Computerized Data Bases at the West Virginia Geological Survey

Michael Ed. Hohn, Mary C. Behling

The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey has data bases for oil and gas, coal, limestones, sandstones, springs, and water, as well as administrative data bases, on the West Virginia Geological Survey's VAX 11/750, several IBM PC, ATs, and XTs and on IBM mainframes at the West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing.

The most advanced and comprehensive of these data bases is the oil and gas information system, which includes files on well locations, operator names, pay zones, shows, stratigraphic tops, initial potentials, well completions, monthly production, and other data. Information is accessible through formated screens that check new data for validity and consistency. Both FORTRAN programs and DATATRIEVE procedures edit data across files, create standard reports, and set up files for maps and interactive graphics. The public cannot access data directly, but the Survey provides limited quantities of data in the form of listings or files on magnetic tape for a fee.

Status of the other data bases ranges from those needing a complete overhaul (coal) to those that are essentially complete (springs).

Mapping is performed through the SURFACE II program and programs written at the Survey. In addition to standard contouring algorithms, we use kriging in its many variants. Interactive graphics include display of stratigraphic cross sections and maps.

Future plans include development of a new coal data base on the VAX, more programs for interactive display and verification of basic data, and possible application of an expert system to data verification.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91041©1987 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Columbus, Ohio, October 7-10, 1987.