Introduction
The SGS database is intended to be a first point of reference for those interested in finding out what has been done and where, and to enable the user to find relevant data. A major challenge facing SGS is how to archive the data using new Information Technology Systems. SGS has information in the form of hardcopy maps, engineering drawings, printed reports, and spreadsheets. The data recovery section converts these data into a usable form since they may not be accessible or usable beyond the original purpose for which they were collected.
The SGS earth-science database reflects the core activities of the SGS, which are interlinked and are integrated into a homogeneous system. The SGS database consists of a rationalized set of information suitable for a wide range of applications, with interfaces for data input, output, and graphical representation of raw and processed data. The database applications allow searching by geographic area, year of a survey, and so on. The programming applications form the backbone of the information system and are used in the various technical departments via the local area network (LAN). The information provided covers various aspects of the earth sciences and serves survey and exploration efforts in the Kingdom.
The applications provide programming functions for obtaining information from the database and to allow the display of data. Data queries can be based on different criteria, and the applications provide a secure system with strong validations rules, both for data input and querying the system, so that SGS staff and related organizations can use the data with a high level of confidence.
Core Activities
One of the primary tasks of SGS is to carry out exploration surveys for mineral deposits in the Kingdom. The Geoscience Department database section is responsible for consolidation of the mineral resource data that has been collected by geologists and further processed by the laboratory. The department has developed applications for geologists to enter mineral exploration data collected in the field as well as data from the laboratory. The database uses software from microsoft Access, VB.net, ASP.net and MS SQL SERVER. Although the applications developed by the department could support all survey activities, the database is only used for mineral exploration, both metallic and non-metallic. The Applied Geology section maintains survey data in their own formats.
Mineral resource studies require geological reference information from across the globe. In order to maintain the uniformity of the mineral database and conformity with global standards the Geosciences Database Division has been developed, and updates a mineral lexicon. The applications for entering the database can be accessed by the geologists online in client server mode. The format is made available along with a lexicon in MS Excel format to the field geologists for onsite data entry. One problem for the Geosciences Database Division the arbitrariness in Lexicon preparation. Too many lexicon entry requests are received from the field parties, and since the pool of experts who approve these requests do not meet frequently, and in order to maintain work progress, the Geoscience Database section has to incorporate the requested changes that are approved by the field party.
The Information Development Divsion develops and supports applications based on business requirements that are used for activities such as drilling, transportation, topography maps etc.
Database lexicon (dictionary) |
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Climatology stations interface screen (web application).
Targets
• Build a national earth-science database for the Kingdom that preserves
the work of previous decades and contains basic and interpreted data in all fields of the earth sciences.
• Organize and execute the recovery and storage of all existing and future information from each earth science division of the Survey and from other organization working in earth sciences.
• Exchange information between the SGS and other organizations with similar interests.
• Create an electronic Arabic-English earth science dictionary for the standardization of terms and definitions.
• Allow access to the data and their thematic applications by selected outside organizations.
• Automate the transfer of hard-copy data to an electronic format
Crystals reports statistical representation report for
climatological parameter.
Our Services
• Development of different Windows or web-based
applications.
• Standard or custom reports (digital or graphical).
• Maintenance and applications support.
• Provision of information of interest to other departments, such as ground-water, natural hazards, and mineral deposit information.
• Provision of reliable geoscience information about Saudi Arabia to outside communities or clients.
• Provision of recommendations and optimum business solutions to other departments and evaluation of man-agement applications that are used by SGS.
• Provision of training to the users of our applications.
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Database Projects