Heritage Databases
Empowering Communities with Cultural Knowledge Systems
Cultural heritage databases built by ACHM are designed to be robust, intuitive, and future‑proof—empowering Traditional Owners and project proponents with secure, spatially rich cultural knowledge systems.
Using state‑of‑the‑art platforms such as the Weave platform by Cohga —the same technology used by the Victorian, Queensland, and South Australian governments—and the industry‑leading ESRI ArcGIS suite, we create interoperable, high‑accuracy databases that store archaeological records, ethnographic information, cultural values, documents, multimedia, and spatial datasets in a single cohesive environment.
These systems give stakeholders the ability to visualise cultural landscapes, identify sensitive locations, and manage heritage obligations with clarity and confidence.
Our team specialises in developing custom cultural heritage databases that integrate digital field data, legacy records, GIS layers, and cultural knowledge in ways that respect cultural protocols and uphold data sovereignty.
Whether delivered as web‑based interactive mapping tools, secure GIS data packages, or comprehensive cultural values repositories, each system is tailored to community expectations and regulatory requirements.
With ACHM’s advanced geospatial capability—including GIS mapping, cultural values mapping, heritage databases, and mobile data collection workflows—you gain a powerful digital foundation to protect heritage, support decision‑making, and ensure cultural knowledge endures for future generations.
Why Choose ACHM
Experienced Team
Our spatial solutions team brings decades of expertise to every project.
Nationwide Reach
From urban developments to remote communities, we operate across Australia.
Reputation of Excellence
Trusted by clients for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Case Studies
Testimonials
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cultural heritage database?
A cultural heritage database is a secure system that stores archaeological records, ethnographic information, cultural values, documents, multimedia and spatial datasets in one place. Linking each record to an accurate GIS location allows Traditional Owners and project proponents to visualise cultural landscapes, identify sensitive areas and manage heritage obligations with clarity and confidence.
Who uses cultural heritage databases?
Traditional Owner corporations, government agencies and project proponents in mining, energy, infrastructure and urban development all rely on heritage databases. Communities use them to protect and pass on cultural knowledge, while proponents use them to understand constraints, plan works around sensitive places and demonstrate compliance with their heritage obligations.
What is the difference between a state heritage register and a project heritage database?
State registers, such as the Victoria’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS) or Western Australia’s Aboriginal Heritage Inquiry System (AHIS), are statutory records managed by government. A project or community heritage database is a private system holding detailed field data, reports, cultural values and management obligations, tailored to a specific project, landholding or Traditional Owner group.
Can the public search the Aboriginal heritage register?
Yes, but with strict access conditions. Aboriginal heritage registers hold culturally sensitive information, so access is regulated and highly restricted. In Victoria, the register is accessed through the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS) and is limited to people who need detailed information to protect and manage heritage. Other states and territories apply their own access rules.
How is Indigenous data sovereignty protected in a heritage database?
Through governance agreed with Traditional Owners before any data is collected. Access permissions, restricted layers for sensitive or gender specific knowledge and clear ownership terms ensure communities control who sees what. The CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility and Ethics) provide a widely recognised framework for responsible management.
What information can a heritage database store?
A well designed heritage database can store site records and coordinates, artefact and excavation data, survey coverage, photographs, video and audio, ethnographic notes, cultural values, reports, permits and management conditions. Integrating legacy records with new digital field data creates a single, searchable source of truth for every heritage place across a project or Country.
How do heritage databases support mining and infrastructure projects?
They give project teams one reliable view of heritage constraints across large, often remote, landholdings. Sensitive places, survey coverage, clearances and management conditions can be checked before ground disturbance, helping proponents plan works, track compliance, respond to audits and avoid the delays, costs and reputational damage that follow inadvertent harm to heritage.
How is field data collected and added to a heritage database?
Field teams typically use mobile GIS apps with standardised digital forms and survey grade GPS to record sites, artefacts, photographs and observations on Country. Structured data capture reduces transcription errors and allows data to be validated and uploaded quickly, so the database reflects current conditions soon after each survey, monitoring or excavation program.
Can Traditional Owner groups own and manage their own heritage database?
Yes. Many Traditional Owner corporations and Native Title bodies commission databases they own and manage themselves, recording sites, cultural values, oral histories and agreements. A community controlled system strengthens decision making in heritage negotiations, supports caring for Country programs and helps ensure cultural knowledge is passed on to future generations.
How can you tell if a heritage database is accurate and up to date?
Look for clear metadata showing who recorded each entry, when and with what equipment, along with documented validation against field data and register records. Regular updates after each survey, permit or management action, plus audit trails for every edit, keep the database defensible in regulatory, assurance and expert witness settings.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your Project?
ACHM provides specialist GIS services that map cultural heritage values with accuracy and regulatory confidence. Partner with our spatial analysts to strengthen your compliance outcomes and keep your project moving. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.