GTK's geological databases for seamless 3D geological mapping and modelling

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Database systems play crucial role in the field of geology, serving as indispensable tools for organising, analysing, and retrieving vast amounts of geological data. With ever increasing volume and complexity of geological information generated from various sources, such as field surveys, laboratory analyses, and remote sensing techniques, the need for efficient and comprehensive databases has become paramount. Read further to learn what Geological Survey of Estonia GIS specialists and geologists learned about databases on their scoping visit to colleagues in Finland!

Geologists can make informed decisions, conduct detailed analyses, and gain valuable insights into Earth's processes, resources, and hazards by providing a centralised database repository for geological data. They facilitate collaboration, enhance data integrity, and contribute significantly to seamless 3D geological mapping and modelling advancements.

On the 14th to 15th of June 2023, the Geological Survey of Estonia (EGT) GIS specialists and geologists visited colleagues at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) in Kuopio. This visit's grand aim was to learn about GTK's workflows and database solutions for bedrock and drill core observations, fieldwork solutions, GIS tools, implementation of different Esri solutions, and usage of FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) software and 3D geological modelling.

Before getting into details, it is essential to mention that only recently, at the end of 2022, EGT initiated a project to develop a common database for its geological data (GEA). One of the general aims of that project is to link EGT's multiple databases using FME Server and Esri solutions. This scoping visit was significant for gaining valuable insight into tackling different challenges during the project implementation and how to integrate various software solutions into EGT's workflows in the future.

EGT geologists visiting colleagues at the GTK Kuopio office.

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Attention! Read further only if you are a geological database or GIS enthusiast! The following is a more detailed insight into data management systems used at GTK! :-)

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GTK generally uses ArcGIS Server to offer WMS (Web Map Service) and WFS (Web Feature Service) for external customers. Like EGT, GTK uses FME software for moving data between different datasets and databases. Besides commercial software solutions, GTK has leveraged its in-house development capacity to create separate data dissemination solutions like the Mineral Deposits and Exploration web map application.

Although GTK has made enviable steps towards making geological data accessible through different web solutions, not all their data is open-access. Thoughtful decision making is used to decide whether a data product is free of charge or payable. For example, primary observations and detailed geophysical surveys are classified as payable data products.

GTK still uses ArcMap  as main GIS program as many of the in-house developed data extract and input applications were designed for this platform. ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro program is simultaneously in use for spatial data manipulation and visualisation. The ArcGIS Pro, which is already used in EGT will replace the older GIS program in the near future when the in-house solutions will be updated on the new platform.

One relatively new tool in GTK's arsenal is the Portal for ArcGIS, which covers some of the internal geological data searching and viewing requirements in GTK. The Portal is called GisVasu and currently displays geological, geochemical, geophysical, and topographic map data. The data can be viewed online in a browser or accessed through ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop environment.

During the discussion, the EGT's GIS specialists were able to share their experience working with the Portal for ArcGIS and its services. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity to inquire about GTKs drill core storage and related IT solutions. EGT's drill core storage data is currently stored in an Excel file, but it is on the agenda to set up a proper database solution soon. Therefore, it was essential and helpful to learn how GTK has set up its system in that field.

GTK uses FME software (Workbench and Server) for manipulating and updating data for services aimed at different customers. EGT already uses this software and plans to use it even more. Besides other technical steps, GTK shared their experience on how these processes include various workgroups for defining customers' needs, testing solutions, etc. Some of the services GTK provides are free to all users (Common Creative 4.0 Attribution International licence), but some require a licence fee. For example, the customers of paid services are mineral exploration and mining companies.

In geology, field works and field data capture play a vital role in studies and in generating maps. GTK has used their in-house developed field data capture applications for these tasks (e.g., Kapalo and Mobile-Kapalo). In the future GTK will use more commercial solutions for field data capture. GTK has developed own customized user interface for bedrock data capture in ArcGIS Field Maps mobile software. GTK plans to use Field Maps during the field season 2023. Older Kapalo applications are still in parallel use for the field season 2023.

 An example of the ArcGIS Field Maps user interface used in GTK.


For inputs to 3D modelling GTK uses field observation data, digital bedrock maps, digital terrain models and geophysical survey interpretations. For that several 3D modelling programmes are used – Leapfrog, Surpac, GOCAD, Geomodeller, ISATIS and Subsurface Viewer (to see the difference between these programs - click here). The EGT currently uses only Leapfrog from all these listed above. One of the problems in using many software in parallel is for example that many different data formats are in use concurrently, complicating data management. Also, all the necessary software licence fees can be pretty hefty.

GTK has different databases for archived historical and contemporary thin sections from field samples. The spacial data and metadata is downloadable for free from the Hakku web service, along with other geological data related to Finland. Internal and external researchers can enquire thin sections for their studies from the GTK archive.

In conclusion, the EGT's specialists scoping visit to Finland was vital to the Estonian geologists. EGT, as the youngest geological survey in Europe, gained valuable information and guidance, which can either be used immediately in their database development project (GEA) or which can be used to plan more effective and intelligent solutions in the future. Likewise, it turned out that EGT has a bit of a head-start at some topics like ArcGIS Pro and Enterprise, where they could share experiences with GTK in return. All participants were exited about the event and confirmed that the EGT-TWINN project has started a wonderful and fruitful collaboration and co-operation of between the two national geological surveys.

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