Abstract
Many sets of data in the natural sciences have a hierarchical structure that is either inherent in the data or that is imposed on them during collection. These data structures can be defined using mathematical set-theory notation. If data from two or more computer-processable files are accessed simultaneously, the application of operations of set union and intersection leads to emergence of certain criteria which must be adhered to when managing data files using a generalized, database management system. One of the situations in which these principles come into play is illustrated by the merging of two computer-processable files of geotechnical data, the data for both files having been derived from the same source but structured differently.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amarel, S., 1967, An approach to heuristic problem solving and theorem proving in the proportional calculus,in Systems and computer science: Univ. Toronto Press, p. 125–220.
Artandi, S., 1972, An introduction to computers in information science (2nd ed.): Scarecrow Press Inc., Metuchen, New Jersey, 190 p.
Artandi, S., 1971, Document retrieval and the concept of sets: Jour. Am. Soc. for Info. Science, v. 22, p. 289–290.
Artandi, S., 1970, Document description and representation,in Ann. review of science and technology 5, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, Illinois, p. 143–168.
Burk, C. F., Jr., 1972, Computer-based geological data systems—an emerging basis for international communication: Proc. 8th World Petroleum Congress, v. 2, p. 327–335.
Dolan, F. T., Dust, N. H., and Woodcock, J. R., 1970, Evaluation of generalized data management systems: Univ. Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
Grandclaude, Ph., 1972, La formalisation des donnees geologique,in Traite d'informatique geologique: Masson et Cie, Paris, p. 53–99.
Golder, H. Q., and Associates Ltd., 1972, Reference manual for London data interpretation, environmental geology information system: Geol. Surv. Canada, unpub. tech. rept., 33p.
Hubaux, A., 1973, A new geological tool—the data: Earth Science Reviews, v. 9, no. 2, p. 159–196.
Hubaux, A., ed., 1972, Geological data files—survey of international activities: CODATA Bull. 8, Frankfurt/Main, Germany, 30 p.
Laffitte, P., 1969, La codification semantique en informatique geologique: Annales des Mines, no. 12, p. 75–83.
Monk, J. D., 1969, Introduction to set theory: McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 193 p.
Pinter, C. C., 1971, Set theory: Addison-Wesley Publ. Co., Reading, Massachusetts, 216 p.
Steig, D. B., 1972, File management systems revisited: Datamation, v. 8, no. 10, p. 48–51.
Sutterlin, P. G., 1971. The design of computer-processable information systems: Can. Inst. Mining and Metallurgy, Sp. Vol. 12, Montreal, Canada, p. 399–403.
Sutterlin, P. G., and De Plancke, J., 1969, Development of a flexible computer-processable file for the storage and retrieval of mineral deposits data: Proc. Symposium on Decision-making in Mineral Exploration II, Univ. British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, p. 11–42.
Windeknecht, T. G., 1967, Concerning an algebraic theory of systems,in Systems and computer science: Univ. Toronto Press, p. 232–249.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sutterlin, P.G., Aaltonen, R.A. & Cooper, M.A. Some considerations in management of computer-processable files of geological data. Mathematical Geology 6, 291–310 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02082353
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02082353