OSI, Land Registry, and Department of Agriculture—none were usable.
  • Digitisation Strategy:
    • In Summer 2011, two GIS MSc students from NUI Maynooth began manually digitising fields as polygons.
    • ~200 townlands were completed, but scaling the task required professional help.

5. Contracted Digitisation

  • Tender Process:
    • Public tender issued in May 2012 via eTenders.
    • Mallon Technology (Co. Tyrone) awarded contract.
  • Completion:
    • Full digitisation of all surveyed townlands completed by Autumn 2012.

6. Final Integration & Vision

  • Practical Result:
    • Each field on the digital map could now be clicked to display all its associated data from the survey.
    • Integration with other datasets (e.g. field monuments) planned to enhance research potential.

By philip aye

is an environmental consultant