By Carl Grice
In geotechnical engineering, we know that data is our most valuable asset. For too long, however, managing it has been a shared industry challenge. Outdated processes and fragmented systems – from paper files to isolated spreadsheets – create risks that impact project timelines, budgets, and safety. It’s estimated that roughly half of all construction failure costs are linked to unforeseen ground conditions, as mentioned in the CRUX Insight Eighth Annual Report: From Insight to Foresight – HKA.
Today’s geoprofessionals are moving beyond these limitations. They are demanding sophisticated GIM software that actively solves these deep-seated challenges. Here are the top five things users now expect from a modern GIM solution.
1. A single, centralised source of truth
The most fundamental demand is for a single, cloud-based platform to serve as a centralised repository for all geotechnical information. The era of “data silos” where critical information is scattered across incompatible databases, network drives, and spreadsheets is giving way to a more integrated approach.
Users want to eliminate the version control chaos and confusion that arises from having multiple, conflicting data sources. A centralised “single source of truth” ensures that everyone on the project team, from the field to the office, is working with the same up-to-date and accurate data.
2. Seamless collaboration and data standardisation
Modern GIM software must bridge the gap between the field, office, and lab. Users demand tools that facilitate seamless collaboration and enforce data quality from the moment of capture. Key features include:
- Standardised digital data capture: Mobile apps with customisable forms for boreholes and tests are essential. This ensures data is collected consistently and supports industry standards like the AGS (Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists) format, eliminating the errors common in manual, paper-based workflows.
- Improved data quality: Users expect built-in validation rules to flag missing or out-of-range values. They also want tools like controlled vocabularies and data dictionaries to harmonise geological terminology from different sources, creating clean, reliable data.
- Richer data context: The ability to easily attach photos, videos, and GPS coordinates directly in the field provides valuable context that is often lost with traditional methods.
3. Powerful visualisation and analysis tools
While static 2D drawings have their place, they are often no longer sufficient. Users require advanced visualisation capabilities to truly understand complex subsurface conditions. They want to create interactive 3D ground models by integrating diverse data types like borehole logs, lab results, and geophysical surveys.
These models must be more than just pictures; they need to be powerful analytical tools allowing for a deeper understanding of ground behaviour and more effective communication of risk.
4. Deep interoperability with the entire project ecosystem
A GIM solution cannot exist in isolation. Users demand deep and native integration with the other software platforms used across a project’s lifecycle. This includes interoperability with civil design software like Bentley’s OpenRoads Designer and Autodesk’s Civil 3D, as well as with GIS and BIM platforms.
This interoperability is crucial for enabling design optimisation, clash detection, and early risk mitigation. Furthermore, it serves as the critical foundation for creating subsurface “digital twins”, dynamic virtual representations of physical assets that can be used to simulate performance and inform decisions throughout the asset lifecycle.
5. Enterprise-grade security and governance
As geotechnical data moves to the cloud, security is paramount. Users expect enterprise-grade security features to protect sensitive information on critical infrastructure projects. Key priorities include:
- Compliance with global standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
- Clear data governance frameworks that define roles and responsibilities.
- Robust technical safeguards, including granular access controls and end-to-end encryption.
From data to decisions
These five demands highlight a fundamental shift in the industry. Geoprofessionals are no longer just storing data; they are actively using it to drive better decisions. By embracing a modern, centralised GIM approach that delivers on these expectations, organisations can unlock the true value of their data.
The return on investment is clear and proven. The US Army Corps of Engineers saved an estimated 62,700 work hours and spent $500,000 to transform USACE data into a $500 million asset, as discussed in the following blog – Going digital: US Army Corps of Engineers turns $500k into $500m data asset – Civil. The message is undeniable: the right GIM software turns data into a powerful corporate asset, leading to more efficient, cost-effective, and safer infrastructure projects.