Seequent says mining and civil geoprofessionals turning to AI still struggle to unlock value from increasingly complex, multisource datasets, according to its 7th Geoprofessionals Data Management Report.
The global report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 geoprofessionals worldwide, highlights teams grappling with complex datasets across multiple software platforms, unmanaged historical data, and significant time spent on routine data administration.
Angela Harvey, Chief Customer Officer, Seequent, said: ‘According to the report findings, geoprofessionals on average spend over a quarter of their time on data management. 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.’
Both civil and mining geoprofessionals cite issues with data quality, integrating diverse sources, and accessing good quality historical data, with many organisations lacking a centralised ‘single source of truth.’ At the same time, AI momentum is building. Across all industries 51% of organisations are now using or at least considering using AI, increasing from just 30% two years ago.
Data ‘the core asset that drives every decision’ in mining
In mining, 80% of geoprofessionals view data management as being of high or critical importance. Mining geoprofessionals spend almost a third of their time on data management tasks. Yet foundational frameworks lag: only 39% of mining organisations have a defined data management framework.
In civil infrastructure, ‘foundational frameworks for success are often missing’
Sixty-nine per cent of civil geoprofessionals rate data management as critically or highly important. According to the survey results, civil geoprofessionals spend over a fifth of their time on data management. Only 41% of civil geoprofessionals have an established framework, with just 30% maintaining a formal data chain of custody.
Pat McLarin, Segment Director, Civil, Seequent, said: ‘The civil sector is grappling with a data paradox. Geoprofessionals 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.’
The Geoprofessionals Data Management Report 7th Edition provides a comprehensive look at the state of data management across the mining and civil infrastructure industries.
Download a copy of the report
