RAD Physical Description Builder
What are you describing? (Start)
Textual Records
Graphic Materials
Cartographic Materials
Architectural and Technical Drawings
What is the linear extent of the records? (Textual Records)
Linear measurement is how archives measure the shelf space necessary to store archival material. A linear metre measures 100 cm of documents stored on edge. Linear measurement can be measured with a ruler or tape measure.
If more than 50 cm, please provide measurement in m
Centimetres or metres? (Textual Records)
cm
m
More granular measurement (Textual Records)
Boxes
Volumes
Leaves
Pages
Amount of granular measurement (Textual Records)
# of Dimensions (Textual Records)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Textual Records)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Textual Records)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Textual Records)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Textual Records)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Specific Material Designation (Graphic Materials)
Collage
Drawing
Painting
Photograph
Print (Non-Photographic)
How many collages in total? (Collage)
Is this number an approximation? (Collage)
No
Yes
Medium (Collage)
Photographs
Clippings
Paint
Objects
Paper
Text
Illustrations
Various media
Unknown
# of Dimensions (Collage)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Collage)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Collage)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Collage)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Collage)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Mount (Collage)
Sheet
Card
Frame
Case
Mat
Mount Width (Collage)
Enter width, in cm
Mount Height (Collage)
Enter height, in cm
How many drawings in total? (Drawing)
Is this number an approximation? (Drawing)
No
Yes
Type (Drawing)
Sketch
Figure
Illustration
Portrait
Landscape
Various
Unknown
Medium (Drawing)
Pencil
Pen
Ink
Charcoal
Chalk
Coloured Pencil
Crayon
Marker
Pastel
Digital
Various media
Unknown
# of Dimensions (Drawing)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Drawing)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Drawing)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Drawing)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Drawing)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Mount (Drawing)
Sheet
Card
Frame
Case
Mat
Mount Width (Drawing)
Enter width, in cm
Mount Height (Drawing)
Enter height, in cm
How many paintings in total? (Painting)
Is this number an approximation? (Painting)
No
Yes
Type (Painting)
Figure
Illustration
Portrait
Landscape
Still Life
Unknown
Medium (Painting)
Oil
Acrylic
Watercolour
Ink
Encaustic
Encaustic painting, or hot wax painting, uses heated beeswax coloured with pigments. Material can be encased or collaged into the surface using the encaustic media.
Gouache
Gouache is a type of watercolour with an opaque paint.
Enamel
Spray Paint
Tempera
Various media
Unknown
Base (Painting)
Paper
Canvas
Wood
Metal
Plastic
Fabric
Cardboard
Unknown
# of Dimensions (Painting)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Painting)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Painting)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Painting)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Painting)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Mount (Painting)
Sheet
Card
Frame
Case
Mat
Mount Width (Painting)
Enter width, in cm
Mount Height (Painting)
Enter height, in cm
What are you describing? (Photograph)
Photograph
Album
How many photographs in total? (Photograph)
Is this number an approximation? (Photograph)
No
Yes
What type of photograph(s)? (Photograph)
Print
Negative
Slide
How many prints in total? (Print)
Colour Characteristics (Print)
Black & White
Colour
Both
Type (Print)
Daguerreotype (1839-1860)
Cyanotype (1842-1950)
Ambrotype (1854-1865)
Tintype (1856-1920)
Albumen (1860-1895)
Carbon (1860-1950)
Platinum (1880-1930)
Collodion Printing-Out Paper (1885-1910)
Gelatin Printing-Out Paper (1885-1910)
Gum Dichromate (1890-1930)
Silver Gelatin (1890-2000)
Matte Collodion (1893-1910)
Bromoil (1907-1930)
Carbro (1920-1950)
Dye Transfer (1946-1990)
Chromogenic (1941-)
Cibachrome (1963-2012)
Instant Diffusion Transfer (1948-2008)
Instant Dye Diffusion Transfer (1963-2008)
Instant Internal Dye Diffusion Transfer (1972-2008)
Various types
Unknown
# of Dimensions (Print)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Print)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Print)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Print)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Print)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Mount (Print)
Sheet
Card
Frame
Case
Mount Width (Print)
Enter width, in cm
Mount Height (Print)
Enter height, in cm
How many negatives in total? (Negative)
What is the medium? (Negative)
Film
Glass
Colour Characteristics (Negative Film)
Black & White
Colour
Both
Is the film nitrate (ca. 1889-1950)? (Negative Film)
No
Yes
What is the film format? (Negative Film)
35mm
Other
What type of glass plate negative? (Negative Glass)
Collodion Glass Plate (ca. 1851-1885)
Gelatin Dry Plate (ca. 1878-1925)
# of Dimensions (Negative)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Negative)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Negative)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Negative)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Negative)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
How many slides in total? (Slide)
Colour Characteristics (Slide)
b&w
col.
