GIS as a tool in geotechnical engineering

A geographic information system (GIS) is a relatively new software tool for geotechnical engineers. Its capabilities range from conventional data stor age to complex spatial analysis and graphical presentation. This paper demo nstrates the potential for a GIS to become a powerful, but routine, office tool. It highlights the importance of the geotechnical engineer in both the development and application of the technology. The impact of a GIS within a geotechnical design office is discussed with reference to a number of cas e histories, These include an archaeological survey, a landscaping assessme nt, a contaminated land remediation and a construction planning project, Su ccessful application of the technology required a combination of geotechnic al knowledge and the GIS-based skills. This was achieved, in practice, by t raining the geotechnical engineers to be proficient in using the software a s well as understanding the GIS concepts, In terms of technical and financi al performance, the multi-tasking functionality of the GIS was found to be well-suited to projects in which large quantities of data were analysed. Th e GIS enabled automation of repetitive and search procedures and quickly be came the tool of choice, The GIS opened up opportunities for viewing and an alysing data and enhanced the capabilities of the project engineer,