The computer as an interactive geotechnical data bank and analytical tool

An evaluation of the feasibility of a computer data storage system has been undertaken utilizing interactive computer techniques that enable a person with minimal geological or computing knowledge to input a borehole record using normal English, in response to a question-answer routine. All data items are internally coded by the computer, reducing effort and minimising the chances of human transcription error. Flexibility of terms input is allowed for by the use of self updating vocabularies. Data is retrieved in response to a question-answer routine that enables complete listings, the selective retrieval of data items, or the analysis of sedimentary successions to be achieved. A routine identifying the changing bulk lithological character of a sequence is presented.