What is the slide format? (Slide)
35 mm
110 Format (Image 13 x 17 mm)
35 mm Half Frame (Image 18 mm x 24 mm)
126 Format (Image 28 x 28 mm)
127 Format (Image 40 x 40 mm)
Superslide (Image 46 x 46 mm)
120 Format / Medium Format (Image smaller than 10 x 12 cm)
Large Format (Image 10 x 12 cm or larger)
How many albums in total? (Album)
How many photographs? (Album)
Is this number an approximation? (Album)
No
Yes
Colour Characteristics (Album)
Black & White
Colour
Both
# of Photograph Dimensions (Album)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Album)
Enter width of largest sized photo, in cm
Height 1 (Album)
Enter height of largest sized photo, in cm
Width 2 (Album)
Enter width of smaller sized photos, in cm
Height 2 (Album)
Enter height of smaller sized photos, in cm
How many prints in total? (Non-Photo Print)
Is this number an approximation? (Non-Photo Print)
No
Yes
Type (Non-Photo Print)
Art Print
Poster
Illustration
Postcard
Unknown
Colour Characteristics (Non-Photo Print)
Black & White
Colour
Both
Process (Non-Photo Print)
Photogravure
Lithography
Digital Print
Monotype
Monoprint
Stencil
Screenprint
Pochoir
Intaglio
Engraving
Drypoint
Mezzotint
Etching
Aquatint
Relief
Woodcut
Linocut
Multiple Processes
Unknown
# of Dimensions (Non-Photo Print)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Non-Photo Print)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Non-Photo Print)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Non-Photo Print)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Non-Photo Print)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
Mount (Non-Photo Print)
Sheet
Card
Frame
Case
Mat
Mount Width (Non-Photo Print)
Enter width, in cm
Mount Height (Non-Photo Print)
Enter height, in cm
Specific Material Designation (Architectural and Technical Drawings)
Architectural drawing
Technical drawing
Specific Material Designation (Cartographic Materials)
Map
Remote-sensing image
Remote-sensing images are produced by a recording device that is not in close contact with the object under study. Most commonly in archives, these are air photographs.
How many items in total? (Map, Arch/Tech)
Is this number an approximation? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes
Do the item(s) consist of multiple sheets that fit together to form the item? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes
How many sheets? (Map, Arch/Tech)
Do the item(s) include overlays? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes
How many base items? (Map, Arch/Tech)
How many overlays? (Map, Arch/Tech)
Do all of the items have printing on both sides of the item? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes
Method of Production (Map, Arch/Tech)
Hand-drawn
Computer printout
Reproduction
Printing
Would you like to determine the type of reproduction process used? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No - It's a Xerox photocopy
No
Yes
What is the colour of the lines? (Map, Arch/Tech)
White
Blue
Dark Brown
Light Brown
Purple
Pink, Red or Orange
Black or Gray
Green or Yellow
Multiple Colours
What is the colour of the
ground?
background surface of the item
(Map, Arch/Tech)
Black or Gray
Blue
Brown
Buff to Orange
Green
White
White or Dirty White
Clean White
Flecked White
Mottled White to Reddish Brown
Select the colour that most closely matches; if it cannot be selected, choose the next most appropriate description of the colour until you find one that is selectable
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Negative Photostat Print
White lines or gray areas on black or dark gray ground. Print surface smooth, paper fibres hardly visible. Image embedded in emulsion layer at surface. Possible silver mirroring.
Photocopy (Xerox)
Electrofax
White lines on a dark carbon based toner ground. Support is slick and shiny and is easily tarnished when a coin is run across it. Coated surface cracks when document is folded. Paper may be fragile due to degradation.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Diazotype (Blue)
Blue lines on a flecked, dirty white ground. Possible yellowish discolouration on image side. Soft image lines; folds and marks from original reproduced as well as image lines. Hard calendared surface, paper fibres not raised, typical of dry processing.
Pellet Print (Positive Blueprint)
Prussian Blue lines on a white ground. Clean, uniform ground, possibly with faint blue tone overall, or light blue streaking. Hard image lines, embedded into the fibres of the support. Matte surface with raised papers fibres, typical of wet processing.
Hectograph (Handmade)
Blue lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Blue printing ink link on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Multiple colour lines in a single print occasionally found. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Positive Van Dyke Print
Cool brown lines on a clean white ground. Lines sometimes have a bronzed, metallic appearance. Matte surface, with raised paper fibres, typical of wet processing.
Hectograph (Handmade)
Brown lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Brown printing ink link on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Multiple colour lines in a single print occasionally found. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Ferrogallic print (Acid bath developing – pre-1900)
Low contrast images, medium brown lines on a light brown/mauve background. Soft lines on a smooth, uniform ground. Matte print surface. Support often brittle.
