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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1995; v. 97; p. 1-4;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1995.097.01.01
© 1995 Geological Society of London

The what, why, when, how, where and who of geological data management

Jeremy R. A. Giles

British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK

The variety, form and volume of data available to geologists have increased significantly over the past few decades. It has become essential to use databases (either analogue or digital) to turn this avalanche of data into usable information. A significant percentage of databases that are created do not repay the cost and effort of their creation and can therefore be considered to be failures. The probability of creating a successful database can be increased by careful consideration of a few simple questions. What is the objective that the database will meet? Why is a digital database being considered? When, if ever, will the cost and effort of creating the database be repaid? How will the database be designed and created? Where are the users? And finally, who will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the database?