3. QGIS plugins
PCA maintains a growing collection of QGIS plugins designed to support archaeological survey, field recording, data quality, post-excavation and day-to-day GIS production.
The plugins are developed around PCA workflows and are intended to make common tasks faster, safer and more consistent across projects.
Note
PCA plugins are distributed through the internal PCA QGIS plugin repository.
Use the PCA QGIS profile wherever possible so that the repository, permissions and related settings are configured automatically.
3.1. Keeping plugins up to date
Keeping plugins current ensures that you receive the latest bug fixes, workflow improvements and compatibility updates.
Open QGIS.
Select .
Open the Upgradeable tab.
Review the available updates.
Select Upgrade All.
Restart QGIS if prompted.
Tip
The Upgradeable tab only appears when one or more installed plugins have an available update.
If the tab is not displayed, your installed plugins are already up to date.
3.2. Plugin directory
The catalogue below provides an overview of the tools currently distributed through the PCA plugin repository.
Each plugin is designed for a specific part of the PCA geospatial workflow. Some are lightweight productivity tools, while others support complete archaeological survey, recording or post-excavation processes.
3.2.1. Raster and data conversion
Raster to GPKG Converter
Converts raster datasets into GeoPackage raster layers and automatically builds pyramids for improved display performance.
The plugin provides a consistent way to package orthophotos, survey imagery and other raster data into a portable GeoPackage format suitable for use in PCA QGIS and mobile GIS projects.
GeoPackage to SHP Exporter
Exports each spatial layer contained in a GeoPackage into a separate ESRI Shapefile.
Empty layers and non-spatial tables are excluded automatically, making the tool useful when preparing clean delivery folders or transferring selected datasets into legacy workflows.
3.2.2. Survey and fieldwork
PCA Geomax Survey Processing
Processes PCA survey data using the current Geomax code-list workflow and supports integration between survey data, GIS and the PCA DRS system.
The plugin is a core component of the PCA survey-processing workflow. It works with raw survey data exported in Shapefile format and applies the structure required by the PCA Geomax code-list system.
A dedicated help section is available from the plugin toolbar and provides additional information about processing steps and expected input data.
Evaluation Trenches Generator
Generates archaeological evaluation trenches and prepares the supporting files required for GNSS setting-out.
The tool provides a set of functions for creating evaluation trench layouts in QGIS and converting them into practical survey outputs for use in the field.
PCA Fieldwalk Grid Generator
Creates standardised archaeological fieldwalking grids from a site boundary.
The plugin generates a British National Grid-aligned 100-metre hectare grid together with an optional detailed collection grid using user-defined cell dimensions.
Grid cells are labelled using a consistent PCA fieldwalking reference system and can be saved directly into the project GeoPackage with the required PCA styles.
UK National Grid Map Reference Finder
Navigates directly to a location using a UK National Grid Reference.
After a grid reference is entered, the map canvas zooms to the corresponding position and displays a temporary marker to highlight the location.
This is particularly useful when working from coordinates supplied in field notes, reports, emails or project documentation.
3.2.3. Mergin Maps
Mergin Projects Permits Adder
Adds and manages permitted Mergin Maps project folders within the QGIS settings.
The plugin simplifies the configuration of approved project locations, prevents duplicated entries and allows existing paths to be updated through a dedicated interface.
3.2.4. Data quality and checking
PCA Geometry Quality Control
Scans all vector layers in the current project for geometry problems that may affect editing, analysis or map production.
The tool identifies null, empty and invalid geometries, summarises the results in a dedicated panel and provides quick actions for reviewing, selecting or removing problematic features.
Layers can be excluded from the checks using the
skip_geometry_check layer variable, and reports can be copied or
exported for project records.
Check Duplicated Features
Checks a vector layer for duplicated features.
Duplicates can be identified using geometry alone or by combining geometry and attribute values. Once the check is complete, the results can be reviewed and, where appropriate, removed directly from the layer.
PCA DRS Context Checks
Provides a collection of checks for PCA DRS context records during the post-excavation phase.
The plugin can identify issues such as missing context sheets, duplicated context numbers and recorded features that do not match the site plan.
Results are displayed in a dockable panel, allowing inconsistencies to be reviewed directly within QGIS.
3.2.5. Project and layer management
PCA Data Source Explorer
Provides a structured overview of every data source used in the current QGIS project.
File-based layers are grouped by folder and source file, making it easier to understand where project data is stored and how it is organised.
The plugin distinguishes between project data, external files, missing sources, database connections and online services. Multi-layer formats such as GeoPackage and DXF can be expanded to show their internal layers.
It can also identify repeated data sources and generate a text report containing the project name, project location and source summary.
Search Value
Searches for values across a layer attribute table and navigates directly to matching geometries.
When a result is found, the corresponding feature can be selected and the map canvas zoomed to its location.
This is useful when locating context numbers, feature identifiers, drawing references or other recorded values in large datasets.
3.2.6. Editing tools
Replace Clipped Geometry
Replaces the geometry of an existing feature while preserving all of its attributes and metadata.
The plugin supports point, line and polygon layers and uses native QGIS snapping and advanced digitising tools.
Optional clipping can constrain the replacement geometry to a selected or intersecting polygon, making the tool suitable for detailed archaeological and CAD-style editing workflows.
Add Save All Edits Shortcut
Adds quick access to the QGIS Save Edits for All Layers function.
The plugin reduces the risk of leaving edits unsaved when working with several editable layers at the same time.
3.2.7. Post-excavation
PCA Post-excavation
Supports the management of archaeological post-excavation data directly within QGIS.
The plugin helps maintain consistent groups, entities, periods, sub-periods and phases, updates related Interventions and DRS records, and prepares standardised exports for reporting and analysis.
It is designed for routine archaeological GIS use and helps keep post-excavation datasets structured and consistent throughout the project.
PCA Export Phased Features
Exports polygons from the Features_for_PostEx layer into separate phased
ESRI Shapefiles.
Features are grouped using post-excavation phasing fields. The workflow includes export validation, geometry safety checks, an export preview and QA logging.
PCA Finds Distribution Generator
Creates archaeological finds-distribution layers directly from finds catalogues.
The tool can also generate grouped summaries for contexts, cuts or other recording units, including combined quantities and weights.
It is intended to make the preparation of finds-distribution outputs faster and more consistent.
3.2.8. Reporting and record output
PCA Report Description Generator
Creates draft archaeological report descriptions directly from PCA DRS context records.
The plugin supports cut, group and individual context descriptions and uses dedicated templates for fills, layers, masonry, skeletons, cremations and structures.
Text is generated only from information recorded on the relevant context sheet, helping maintain consistency between field records and reporting. Generated descriptions should always be reviewed and refined before use in a final report.
PCA DRS Context Sheet Printer
Generates clean, printable PDF recording sheets directly from PCA DRS databases.
The plugin supports context, trench, cremation and skeleton records and uses native QGIS print layouts to create compact one-page outputs.
It is designed as part of the integrated PCA DRS and GIS workflow.
3.3. Need help?
If a plugin is missing, does not update correctly or produces an unexpected result, contact the Geospatial Data Team and include:
the plugin name;
the QGIS version being used;
a screenshot of the problem;
the project location;
a brief description of the action that caused the issue.
Providing these details will make it easier to investigate the problem quickly.