Diazotype (light brown)
Light brown lines on a flecked, dirty white ground. Possible yellowish discolouration on image side. Usually on opaque paper.
Hectograph (handmade)
Light brown lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Light brown ink on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Multiple colour lines in a single print occasionally found. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Hectograph
Purple, blue or black lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900. Hand produced. OR Purple lines on small format paper. Machine produced.
Gel-lithograph
Purple ink on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Multiple colour lines in a single print occasionally found. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Diazotype
Pink, crimson, dark peach, or sepia lines on a flecked, dirty white ground or a smooth, light peach ground. Possible yellowish discolouration. Possible "Ozalid" watermark. Image lines soft on hard, calendared support. Paper fibres not raised.
Hectograph
Pink, red or orange lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Pink, red or orange ink on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
What is the nature of the support paper? (Map, Arch/Tech)
Glossy surface, emulsion coated paper
Paper or cloth fibers visible, no emulsion
Smooth surface, paper coated with white pigment
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Positive Photostat Print
Black or gray lines on white ground. Print surface smooth, paper fibres hardly visible.
Silver Halide Print
Black lines on clean white ground. High contrast black & white images only, no gray tones. Print surface smooth, paper fibres hardly visible. Unlike Photostats, silver halide may be very large format.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Diazotype
Black or gray lines on a flecked, dirty white ground. Possible yellowish discolouration on image side. Images lines soft on hard, calendared support. Paper fibres not raised.
Stencil Reproduction (Mimeograph)
Black lines on uniform white ground, on absorbent, small format paper sheets. Hard images lines of an uneven density.
Hectograph (Handmade)
Black lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Wash-off Print
Black ink line, possibly silver based, on unevenly discoloured, highly degraded support. Found on paper, but most commonly on resin coated drafting cloth. Ink lines may have a metallic sheen.
Ferrogallic Print (Autodeveloping, post-1900)
Brownish-black lines on a light ground which may be uniformly discoloured. Ink lines, slightly raised on top of print surface. Found on paper or drafting cloth.
Gel-lithograph
Black printing ink on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Photocopy (Xerox)
Black lines of carbon based toner on a white ground. Lines appear slightly soft.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Diazotype
Yellow to green lines on a flecked, dirty white ground. Possible yellowish discolouration on image side. Images lines soft on hard, calendared support. Paper fibres not raised. These colours are possible, but rarely seen in diazotypes.
Hectograph
Green or yellow lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Green or yellow printing ink on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Select from the following (Map, Arch/Tech)
Hectograph
Multiple colored lines on uniform white ground. Soft, feathery dye lines on well-sized paper. Dimensions of prints may be quite large. Early prints, mostly produced before 1900.
Gel-lithograph
Multiple coloured ink lines on uniform white ground on well-sized, non-sensitized paper or drafting cloth. Hard, dense image lines. Dimensions can be large. Produced after 1900.
Are the item(s) coloured or partly coloured? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes - All
Yes - Some
Yes - All hand coloured
Yes - All coloured, with some hand coloured
Are the item(s) annotated? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes
What material are the item(s) made of? (Map, Arch/Tech)
Paper
Drafting Linen
Tracing Paper
Mylar
Mylar is a polyester film used for its strength, stability, transparency, and barrier properties. Mylar is archival safe.
Select 'Drafting Linen' only if item is directly on linen, not if paper mounted on fabric
Are the item(s) mounted? (Map, Arch/Tech)
No
Yes - on linen
Yes - on muslin
Yes - on rods
# of Dimensions (Map, Arch/Tech)
1
2
3 or more
Width 1 (Map, Arch/Tech)
Enter width of largest sized item, in cm
Height 1 (Map, Arch/Tech)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (Map, Arch/Tech)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (Map, Arch/Tech)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
What type(s) of remote-sensing images? (RSI)
Photographic print
Negative reels
Glass negatives
How many images in total? (RSI Photo/Glass)
Is this number an approximation? (RSI Photo/Glass)
No
Yes
# of Dimensions (RSI Photo/Glass)
1
2
3 or more
Width 2 (RSI Photo/Glass)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 1 (RSI Photo/Glass)
Enter height of largest sized item, in cm
Width 2 (RSI Photo/Glass)
Enter width of smaller sized item, in cm
Height 2 (RSI Photo/Glass)
Enter height of smaller sized item, in cm
How many reels in total? (RSI Reel)
Is this number an approximation? (RSI Reel)
No
Yes
Include a count of the images frames on the reels? (RSI Reel)
No
Yes
How many image frames are on the reels? (RSI Reels)
Is this number an approximation? (RSI Reel Frames)
No
Yes
What is the diameter of the reels?
Reset
No Description Yet
