Multi-disciplinary projects involve a large amount of data of various nature that must be securely stored, quality checked and carefully organised to ensure confidentiality and high-quality analyses.
Centralised and Secured Data
Providing rapid access to up-to-date data for all the collaborators while keeping a high level of security is challenging and was achieved by creating a cloud-based data repository. Centralisation of the database allows all contributors to work on the same data implying real-time changes and updates. Credentials for data access are managed internally at Ad Terra and can be customised to maximise security and work efficiency. An MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) was put in place to ensure the highest level of data protection. Frequent backups and full redundancy of this cloud-based repository guarantees high data resilience.
Architecture and visualisation
Organisation is the most important aspect of the database as data needs to be easily and rapidly accessed. For that purpose, a clear directory structure and standardised file names are defined. A “portal” containing active links to frequently accessed data helps our collaborators navigate the database.
Large tabular datasets (e.g. well production history which for one of our client represents around 300’000 entries) are regrouped in tables in a relational database to be quickly and conveniently retrieved using SQL (Structured Query Language) queries. Those datasets originating from numerous isolated files are then displayed in a visual way (interactive charts and maps) more understandable than the raw data.
Different displays were developed depending on data type and intended target audience. Technical interfaces are built in Microsoft Excel macro enabled files to allow the user access to the tabular data with the ability to use it beyond visualisation purposes. Spatial data is in this case directly displayed in a GIS (Geographic Information System) software such as QGIS or ArcGIS for manipulation and analysis. Custom plugins, such as a simplified data retrieving tool from the above-mentioned relational database, were developed using Python programming language to meet our client needs. Alternatively, management interfaces take the form of an interactive geoportal showing an overview of the available data in a graphic way for supervision and rapid decision making.
