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Fig.5: Construction of thè digitai model and management within thè GIS software 
As for access, different levels have been established according 
to the level of authorization granted. In general terms they can 
be summarized as: a base level for consultation purposes in 
which it is only possible to visualize entered data; a more 
advanced level that allows the entry of new data (in this case 
there is also the option, for example, of limiting the ability to 
edit and delete records); and an administrator level that allows 
total access to the system. 
The management of an RDBMS (relational database 
management system) in multi-user environment, even though it 
is an established technology, has proven to be particularly 
demanding when considering the amount of logical connections 
which exist in the structure (in most cases they are many-to- 
many relationships). Particular attention has been given in the 
design of the entry and testing phase of the records with the aim 
of conserving the formal integrity of the data. Simple filters 
allow lean navigation throughout the entire system for the 
search of specific information or the automatic creation of 
inventory lists. 
The possibility of carrying out more complex queries using 
TM 
available GIS data was completely delegated to the ESRI 
ArcView 9 software, exploiting the analysis capabilities 
available within that programme. Within the GIS environment a 
part of the application was customized with macros created in 
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to allow less expert users 
a minimal level of interaction with the programme. 
the ultimate aim is to guarantee a continual exchange of 
information between the various professions that are working 
simultaneously within the project. Starting from this point of 
view the entire architecture has been structured in the most 
dynamic way possible so as to allow expansion beyond an 
unambiguous topographical base. In cost terms a three- 
dimensional GIS structured in this way foresaw a huge outlay of 
energy in the construction of the 3D graphic basis (which 
involved the use of several softwares and technologies). The 
process of formalizing the data, which lead to an extremely 
robust database structure, has allowed us to establish and share 
high standards of documentation that will make future digital 
archiving and any type of analytical approach much easier in the 
future. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
The authors would like to thank the Soprintendenza 
Archeologica di Pompe i, the British School at Rome and, above 
all, the Packard Humanities Institute for investing in this 
initiative. For further information on other activities of the 
Herculaneum Conservation Project, and for contact details of 
other members of the HCP team please refer to 
www.herculaneum.org. 
6. CONCLUSION 
The information system for the Insuta Orientalis I represents a 
case study within the broader HCP project. As previously noted