Geodatabase Design for Streamlining Geohazard Site Characterization

摘要

This paper presents an overview of a Geographic Information System (GIS) geodatabase design that is optimized to organize data and increase efficiency in geohazard site characterization and risk assessment. Specifically, the paper: describes the geodatabase framework; highlights useful datasets and how they are organized; demonstrates geodatabase implementation into a risk assessment workflow; and gives a qualitative assessment of increased efficiency compared to non-GIS based approaches. This geodatabase application demonstrates the improvements realized in accessing, organizing, and visualizing relevant data to improve the understanding of geologic conditions before and during site investigation (e.g. well-site clearance, facility siting, pipeline route selection, etc.). It is also used to optimize data retrieval, to characterize the regional to site-specific geological conditions, and to help identify areas where data gaps occur which may require additional investigation.We present a case study illustrating the development of an Alaska offshore geodatabase, which allows easy access to data that would otherwise be housed in multiple storage locations and formats. The geodatabase can query a multitude of public and proprietary data to understand the regional and site-specific geologic conditions. Because considerable thought and time were taken up front to organize data, end-users are able to quickly access data that might have otherwise taken valuable time to compile. This approach provides a vast improvement over site investigations where the geoscientist had to comb through multiple sources and illustrates the need for data to be housed in a framework where data is easily accessible. The geodatabase creation was made possible by methodical investigation of available data and best-practice organization. Use of integrated geodatabases will continue to increase efficiency in the areas of data retrieval, organization, utilization, and assessment in the face of ballooning volumes of data. This approach to quick and easy access saves time while making the data more likely to be used, all leading to a more complete and accurate geohazard assessment.