Open Geoscience Data Models

Photo copyright: iStockphoto. Open Geoscience Data Models is a two-year NERC-funded knowledge exchange project that started in June 2011.

BGS Open Geoscience Data Models aim to provide open, ready-to-use database designs that are free for all.

We also intend to build a self sustaining community that will develop these designs, and add additional designs, to meet the needs of the wider environmental community.

You can influence which topics we develop by filling in our short online survey

Latest News

The BGS borehole drilling team (Dando) in action Borehole Data Model
October 2011 — Our first data model is now available for download!
It contains the design and documentation required to create a database for holding a Borehole Index and Geological Interpretations, see Borehole Data Model

What will we deliver?

The BGS and its project partners will deliver the following:

  • downloadable, topic specific 'database design packages', containing:
    • fully documented data models
    • implementation scripts in a variety of formats
    • related data dictionaries
  • technical support, through:
    • documentation
    • online tools, such as forums and wikis
    • site visits to help some users implement designs
  • a plan to promote and continue the Open Geoscience Data Models initiative after the initial project life of two years

Available designs

The following geoscientific topics are just some of the designs that are available:

  • borehole location
  • borehole interpretations
  • collections management
  • hydrogeology
  • landslides
  • lithostratigraphical lexicon
  • geochemistry
  • rock classification

Supported technologies

The implementation scripts that will be included in the Database Design Packages will be available for a variety of relational database platforms, including:

  • MySQL
  • Oracle
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQL Server

Get involved

We are looking for individuals and organisations who are interested in:

  • migrating from analogue to digital records
  • upgrading database designs
  • sharing experiences of geological data modelling
  • exploring future collaborative opportunities in this area

You can influence which topics we develop by filling in our short online survey

Contact

Contact Carl Watson project coordinator for further information.