Survey reveals geoprofessionals increasingly turning to AI

A global survey, which sought the views of more than 1,000 geoprofessionals worldwide, highlights teams grappling with complex datasets across multiple software platforms, un-managed historical data and significant time spent on routine data administration.

A survey of geoprofessionals worldwide highlights teams grappling with complex datasets across multiple software platforms, according to a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by the Bentley Subsurface company Seequent for its 7th Geoprofessionals Data Management Report, reveals that mining and civil geoprofessionals are turning to AI as they struggle to unlock value from increasingly complex, multisource datasets.

The global report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 geoprofessionals worldwide, highlights teams grappling with complex datasets across multiple software platforms, un-managed historical data and significant time spent on routine data administration.

Angela Harvey

Seequent chief customer officer Angela Harvey 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, the report claims.

“Data is the most valuable asset of any organisation, and it’s clear from our report that both the civil sector and the mining sector are ready to unlock that value,” Angela Harvey continued.

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

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, the report shows.

Dr Janina Elliott

Dr Janina Elliott, Seequent’s mining segment director, added: “In mining, data isn’t just a biproduct of operations but the core asset that drives every decision, from exploration to reclamation.

“Our report shows that the industry is laser-focused on data management, but it also highlights the next major challenge: unlocking the full value from current and historical data, as the mining industry positions itself for a future where AI and automation will be increasingly important.”

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

Pat McLarin, civils segment director at 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.