GE Smart Geotechnics Conference to Highlight Continued Relevance of Data Standards in Ground Engineering amid AI Advances
London, 3 October 2023 – The forthcoming GE Smart Geotechnics conference, scheduled to take place at the Park Plaza Victoria in London, is set to be a crucial platform for digital innovation within the ground engineering industry. Among the notable speakers is Neil Chadwick, Digital Geotechnical director and a member of the Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) Data Management Working Group. Chadwick is slated to address the pivotal role of data standards in the industry, even as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and influence various functions.
The GE Smart Geotechnics conference will showcase a variety of digital advancements, many of which rely heavily on extensive datasets. This reliance on data inevitably brings the topic of data standards into focus. Chadwick anticipates scepticism from some quarters, with arguments suggesting that AI could potentially mitigate the need for rigorous data standards by handling data organisation autonomously. He contests this notion, asserting the necessity of structured data, which remains integral despite AI’s advancements.
While AI has indeed made significant strides in tasks such as borehole log digitisation, Chadwick argues that human oversight and verification still play crucial roles. He emphasises that AI should be leveraged for complex tasks that present challenges for humans, rather than routine ones which can be efficiently managed with existing tools.
Chadwick lauds the AGS data format, a key contributor to the success of UK ground engineering, recognised globally. However, he acknowledges that the format, particularly its CSV-like delivery method, has its detractors. This split opinion has spurred the ongoing development of AGS5, a major update aimed at aligning the format with contemporary technologies and practices while maintaining fidelity to long-standing users.
Regarding emerging global standards, Chadwick notes organisations like buildingSMART and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), which are working on extensions that incorporate geotechnical data into broader frameworks such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). These developments are designed to complement rather than replace the AGS data format.
A key topic in Chadwick’s discussion is the role of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in data exchange. As the geotechnical industry increasingly adopts APIs for machine-to-machine data transactions, there is a risk of divergent formats if left unchecked. The AGS is actively exploring how APIs influence geotechnical data handling and aims to harmonise these with established data standards.
The GE Smart Geotechnics conference, co-located with the GE Basements & Underground Structures conference, will bring together industry experts to explore these themes. It promises a comprehensive programme addressing current and future challenges and innovations in geotechnics, ensuring the continued progress and integrity of the field.
The event will cater to a wide range of professionals, offering reduced rates for GE subscribers and early career attendees. This conference is poised to make significant contributions to the ground engineering industry, providing insights and discussions that will shape its future.
Source: Noah Wire Services