Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical Data Exchange: Setting the Standard

Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (DIGGS) is a data exchange standard developed through the cooperation of a multinational group of agencies, organizations, academics, and industry. To the extent feasible, current data standards are being incorporated, with modifications, into DIGGS. DIGGS will provide a standardized format for data exchange between disparate geotechnical and geoenvironmental databases and software. The several significant advantages to the user of DIGGS include the ability to: 1 exchange data between databases within an agency or organization, 2 receive data from consultants in a standard format, 3 exchange information with other agencies, 4 perform data quality checks, 5 exchange data between software packages and providers, 6 produce software products that are more standardized and more compatible with other products, 7 utilize and analyze data from various sources in an integrated geoenvironmental/ geotechnical data management system. The development of DIGGS is proceeding in a staged process. However, DIGGS will ultimately cover the entire gamut of geotechnical and geoenvironmental data including boreholes, tests, assets, and hazards.