EarthFX - Earth Science Data Model Brochure

A Data Model is essentially a network of data tables developed to both efficiently store data as well as enforce a number of rules to ensure data integrity and consistency. The evolution of the EarthFX data model has been driven by the need of hydrogeologists to store large amounts of groundwater-related data and the need to rapidly retrieve and analyze these data. Through several iterations (beginning in 1991), we have made an effort to balance database theory (normalization) and user preferences (spreadsheets) to foster usability yet accommodate larger volumes of data. The EarthFX Data Model is currently being used to manage environmental data for a wide range of studies including a nuclear reactor facility, several regional groundwater studies, military bases, and a contaminated fractured rock site. The data model also works seamlessly with SiteFX to ensure ease of use, controlled data entry and rapid data extraction.