The determination of interpretation uncertainties in subsurface representation

In geo-engineering re-use of existing data and real world representations is, at present, limited to non-existent. This is mostly due to difficulties regarding the use of data obtained by a number of various professionals. The main problem in this respect is a lack of standardization of data (“lack of data harmonization”) and, underlying, the often-unknown quality of the collected data and derived real world representations. Particularly in geological interpretations, uncertainties are high, since only sparse information is available for the interpretation process. The paper presents a methodology, which will be applied in order to determine the influence of so-called “interpretation uncertainties” on subsurface representations and to develop an appropriate way to include quality and uncertainty expressions in the metadata of the subsurface representation. In addition, an outlook will be given regarding the problem of data harmonization and standardization within the process of infrastructural development.