How Do Geophysical Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Relate to Each Other?

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By Jeff Thurston | 01 May 2011 | 2528

Geophysical data and geographic information systems (GIS) are tightly connected to each other. Data arising through geophysical endeavors involve earth science, mining, archaeology, seismic, hydrological, energy exploration, geology, marine and engineering. Many different kinds of sensors can be used to capture this kind of data. That information supports the development of 2D, 3D and 4D techniques related to spatial analysis, visualization and display.  A large amount of geophysical work today is related to understanding earth processes relating to earthquakes, volcanoes and flooding - all involving geological and ground survey information.

Geophysical data and geographic information systems (GIS) are tightly connected to each other. Data arising through geophysical endeavors involve earth science, mining, archaeology, seismic, hydrological, energy exploration, geology, marine and engineering. Many different kinds of sensors can be used to capture this kind of data. That information supports the development of 2D, 3D and 4D techniques related to spatial analysis, visualization and display.  A large amount of geophysical work today is related to understanding earth processes relating to earthquakes, volcanoes and flooding - all involving geological and ground survey information.

Understanding the Earth
A basic question we ask when performing geophysical related surveys is "how can we understand earth processes better and what kind of information do we need to obtain to support improved knowledge?" If we understand earthquake activity is likely to arise, then we can develop strategies to mitigate events, should they happen to occur. This include deciding where to build infrastructure, what kinds of structures need to be built given the potential of expected events and other factors.

In other cases understanding might mean gaining integral pieces of geological knowledge. Do specific kinds of geological formations mean that oil, gas or geothermal energy may be present? Clearly, geological knowledge and the data that supports underground understanding of geological formations is needed to support this kind of activity.

Geodesy enables us to understand the earth's gravitation, tides and polar motions. Other applications depending upon datums and coordinate systems can be seen as directly related to geophysics.

In recent years many of us have become more aware of earthquakes due to their damaging and continuous impacts. New Zealand, Japan and Iceland have all presented earthquake and volcanic events that have caused us to pay closer attention to monitoring seismic activity and other geological anomalies.

To understand geophysical activities is not a static process. Sometimes we seem to forget that the earth is constantly changing. The recent Japan earthquake activity has reportedly moved the land several meters and shifted elevations both up and down. What does that do to the understanding of flood zones along Japan's cost now? The situation has changed.

Applications involving marine surveys provide useful and detailed information for bathymetric studies and coastal environments, often influenced by underwater conditions along coastlines. What we cannot see (underwater) has major impact on many regions - making it all the more important to survey and to develop management strategies within these areas.

A part of this understanding of the Earth's processes is connected to communication. Large amounts of resources are devoted to helping people to understanding these activities, both for basic education purposes (supporting the study of engineers, geologists, mining professionals etc) and their disciplines, while another part involves helping the general public to appreciate and understand often complex data, tools and technologies and to instill a sense of involvement for their own safety and relief capabilities.

The Benefits of GIS in Geophysical Processes
Geophysical activities will often involve huge amounts of data. They not only require suitable computing capability, but a means to integrate disparate datasets. As might reasonably be expected, geophysical activities cut across many disciplines, projects, business applications and geo-political arenas. Accordingly, many different people collect data for similar regions, but sometimes for different purposes or goals. Consequently, many areas find they are data rich but integration poor when it comes to managing spatial data in a coordinated and useful way that supports  the development of better overall understanding and improved efficiency.

In other cases more complex processing of geophysical data is warranted. This might include geostatistics and geoanalysis and can involve time series analysis. Yet, other applications depend on the extraction of particular kinds of data that tell stories quickly and are useful for communication and education experiences.

In principle, GIS for geophysical data can be seen as an integrator of many kinds of spatial data acquired from a wide array of instruments and sensors. All of this information is location oriented and useful GIS provide a means to integrate a wide range of geophysical data types.

However, I think a strong GIS in the geophysical area ought to include a capability to process the information and to deliver it back to consumers and businesses that depend upon the results of large quantities of data, but have no reasonable means to capture, manage, analyze and present them. Given that many projects involve a host of companies are often multi-disciplinary in scope, collaboration capabilities are also highly valued when using geophysical tools and technologies.

Because of what appears to be increasing numbers of high impact earthquakes, floods and volcanic activity in recent times, there is a rise and interest in this kind of work. With pressures for more energy rising, the future will increasingly involve this kind of activity and demand a high number of professionals who can acquire, process and communicate about geophysical data using GIS tools.

More information

GIS and Mining

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DIGISOIL Survey 2011

Mapping the Footprint of Ore Deposits in 3D Using Geophysical Data

MEDIN Recommendations for Funding Marine Data Archiving in the UK

NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC)

Science Advice and Science Policy in the Obama Administration - AGU

Australia - Potential Field Methods Prove Effective for Continental Margin Studies

South Africa Claiming Huge New Ocean Territory

Engineering and Marine Services

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About Matt Ball

Matt Ball

Matt has been promoting the application of sensors, systems, models and simulation for the better stewardship of our planet for the past fifteen years. The first ten years of that span were as editor of GeoWorld magazine and show manager of the GeoTec Event. The past five have been as a founder of Vector1 Media, with publications Sensors & Systems, Informed Infrastructure and Asia Surveying & Mapping. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.