This road map is subject to agreement with the User Group on particular developments. We see the priorities as follows (in no particular order):
- Continue to develop MapLink for QGIS, to work with current LTR versions, allowing use of HBSMR without commercial 3rd party GIS licences.
- Develop MapLink and HBSMR to work with the latest desktop GIS products from ESRI and Precisely MapInfo.
- Promote "cloud" provision of HBSMR for HERs and contractors, using a SaaS model where appropriate.
- Work with partners to improve HBSMR Gateway web services and other linked open data APIs.
- Continue to improve HBSMR Web & API components to help HERs develop low-cost sustainable web sites.
- Work with the User Group and FISH to ensure HBSMR is fully compliant with MIDAS Heritage and the Compliance Profile for HERs.
- Work with the User Group, FISH and Historic England to update the Thesaurus Module in line with their recommendations.
- Continue improving data exchange mechanisms, focussing on the specific business needs of HERs and partners.
- Continue to improve the management and integration of digital resources via LibraryLink 5 - our next generation digital asset management component.
- Progressively extend HBSMR Web & API components to support editing and business workflows.
Release schedule
2025 Q1: v6.20 minor upgrade
2025 Q4: v7 major upgrade, containing (but not limited to):
- Areas module
- Approved items to value of about 40 days effort
- AI assistance - to be confirmed