A Universal and Multi-Dimensional Model for Analytical Data on Geological Samples

To promote the sharing and reutilization of geoanalytical data, various geoanalytical databases have been established over the last 30 years. Data models, which form the core of a database, are themselves the subjects of intensive studies. Data models determine the contents stored in the databases and applications of the databases. However, most geoanalytical data models have been designed for specific geological applications, which has led to strong heterogeneity between databases. It is therefore difficult for researchers to communicate and integrate geoanalytical data between databases. In particular, every time a new database is constructed, the time-consuming process of redesigning a data model significantly increases the development cycle. This study introduces a new data model that is universally applicable and highly efficient. The data model is applied to various geoanalytical methods and corresponding applications, and comprehensive analytical data contents together with associated background metadata are summarized and catalogued. Universal data attributes are then designed based on these metadata, which means that the model can be used for any geoanalytical database. Additionally, a multi-dimensional data mode is adopted, providing geological researchers with the ability to analyze geoanalytical data from six or more dimensions with high efficiency. Part of the model is implemented with the typical database system (MySQL) and comprehensive comparison experiments with existing geoanalytical data model are presented. The result unambiguously proves that the data model developed in this paper exceeds existing models in efficiency.