Historic American Buildings Survey Photo Library

HABS/HAER/HALS documentation can be one important method of mitigating the environmental impacts of projects affecting historic properties. The purpose of documentation is to preserve an accurate record of historic properties that can be used in research and other preservation activities. To serve these purposes, the documentation must include information that permits the assessment of its reliability.

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Architectural and Engineering Documentation define the products acceptable for inclusion in the HABS/HAER/HALS collection at the Library of Congress as measured drawings, large-format black-and-white photographs, large-format color transparencies, written histories, and descriptions, and field records. The Guidelines provide advice and technical information on meeting the standards. Most importantly, they outline an approach to historic architecture, engineering, and landscapes that helps ensure the documentation will meet the Secretary’s Standards while creating a comprehensive understanding of the site or structure. They also provide recommendations on research methods and report organization, line weight and sheet layout, photographic paper and negative preparation, and the disposition of field notes. For more information, refer to the National Park Service website at the following link: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/heritagedocumentation/soi-standards-guidelines.htm.