GEOVISION: A STRATIGRAPHIC AND BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC DIGITAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

GeoVision is a prototype for a sedimentary, paleontologic and stratigraphic internet-based information system that is designed to become part of a larger geoscience digital data network presently being discussed (e.g., "GeoInformatics"). GeoVision attempts to incorporate all map-based data, which includes geologic formations, structure, etc. Data from measured stratigraphic sections and well logs are viewed similarly to geologic maps, with data tied to them in meters above base or below the surface. Locations for both new and legacy samples are automatically converted to the system's decimal degree latitude/longitude format. A general lithologic name is important for efficient searches, and to help streamline the data input procedures. However, part of our rationale is that the rock name is not as critical as are the details of petrography and petrochemistry, hence we minimize nomenclature issues. One worker's "feldspathic arenite" is another's "arkosic sandstone" - such names can be entered, but they will be treated as searchable metadata. The use of pull-down boxes for common and standard petrologic and sedimentologic terms and the use of "dialogue boxes" for the free-form input of descriptive information (metadata) will provide the user with a more "natural" interface. Lithofacies, biofacies, water mass, and sequence stratigraphic terminology are derived from pull-down lists that reflect the broadest usage in the literature; these lists will be updated as required. Similarly, group and genus for paleontologic data will be selected from a pull-down list, and the list for species/trivial names will grow through use. To maintain the integrity, reliability, and the accountability of the data, age assignments will be based on the time scale terms used by data source (and credited to that source). Revisions of age assignments must be made during data analysis, not during data input. Easily retrieved photographs, photomicrographs, diagrams, documents, etc., can be linked to any point or area on a map, in a well, measured section, associated with a sample, etc.