Method and system for integrating spatial analysis and data mining analysis to ascertain relationships between collected samples and geology with remotely sensed data

• US 6,430,547 B1
• Filed: 09/22/1999
• Issued: 08/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Zekulin, Alexander Darius, Busche, Frederick D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Metjahic, Safet
• Assistant Examiner(s): MOFIZ, APU M
• Application Number:
  US09/400,776
• Time in Patent Office: 1,049 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1, 707/100, 702/3, 702/6, 702/9, 702/190, 701/28, 701/202, 701/208, 701/300, 342/357.14, 367/14, 367/15, 367/23, 367/82
• US Class Current: 707/776
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2465 Query processing support for facilitating data mining operations in structured databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/921 Spatial
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/954 Relational
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99931 Database or file accessing

Abstract

A method and system for ascertaining relationships between collected geological samples and remotely sensed geological data within a region is provided. The locations of physical samples and the locations of data points associated with remotely sensed data are identified and stored. The locations within the region are determined using a position identifying system, such as the global positioning system. The collected physical samples are analyzed to obtain data values for physical and chemical properties of the collected samples. Data mining algorithms are used to generate input data for the formulation of a set of spatial relationships. The locations of the physical samples within the region are associated with the locations of the remotely sensed data to form a set of spatial relationships. Spatial analysis techniques are used to provide understanding of this set of spatial relationships and how they relate to the location of either an economically viable mineral resource or the position of hidden subsurface contaminants and the understanding of their potential migration paths.

Claims

1. A method for determining data relationships of physical sample data and remotely sensed data within a region, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of:

identifying locations of physical samples within the region;

recording data associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples;

identifying locations for obtaining remotely sensed data within the region;

recording remotely sensed data; and

associating the locations of physical samples within the region with the locations of remotely sensed data to form a set of spatial relationships.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

employing data mining algorithms to generate input data for formulation of a set of spatial relationships.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

employing spatial analysis algorithms to form the set of spatial relationships.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the physical sample locations and the locations for obtaining remotely sensed data are determined through a position identifying system.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the position identifying system comprises a global positioning system or enhanced global positioning system.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

analyzing the physical samples to generate data values associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples.

7. A data processing system for determining data relationships of physical sample data and remotely sensed data within a region, the data processing system comprising:

first identifying means for identifying locations of physical samples within the region;

first recording means for recording data associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples;

second identifying means for identifying locations for obtaining remotely sensed data within the region;

second recording means for recording remotely sensed data; and

associating means for associating the locations of physical samples within the region with the locations of remotely sensed data to form a set of spatial relationships.

8. The data processing system of claim 7 further comprising:

employing means for employing data mining algorithms to generate input data for forming the set of spatial relationships.

9. The data processing system of claim 7 further comprising:

employing means for employing spatial analysis algorithms to form the set of spatial relationships.

10. The data processing system of claim 7 wherein the physical sample locations and the locations for obtaining remotely sensed data are determined through a position identifying system.

11. The data processing system of claim 7 wherein the position identifying system comprises a global positioning system.

12. The data processing system of claim 7 further comprising:

analyzing means for analyzing the physical samples to generate data values associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples.

13. A computer program product on a computer-readable medium for use in a data processing system for determining data relationships of physical sample data and remotely sensed data within a region, the computer program product comprising:

instructions for identifying locations of physical samples within the region;

instructions for recording data associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples;

instructions for identifying locations for obtaining remotely sensed data within the region;

instructions for recording remotely sensed data; and

instructions for associating the locations of physical samples within the region with the locations of remotely sensed data to form a set of spatial relationships.

14. The computer program product of claim 13 further comprising:

instructions for employing data mining algorithms to generate input data for forming the set of spatial relationships.

15. The computer program product of claim 13 further comprising:

instructions for employing spatial analysis algorithms to form the set of spatial relationships.

16. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the physical sample locations and the locations for obtaining remotely sensed data are determined through a position identifying system.

17. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the position identifying system comprises a global positioning system.

18. The computer program product of claim 13 further comprising:

instructions for analyzing the physical samples to generate data values associated with physical characteristics of the physical samples.