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FindMyBrick Identification Data

UK Brick Identification Data

FindMyBrick is building an original identification dataset describing the visual and physical characteristics that can help distinguish similar UK bricks.

This public page explains the type of information behind the FindMyBrick identification system. It is deliberately separate from the private matching machinery used to compare photographs and rank candidates.

📷 Identify a brick from a photo

What the dataset describes

Colour familyBroad colour groups such as red, brown, buff/yellow, dark and multi-tonal, with secondary colour characteristics where useful.
Surface textureObservations about sandfacing, smoothness, rustication, granular texture, creasing, pits and other visible surface features.
Manufacturing appearanceCharacteristics associated with pressed/stock, wirecut/extruded, handmade and other visible manufacturing styles.
DimensionsLength, width and height where reliable catalogue or user-supplied measurements are available.
Edge and face characteristicsObservations about arrises, face variation, firing marks, mottling and the distribution of light and dark areas.
Identification observationsStructured observations produced during identification analysis, used to improve candidate selection and future matching.

How FindMyBrick builds the data

  1. Brick catalogue records are collected and normalised from the FindMyBrick catalogue and researched product information.
  2. Visible characteristics are structured into consistent identification fields rather than relying only on product names.
  3. Photograph-based identification produces additional observations about colour, texture, manufacture and other visible clues.
  4. Anonymous identification outcomes can be used to evaluate which catalogue candidates were useful and where the matching system needs improvement.
  5. Only characteristics and identification metadata needed for this purpose are retained; uploaded identification photographs are not stored as part of this feedback dataset.
Important: “Original” means the identification structure, observations and analysis compiled by FindMyBrick. It does not mean every underlying manufacturer specification or product photograph is owned by FindMyBrick.

Why this matters for brick matching

Two bricks can share a broad colour description while looking very different in person. A useful identification dataset therefore needs more than labels such as “red brick” or “yellow stock”. It needs observations about surface morphology, colour distribution, manufacturing appearance, dimensions and other distinguishing characteristics.

FindMyBrick uses these characteristics as supporting evidence alongside actual catalogue photographs and product information. The aim is to make brick matching more useful for repairs, extensions, renovations and replacement-brick research.

What remains private

Keeping these implementation details private does not prevent the public catalogue and identification characteristics from being useful, crawlable information.

Verification status

The identification dataset is being developed incrementally. A brick is not labelled “FindMyBrick Verified” simply because it exists in the catalogue. Verification should be based on genuine identification evidence or a separately reviewed record.

As the system collects more real-world identification feedback, additional brick profiles can be given more detailed, evidence-backed characteristics.

Dataset licence and reuse

The original FindMyBrick dataset compilation and original structured observations are not offered under an open reuse licence. Third-party facts, specifications and photographs may have separate rights. Read the Dataset Licence and Use Terms before reproducing material from this dataset.

Use the identification system

Have a brick you cannot identify? Upload a clear photograph and, if possible, provide accurate dimensions. The identifier compares the photograph with catalogue candidates and explains the strongest available matches.

📷 Find my brick