ABSTRACT:
acQuire is a database management system for the storage of quality data related to the exploration and mining industry. Poor data management systems can lead to inconsistencies and loss of data which results in a waste of time and money to achieve a usable set of data. Integral to the acQuire system is the data model with its different components which allows for the storage of data collected at the different scenarios in the exploration program. acQuire is commonly used for organizing geological and geochemical data but is now being used for the management of geotechnical data sets. This paper will discuss possible work flow models. Also discussed will be quality control and data validation aspects from the geotechnical logging and mapping phase through to the integration of the data in the database and the running of procedures to perform calculations; validating the data and the retrieval of the data for reporting and other geotechnical procedures.
1INTRODUCTION
Paper logging systems have long served a purpose but have been replaced over the years with more modern digital systems following development trends in Information Technology. In situations where a paper system is still being used, the data collected will inevitably be transferred to a digital scheme for storage and use in application products. It therefore makes sense to capture the data digitally at the onset of a project, making use of features such as pick lists with valid selections and comment fields for extra information. Digital data capture systems encourage good data collection protocols by establishing business rules and validation procedures. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) are handheld devices originally designed as personal data organisers but have developed into devices with data capture functionality.
