TABLE OF CONTENTS Once the overall project objectives have been defined, the actual data management objectives should be addressed. This involves several steps, including defining the actual function and objectives of the database, the user interface, and the life expectancy of the total project.
Several factors should be considered when defining the function of the database. At one end of the spectrum, the database may serve as the central corporate repository for all geotechnical data. At the opposite end, the database may only contain specific technical data for a particular discipline, user, or group. For example, consider if all geological and geophysical data will reside in the same central database or if each group of users will have separate and independent data stores. While it is sometimes easier to build (or buy) data-specific data management systems, in other cases it is preferable to have all the data in one place. To a certain extent, this is determined by user needs and the size of the database.
Possibly the most critical step in the data management system planning process is defining what will be needed in the user interface. User interface development is addressed more completely in the Designing the User Interface chapter, but some of the main planning considerations are as follows.
Will it be necessary to provide a full-function, full-featured graphical user interface (GUI), including map-based GIS browsing capabilities? Map-based interfaces require more defined spatial coordinates and metadata.
