AGSi Standard / General¶
Definitions¶
This section presents definitions of selected important terms used in this Standard or the associated Codes and vocabularies.
Some of the terms are defined elsewhere in the Standard but the are repeated here for ease of reference.
Some of the definitions are specific to AGSi, or are commonly understood terms. Where definitions have been adopted based on other external sources, these are identified.
Note
Some of the terms have been adopted from the terminology task work carried out by the Integrated Digital Built Environment (IDBE) Geotechnical Engineering standardization group, a collaboration between buildingSMART and the Open Geotepatial Consortium (OGC).
The IDBE work is unpublished at the time of writing but work in progress can be viewed at the IDBE Github repository*
The terms are presented in alphabetical order.
Analytical model¶
Model suitable for direct use in analysis or design for a specified purpose. Normally based on development and interpretation of an observational model taking into account uncertainty, requirements of Codes and analysis/design methodology.
Source: IDBE, IAEG Commission 25
Category (of model)¶
A classification system for the type of model based recommendations by
IAEG Commission 25. The category may be: conceptual,
observational or
analytical, as defined herein.
Source: IDBE
Complementary data¶
Selected field observations or test results from ground investigations, often factual data but sometimes incoporating interpretation, included within a model for information and/or visualisation.
Conceptual model¶
Abstract description of a system, such as geology or hydrogeology,
based on understanding of local and regional processes and relationships.
Source: IDBE, IAEG Commission 25
(AGSi) document¶
Files that may include documents, data files, drawings, (BIM) models etc., identified and referenced as document objects (agsProjectDocument) in the AGSi file.
Domain (of model)¶
A specified sphere of activity or knowledge. In the context of AGSi, the domains include ground (parent domain), geology, geotechnical, hydrogeology and geoenvironmental.
Source: IDBE
Encoding¶
The process by which the data, arranged in accordance with the schema, is converted to a specified format for transmittal. Encoding is also the term use for the deliverable produced.
Engineering geology observational model¶
Model showing the anticipated location and extent of geological units and other geological features based on observations, eg. interpretation of borehole data.
Source: IDBE
Factual data¶
The record of observations and measurements made during a ground investigation, which includes the results of field observations, in situ testing, laboratory testing and monitoring. Typically reported in a factual ground investigation report.
Interpreted data¶
Information, including but not limited to properties and/or parameters, collated and/or derived from factual data. May incorporate some or all of presentation and evaluation of the factual information, technical insight, and parameters for analysis and design.
(AGSi) file¶
A data file produced in accordance with the schema and encoding requirements defined in this Standard.
(AGSi) file/data set¶
The AGSi file together with its supporting files and documents.
Geological model¶
Abbreviated term for an engineering geology observational
model.
Source: IDBE
Geotechnical design model¶
A geotechnical analytical model intended for use in design. This model will define, usually for a specified purpose, the location and extent of geological/geotechnical units and their parameters.
Source: IDBE
Geotechnical model¶
Abbreviated form of geotechnical design model.
Source: IDBE
Global coordinate system¶
A secondary coordinate system, normally an established regional or national system, defined via a transformation from the model coordinate system.
Ground model¶
See model. For AGSi, ground model is used as a generic parent term for any type of model in the ground domain.
Ground investigation¶
A campaign of fieldwork and/or laboratory testing carried out and reported under a site/ground investigation contract.
Hydrogeological model¶
Acceptable abbreviated description for an hydrogeological observational
(or analytical) model.
This model will show the anticipated location and extent of hydrogeological
units, e.g. aquifers.
Source: IDBE
(AGSi) included files¶
Supporting files and documents that are transferred or shared with the AGSi file.
Investigation¶
See ground investigation.
Model¶
A digital geometric (2D or 3D) representation of the ground.
Model boundary¶
Definition of valid extent of a model. Model geometry lying outside of a model boundary should be ignored.
Model coordinate system¶
The coordinate system used by a model, although this could be an established regional or national system.
Model element¶
Component part of a model in AGSi, ie. a model is a collection of model elements.
Observational model¶
Model predominantly based on observations and measurements of the ground. This may incorporate interpretation of anticipated conditions in areas between the observation and measurement points. Generally not suitable for
direct use in analysis or design without further interpretation. Observational models should be developed from a conceptual model.
Source: IDBE, IAEG Commission 25
Parameter¶
An interpreted single value, or a profile of values
related to an independent variable, that is to be used in design and/or analysis. Parameters are most likely to be (Eurocode 7) characteristic values.
Source: IDBE
Project¶
The Project is the specific project/commission under which the AGSi file/data set has been delivered.
Parent project¶
The project that commissioned the Project or, more generally, any project that commissions another project.
Producer¶
A person or organisation responsible for creating and delivering the AGSi file/data set. A producer is a user.
Property¶
A value reported from an observation or test (directly measured, or based on interpreted measurement), as typically reported in a factual GI report. Properties are likely to be (Eurocode 7) measured or derived values.
Source: IDBE
(AGSi) schema¶
The organisation/structure of AGSi data. Includes data hierarchy, object and attribute names and definitions, required data types and rules for use.
Specifier¶
A person or organisation that is responsibility for specifying the AGSi file/data set to be delivered. A specifier is a user.
(AGSi) supporting files¶
Files that provide data or information referenced by the AGSi file, e.g. geometry, that is required to build the full model(s).
Type (of model)¶
Concise definition incorporating the
category and domain of the model,
and any further definition that may be required.
Use of the formally defined category and domain names is preferred,
but some acceptable alternative terms are included herein.
Source: IDBE
Ultimate project¶
The top level parent project of the Project, typically the works that are eventually to be constructed that will benefit from the Project or a framework contract set up by an asset owner.
URI¶
A Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) is a string of characters that unambiguously identify a particular resource. Used in computing to identify the location of files, websites etc. A URI is formatted in accordance with RFC 3986. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a subset of URI.
User¶
A person or organisation that is or is expected to specify, create or make use of an AGSi file/data set.
UUID¶
A universally unique identifier (UUID) is a 128-bit number used to identify information in computer systems. The term globally unique identifier (GUID) is also often used.