T.V. Loudon

Steps toward Grid-based geological survey: Suggestions for a systems framework of models, ontologies, and workflows

Consideration of an explicit systems framework for geological survey information is timely, to assist in developing and maintaining an integrated and coherent view of regional geoscience in a Grid-based context. A framework based on a solid Earth systems model is tentatively proposed in this paper. The developing advanced infrastructure of information and communications technology, the so-called Grid, points to more flexible global communication that will help to overcome artificial boundaries and divergence of concepts from separate places and scientific disciplines. Interoperability of information (the ability to amalgamate and work with concepts, terms or models from various sources, and thereby share and reuse information) will be a key to the Grid’s success. Geological surveys can respond to the opportunity by changing their emphasis, away from publishing printed maps and related documents, towards maintaining a geoscience knowledge system from which scientific workflows can provide flexible services that match requirements specified by the user. The changing system should fit with, and build upon, existing patterns of human thought and the published record; include interpretation as an essential part of the conceptual building blocks that support geologists as they abstract, codify and reason, link observation to explanation, and predict what they have not yet observed; support improved representations of the geology; and encourage the use of generic concepts and ontologies, following international standards where appropriate.

Affine transformations for digitized spatial data in geology

Abstract Affine transformations are among the most basic and useful geometrical operations in computer applications in geology. Homogeneous coordinates extend their applicability. The methods are essential in handling digitized locational data and are applicable widely in other graphical applications such as calibrating data sets for plotting, and in shape comparison and spatial analysis. Affine transformations alter the length of lines and the angles between them, whereas straight lines remain straight, parallel lines remain parallel, and the ratio in which a point divides a line remains the same. Their geometrical significance indicates that they can be visualized readily, and the corresponding operations in matrix algebra provide a straightforward method of computer implementation. A transformation matrix is calculated from four calibration points, the coordinates of which are known before and after transformation. Multiplication of coordinates in the initial frame of reference by the transformation matrix converts them to coordinates in the new frame of reference. A listing of relevant FORTRAN programs is given, with examples.

Geoscience after IT. Part J.: human requirements that shape the evolving geoscience information system

Abstract The geoscience record is constrained by the limitations of human thought and of the technology for handling information. IT can lead us away from the tyranny of older technology, but to find the right path, we need to understand our own limitations. Language, images, data and mathematical models are tools for expressing and recording our ideas. Backed by intuition, they enable us to think in various modes, to build knowledge from information and create models as artificial views of a real world. Markup languages may accommodate more flexible and better connected records, and the object-oriented approach may help to match IT more closely to our thought processes.

A computer system for handling digitized line data from geological maps

Abstract A system is described in which digitized line data, such as the boundaries shown on a geological map, are handled within existing software environments for data management and graphic display. Methods of preprocessing and interfacing are described, which were implemented with less software effort than would be needed for a specialized cartographic system. The methods may not be appropriate for high-precision production cartography, but provide a flexible method of meeting two objectives: in the short run, to extend existing computer plotting programs to include digitized lines; in the longer run, to gain experience with techniques for representing and describing geological maps in digital form. A structure of line-segment files and attribute data files is proving effective for these purposes. By separating the three functions of data recording, storage and display, which are combined inextricably in the traditional geological map, computer methods may provide increased flexibility for recording geological data observed in the field.

Four interacting aspects of a geological survey knowledge system

The developing cyberinfrastructure affects the knowledge system by which geological surveys collect, represent and communicate their knowledge, and thereby influences their view of the geology. Consequences for four interacting aspects of the overall system (infrastructure, business models, geological framework and surveying methods) are outlined. Although each reflects a different area of expertise, all aspects must work together to support an incipient change of emphasis in survey work-from publishing maps and supporting documents, to contributing to a whole-Earth knowledge system that responds flexibly to user needs.

Geoscience after IT. Part L.: adjusting the emerging information system to new technology

Coherent development depends on following widely used standards that respect our vast legacy of existing entries in the geoscience record. Middleware ensures that we see a coherent view from our desktops of diverse sources of information. Developments specific to managing the written word, map content, and structured data come together in shared metadata linking topics and information types.

Geoscience after IT. Part H. Familiarization with managing the information base: familiarization with managing the information base

The geoscience record stores information for later reuse. The management of bibliographic, cartographic and quantitative information have different backgrounds. All involve: deciding what to keep; structuring the record so that information can be found when needed; maintaining search tools, indexes and abstracts; defining the content by reference to metadata. The current approaches to managing the literature, spatial information and quantitative data may be subsumed in a more comprehensive object-oriented model of the information base.

Geoscience after IT. Part I.: a view of the conventional geoscience information system

Part B. Benefits for geoscience from information technology, and an example from geological mapping of the need for a broad view...5 1. The geoscience literature...5 2. Managing a knowledge base...6 3. Sharing information...8 4. The need for a broad view...8 4.1 Extending the language...9 4.2 Connectivity and integration...11 4.3 Deliver and print...12 5. Towards a user requirement...12 6. References...13 6.1 Internet references ...13

Geoscience after IT. Part C.: Familiarization with IT applications to support the individual geoscientist

Familiarization with IT proceeds best by first learning the basic skills, using them, and considering the consequences; thus developing a mindset to take advantage of future opportunities. A desktop computer is a good starting point. Word processing can be seen as a route from tangled thought to immaculate presentation. Spreadsheets can help to build, analyze and plot datasets. Data can be collected with forms and spreadsheets, with on-line instruments in the laboratory or in the field, or by scanning and maybe OCR. Standards are needed to communicate between systems.

Computer reports on open file at the British Institute of Geological Sciences

For various reasons, formal publications do not cover the full range of computer work at the Institute of Geological Sciences. Because of the need for rapid or specific dissemination, information on computer work may be included in internal reports, usually obtainable for the cost of copying, packing, and posting. One specialist group for whom such reports may be of interest are those working on geological applications of the computer. Therefore, the list here was compiled along the lines of the announcements by Agterberg (1976) concerning the Geological Survey of Canada, Merriam (1977) concerning the US Bureau of Mines, and Burns (1979) on Australian sources.