Streamlining geological field data collection, management, and integration with QField

Field observations and measurements are essential for reconstructing the geological history of a region and for producing accurate maps and models. For national geological surveys, these raw data are critical resources that need to be efficiently managed, stored and disseminated for effective reuse in research. At BRGM, GeoField¹, an application developed within the framework of the Référentiel Géologique de la France (RGF)² and subsequently extended to support other geological projects, allows field data to be managed and capitalised according to the geological reference system, ensuring compatibility with internal and international standards. This system facilitates the compilation, sharing and reuse of data in accordance with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Recently, a data acquisition process was implemented to streamline field data collection and enable direct integration into GeoField. This workflow relies on QField³, an open-source mobile application built on the QGIS engine, leveraging key features such as seamless integration with QGIS projects, customizable data forms, the ability to use proper vocabularies, and offline mapping capabilities. A dedicated master project was designed to meet the specific needs of field geologists, enabling them to capture essential information through tailored forms, complete with dropdown lists to ensure consistency in terminology. Adapted symbology allows for real-time visualization of structural measurements on the map. The master project is made available to users through a QGIS plugin, which loads the project template, including a predefined database structure and up-to-date BRGM lexicons. Users can then customize their project by adding relevant layers, such as map backgrounds and other vector or raster data (e.g., DEM, geochemical analysis, geophysical data), and load the project onto their mobile devices for field acquisition.

Upon returning to the office, the plugin facilitates the automatic transfer of field data into GeoField, ensuring seamless integration into the BRGM central database. This workflow provides a robust, efficient, and standardized approach to geological data collection, capitalizing on the synergies between QGIS/QField and GeoField to enhance data management, sharing, and reuse within the geoscientific community.

 

¹GeoField page: https://rgf.brgm.fr/page/geofield

²RGF page: https://rgf.brgm.fr/

³QField - Efficient field work built for QGIS, url: https://qfield.org/