SHPO-Compliant Field Data Collection

Collect, organize, and export field data that meets State Historic Preservation Office requirements. Purpose-built for cultural resource management firms, archaeologists, and historic preservation professionals.

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What is Section 106?

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 306108) requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties before issuing permits, licenses, or funding. It is the primary regulatory framework that drives archaeological and historic preservation fieldwork across the United States.

The process requires the identification and evaluation of historic properties within a project's area of potential effect, consultation with the relevant State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO), and thorough documentation of findings and determinations. The quality of field documentation directly determines whether a project clears the Section 106 review process or faces delays.

For CRM firms and field teams, this means every site form, photo log, GPS point, and field observation must meet the standards set by the reviewing SHPO - and those standards vary by state.

Why Field Teams Struggle with SHPO Compliance

Most CRM firms still rely on paper forms, spreadsheets, and manual photo logs. This creates predictable problems when it is time to submit to the SHPO.

  • Inconsistent field documentation across crew members - different formats, missing fields, incomplete records
  • Manual photo logging and organization that eats hours of post-field processing time
  • Reformatting data to meet each state's specific SHPO submission requirements
  • Version control issues with multi-site, multi-phase projects spanning months or years

How FieldTap Solves It

FieldTap replaces paper forms, manual photo logs, and spreadsheet reformatting with a single platform designed for SHPO compliance from the ground up.

Standardized Forms
Pre-built SHPO field forms ensure consistent data collection. Every crew member uses the same format, eliminating inconsistencies across submissions.
GPS-Tagged Photos
Every photo automatically tagged with coordinates, timestamp, and direction. No manual photo logs - documentation happens as you shoot.
State-Specific Exports
Export field data in formats that match your SHPO's requirements. One click, no reformatting. Supports DPR 523, IMACS, and more.
Project Organization
Organize by project, site, and survey area. Track field work across multiple sites and phases with a clear project hierarchy.
Team Coordination
Assign areas to crew members, review submissions, and maintain quality control across your team. Role-based permissions keep data secure.
Offline Collection
Full offline support for remote field sites. Collect data, take photos, and fill out forms without connectivity. Data syncs automatically when you return to service.

Who Uses FieldTap for SHPO Work

FieldTap is used by professionals across the historic preservation and cultural resource management industry.

  • Cultural resource management (CRM) firms
  • Section 106 consultants and compliance specialists
  • DOT and infrastructure archaeology teams
  • Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs)
  • University archaeological field schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What SHPO forms does FieldTap support?

FieldTap includes pre-built field form templates modeled on common SHPO submission formats, including California DPR 523 series, Nevada IMACS, and general site and isolate recording forms. We continuously add new state-specific templates based on user requests.

Can I customize forms for my state's requirements?

Yes. Every form template in FieldTap is fully customizable. You can add, remove, or reorder fields to match your state SHPO's specific requirements, then save your customized form as a reusable template for your entire team.

Does FieldTap work offline in the field?

Yes. FieldTap provides full offline support for field data collection. You can create records, fill out forms, take GPS-tagged photos, and work without any internet connection. All data syncs automatically when connectivity returns.

How does FieldTap handle photo documentation?

Every photo captured in FieldTap is automatically tagged with GPS coordinates, a timestamp, and compass direction. Photos are organized by project and record, eliminating the need for manual photo logs. You can annotate photos and include them directly in exports.

Can my whole crew use FieldTap?

Yes. FieldTap supports team-based workflows with role-based permissions. You can assign survey areas to individual crew members, review their submissions, and maintain quality control across your entire field team. Plans scale from solo practitioners to large CRM firms.

How much does FieldTap cost?

FieldTap Professional is $37/user/month for teams up to 20 users. Business is $49/user/month with unlimited users and AI features. All plans include SHPO-compatible form templates, GPS-tagged photos, and data export. 30-day free trial, no credit card required.

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