Mining and civil geo-professionals turning to AI are struggling to unlock value from increasingly complex, multisource datasets, according to a new study.

The insights come from Seequent’s 7th Geo-professionals Data Management Report.

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 geo-professionals worldwide — 16% of whom identified as GIS or data managers — the report shows that many of them are trying to come to terms with complex datasets that span multiple software platforms, as well as unmanaged historical data and time spent on routine data administration.

“According to the report findings, geo-professionals on average spend over a quarter of their time on data management,” said Angela Harvey, Chief Customer Officer with Seequent.

“They are actively seeking to harness the information it contains for competitive advantage, but limited data frameworks mean too much time is spent managing data, versus interpreting results.”

Some of the report’s key findings are:

• 80% of mining geo-professionals rate data management as highly or critically important;
• Only 39% of mining organisations have a defined data management framework;
• 69% of civil geo-professionals rate data management as critically or highly important;
• Just 30% of civil organisations maintain a formal data chain of custody; and
• 51% of organisations now using or considering AI, up from 30% two years ago.

“The surge in AI consideration shows a clear appetite for innovation,” said Harvey.

“The opportunity now is to build the data foundations that will allow these technologies to thrive and deliver on their promise of a more efficient and sustainable future.”

Over the past 10 years, the perceived important of GIS and imagery data has climbed but recently plateaued, as has the importance of geological data and drill hole data and reports and documents.

The perceived important of geophysical and geochemical data has declined slightly during that same period.

Only 41% of civil geo-professional respondents said they have an established data management framework, with just 30% maintaining a formal data chain of custody.

“The civil sector is grappling with a data paradox,” said Pat McLarin, Segment Director, Civil, Seequent.

“Geo-professionals are spending a significant amount of their time — a full day a week — on data management, yet they still face challenges that impact project outcomes.

“Our report shows that while the will to be data-driven is there, the foundational frameworks for success are often missing.’