Information Technology Issues in the Development of the Pilot Cosmos/PEER-LL Geotechnical Virtual Data Center

A project supported by the PEER-Lifelines Program is currently finalizing a pilot system architecture supporting web-based interfaces capable of providing access to publicly available geotechnical data sets. This paper describes the pilot system architecture design developed by the project's Virtual Data Center Work Group (VDCWG). The design is based on the results of a geotechnical data use and user scenario survey and a data dictionary developed by the project's User Scenario Work Group (USWG) and Data Dictionary Work Group (DDWG) respectively. The design allows multiple data providers to make their data available through a uniform web interface, while each retains possession and control of their data. A user is able to view and download data from multiple organizations in a uniform file format. Over the long-term, the main objective is to extend the pilot system and link multiple databases of government agencies, universities and private companies. A workshop planned for June 21 – 23, 2004, will review the system to obtain input and consensus from the geotechnical community. The workshop proceedings will serve as a future implementation plan for expansion into a large-scale web portal.