ArchSite(GIS)

The South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) makes information about cultural resources and/or historic properties available to consultants and government agencies through ArchSite, the National Register files, and the South Carolina Statewide Survey's Inventory of Historic Properties. Consultants and agency representatives should search all three sources of information for compliance-related projects. The Consultant's Guide to Survey and National Register Files (PDF) provides an overview of the information included in the SHPO files and a step-by-step checklist for searching for properties that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

ArchSite is an online Geographic Information System (GIS) that enables researchers to quickly determine if a cultural resources survey has been performed and/or if any cultural resources and/or historic properties are recorded within a specific project area. The following data layers are currently available on ArchSite:

Important: Archaeological site information is managed and maintained by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA). The SCIAA website contains information on how to access ArchSite, their archaeological site files, and how to make an appointment.

ArchSite (http://archsite.cas.sc.edu/ArchSite/) includes two applications that have been designed for specific users: Public View and Subscription View:

1. Public viewers will have access to National Register listings, historic property survey information, and non-locational archaeology information. Access to the Public View is provided at no cost to interested persons and does not require a signed license agreement. ArchSite users can create their own username and password for access to the Public Viewer by completing the Create a New User Account online form.

2. Subscriber viewers will have access to all of the state's cultural resource digital files including restricted National Register listings and archaeological site locations. The Subscriber View will be available to cultural resource professionals, environmental consultants, and planners.

ArchSite can be accessed at a computer workstation in the Research Room at the Archives and History Center (Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday). Subscriber View access in the Research Room is password protected in order to restrict access to sensitive information. All organizations requesting Subscriber View access must sign a License Agreement and complete the Subscription Request Form, which are accessible on the ArchSite homepage. The organization also needs to submit a resume, CV or position description for each person requesting Subscriber View access.

All license agreements and access forms must be submitted to Tamara Wilson, ArchSite Administrator at SCIAA, prior to receiving authorization to use the ArchSite application.
Any user agreements for access to the former Cultural Resources Information System (CRIS) are null and void.

Send agreements and forms to:

ArchSite Administrator
SCIAA
1321 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29208
or e-mail them to Tamara Wilson 

Once the appropriate paperwork has been approved, consultants and planners should call ahead to arrange an appointment for use of the ArchSite workstation in the Research Room. Appointments should be made with Rebekah Dobrasko, 803-896-6183.

Additional questions and concerns regarding ArchSite should be directed to Jon Leader at SCIAA, 803-777-8170.

Additional information regarding accessing ArchSite