f Advances in Exploration Data Management

Over the past several decades, we have witnessed significant advances in data acquisition. We are now acquiring different variations of EM, Gravity and Magnetic data, in ever increasing volumes, over increasingly large parts of the globe. The inexorable rise of the personal computer has facilitated the development of sophisticated applications for processing, analyzing and interpreting these data both in the field and in the office. Over time, organisations have come to realise the corporate asset value of these datasets, and have invested heavily (millions of dollars) in data management systems and technologies. However, a map in a drawer, even a digital drawer is essentially useless if it cannot easily be found and used. Data have no value unless they can be used to derive knowledge, be that scientific, commercial or both. True productive data management is only effective when the data are discoverable and easily visualised. In the course of this paper, I will discuss existing technologies and practises, and compare these with the new generation of technologies that are starting to emerge.