Project Context / Objective:
The University Museum Bergen engaged Takin.Solutions to extend and enhance their existing FileMaker-based field recording database for iPad, used for archaeological excavation documentation. The goal was to significantly increase the system’s on-site functionality by integrating photo capture, photogrammetry tools, LIDAR scanning, image annotation, and barcode workflows directly within the app — reducing manual steps and streamlining the fieldwork recording process.
Takin.Solutions’ Role / Contributions:
Takin.Solutions acted as FileMaker developer and field systems consultant, delivering all development and implementation work as a fixed-price engagement with ongoing support.
Key Activities:
- Developed and implemented a script enabling photo capture from directly within the FileMaker app on iPad.
- Built functionality to automatically attach photos to the relevant layouts within the database.
- Created shortcuts to launch Pix4D and Polycam photogrammetry apps from within the recording environment.
- Researched and implemented integration with the iPad Pro’s native LIDAR tool, enabling insertion of screenshots or file paths to LIDAR outputs into the database.
- Wrote scripts to import screenshots from Pix4D and Polycam directly into FileMaker records.
- Developed an image annotation workflow allowing users to draw on images in a dedicated app and re-insert the annotated files back into FileMaker.
- Added barcode generation and print functionality to a key database layout.
Deliverables / Outputs:
- Enhanced FileMaker database with full photo capture and attachment functionality.
- Integrated shortcuts for Pix4D, Polycam, and LIDAR tools.
- Image annotation workflow with round-trip FileMaker integration.
- Barcode generation and print script.
- Monthly support and issue resolution following field testing.
Outcome / Impact:
The enhanced database gives the University Museum Bergen’s field teams a significantly more capable and self-contained recording environment on iPad, integrating photogrammetry, LIDAR, and image annotation tools directly into their existing workflow. By reducing the need to switch between apps manually and automating photo attachment and barcode handling, the system improves both the efficiency and consistency of archaeological documentation in the field.
