It sets out a framework data standard for monument inventories. Information schemes are groups of related individual units of information which together answer key questions that might be asked of an inventory. Each information scheme can be recorded in more or less detail by selecting from the units of information that are listed at the end of each information scheme discussion. This provides a further means by which an inventory can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
Units of information are the fundamental facts of interest contained within an inventory.
Each unit of information is generally the equivalent of a field in a computerised database, or a box on an index card, or a question on a survey form. Selected units of information are grouped together into information schemes, the details of which are in the first part of the Data Standard. It also provides reference tables that recommend default dates for sample date ranges and periods and conversion factors for calculating absolute grid references from conventional Ordnance Survey references. Indexing tools are the controls for ensuring that inventory entries are consistent. To be able to retrieve information, it is important that selected terms are used consistently in the units of information.