Integrated Paleontological Data Base and Image Library

GOODMAN, DAVID K., Arco Oil and Gas Company, Plano, TX, RICHARD C. BECKER, Mobil E&P Services, Inc., Dallas, TX, JOHN VAN COUVERING, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, LEONARD N. FORD, JR, BioSpectrum Research, Glen Allen, VA, and NAIRN R. ALBERT, Paleoservices Ltd., Watford, U.K

MICROBASE (MICROpaleontology data BASE) is an integrated data base and image retrieval system designed to increase the efficiency and precision with which paleontologists access and interpret paleontological and biostratigraphic data. The project is funded by a consortium of oil companies and coordinated by the American Museum of Natural History with assistance from the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists. MICROBASE is a PC-based MS DOS-compatible system operating under Windows.

Images are captured using a video camera mounted on a microscope or using a high-resolution scanner for photographic source material. The image is saved either as a digital file or as an analog "frame" on a Panasonic optical disk recorder (OMDR). The OMDR can store 108,000 images on one 12-in disk with a retrieval and display time of less than 0.5 second. Microfossil data (nomenclature, synonomy, descriptions, stratigraphic distribution, etc.) are stored as relational tables in an ORACLE DBMS.

MICROBASE is the first integrated and widely supported system to electronically archive paleontological data, regardless of fossil group. It provides rapid, easy access to paleontological data, resulting in standardized taxonomy, more efficient identification procedures, substantially reduced learning curves for persons unfamiliar with particular groups, and more effective retention of the cumulative expertise of experienced paleontologists.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91004 © 1991 AAPG Annual Convention Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 1991 (2009)