A Maritime Compass Petroglyph in Shetland

On other aspects of the Compass Wart site, further research is required into the epigraphic evidence, particularly; analysis of the size, depth and possible tool marks of the carving of the graphemes (year date numerals, lettering and symbols) as well as the compass rose itself to establish the sequencing of the graffiti. To support this a detailed and comprehensive recording and cataloguing of these features for comparison with those at other compass petroglyph sites and with archival information should be considered. This kind of documentation of the graffiti at the Compass Wart is vital in building a better picture of how the surrounding cultural and maritime landscapes were used historically and for how long. As part of this process of documentation, high resolution digital scanning of the site to produce 3D digital records would allow greater scholarly, on-line access to the detailed features of what is a relatively remote location. Last but not least consideration should be given to protection of the site from further erosion and damage.