Information program
Exploration NSW Information program has managed a world class geoscience information resource. New geophysical images, geological maps and integrated data packages on CD-ROM have been released regularly. DIGS®, a world-first in electronic delivery for open file exploration, is being followed by other internet-ready geoscience information systems.
The Exploration NSW Initiative has been committed to other projects. They include online applications, database management and statewide geology modelling.
Online Applications
Online delivery of statewide and regional geoscience information to industry and government through the internet services is one of the most important parts of the Exploration NSW Initiative. The following projects are intended to improve the existing online services. A new application project - EROL (Exploration Report Online Lodgement), is also created.
- New DIGS® - New web interface that improves the retrieval and delivery of reports is now available.
- New MinView has been developed and is going to be launched soon. New improvements/features include Panning & Zooming, Bookmarking, Email Alerts, Additional Layers and Better Queries and Report Output.
- A new application - EROL (Exploration Report Online Lodgement) is created to accelerate and improve the exploration reporting process. EROL is an extension to the core DIGS®, which enables exploration title holders to lodge reports via the internet.
Database Management - COGENT
The Geological Survey is progressively reviewing the way it manages and manipulates geological data through the COGENT system. COGENT stands for the COmmon GEoscientific EnvironmenT and applies to all aspects of information management in the Geological Survey of the NSW. This includes data collection, storage and the production of geoscience products. COGENT is using the latest GIS and Database Technology.
Data management is carried out in a controlled environment and all corporate data (with the exception of geophysics) reside in an Oracle-SDE database system. An example is the capture and storage of field observations. Some mapping teams use palm top devices (PDA's) to capture data in the field prior to up-loading it into the corporate database. These data are then used to compile maps and all the information, a mix of point and polygon information is stored in the corporate database .
COGENT datasets, where possible, are assembled to provide a Statewide view, and represent an important part of the Exploration NSW initiative. Information present in the corporate database include facts on metallic and industrial mineral occurrences, land-use dealings, fossil locations, geochemical assay results, isotopic ages, field observations, drilling, rock names, petrology descriptions, and metadata (information about data and products). At present the databases are accessed via a web page on the Department's Intranet site. COGENT exploration datasets can be accessed via MinView.
COGENT was first developed in 1997 and has evolved to include a wide range of data types. Contact geology@dpi.nsw.gov.au for more information on the COGENT process.
Background ESRI whitepapers on the COGENT database and metadata systems are also available:
Statewide Geology Modelling
The Geological Survey has developed a statewide Geology geodatabase model that has been accepted as a national standard. The model fully describes rock units and structures to support simple and complex queries for a range of research and business purposes.
Project Summary
Project started in late 2001 to develop a data model for data collected during geological mapping at scales from 1:250 000, to 1:25 000. At present a dataset of 1:250 000 scale data has been compiled. Work is underway to produce the "best available" set based on 1:100 000 scale (or better) map data.
The early attempts were offered to a committee of government geoscience agencies (GGIPAC) as the basis for an Australia national model. In 2003 a working party developed a conceptual model for the agencies to use. (GGIPAC - Government Geoscience Information Policy Advisory Committee).
The Geological Survey of New South Wales has developed an "implementation model" based on this conceptual model and deployed it as a geodatabase. The migration to this corporate geodatabase is close to completion. It is believed to be the first geological Geodatabase in the world to be fully implemented by a Government agency.
Description of the Model
It is designed to hold features recorded during the process of geological mapping. These features carry attribute data recording observations, measurements and interpretations. The values in domains conform to national standards and can also hold values used by the State agency. Refer to GGIPAC for tables of national terms.
The following products are derived from the model:
- Hard copy geological maps.
- Web visualisation of geology.
- Database allowing simple to complex spatial and aspatial queries.
The model is detailed in the following documents: