MAIN SYSTEM FEATURES
• Intuitive windowed interface for Unix and PCs
• Taxonomic database to protect data integrity
• Event manager and graphic correlation facility
• Biostratigraphic data entry via membrane keyboard option
• Display biostratigraphic distributions and events on charts
• Display (multiple) interpretations, lithology and wireline logs
• Multi-well correlation and chronostratigraphic diagrams
• DD, TVD, TWT and (multiple) age scales
• Exchange data with other StrataBugs users
• Import Checklist, Ragware, Tilia, PD, Strats and RG data
• Export data in CSV, IPS and other formats
• Save graphical output to disk and import to DTP packages
• All applications supported by on-screen HELP
• Ongoing software enhancement, website
• Maintenance agreement available
• User training courses

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
StrataBugs is the system of choice for biostratigraphers worldwide. Available on Unix and PC platforms this biostratigraphic data management system is designed for individual and corporate users alike. StrataBugs runs in a windowed (X-Windows and Windows) environment and is controlled via pull down menus and lists for maximum user friendliness. Fossil occurrence data may be entered using a membrane keyboard fitted with overlay menus and data are verified against a taxonomic database. In addition, facilities are provided for recording multiple versions of interpreted geological data such as ages, biozones, lithostratigraphy, palaeoenvironments, sequences and for displaying all of these data against graphic lithology and wireline log traces on screen or hardcopy. Data can be exchanged with other databases and charts imported into desktop publishing packages. The ability to link with other Unix and corporate computer systems makes StrataBugs an ideal choice for larger organisations with a computing infrastructure in place. For independent consultants or smaller organisations we recommend the standalone or networked Windows configuration.

HARDWARE CONFIGURATIONS
StrataBugs has been designed to suit both corporate and single user IT environments using PCs (under Windows) and UNIX machines (under X-Windows) as data entry and display workstations. StrataBugs may be configured to suit individual user groups. For reasonable performance, the minimum hardware requirements for the PC version are a 300Mhz Pentium class PC running Windows 98/ME/NT/2000 or XP with 64Mb memory, 50Mb free disk space, spare serial port and SVGA (800x600) display. The Unix workstation should be a Sun Sparcstation (or compatible) with 32Mb memory, 300Mb free disk space. A spare serial port will also be required if using the Concept Keyboard with a workstation.

DATABASE PLATFORMS
StrataBugs supports a number of database platforms, ranging from single user PCs to networked PC/Unix systems. StrataBugs uses the Oracle DBMS (version 8) for Unix. For standalone PCs and small PC networks we use Microsoft Access, but other ODBC compliant data sources and Oracle are possible options.

HARDCOPY DEVICES
Graphical design is very flexible; plots are user defined and device independent and can be output under UNIX to any hardcopy device supported by AVS/Uniras Toolmaster-agX, and on PCs to any device supported by Windows. CGM, Postscript (under UNIX) and WMF (under Windows) files can also be generated for use by desktop publishing and other packages. Data entered to either PC or X-Windows workstations can use the UNIX host to act as the plot server.

LICENCES AND MAINTENANCE
Standalone PC system licences are protected by a hardware key (dongle). Licences for networks are controlled either by a dongle or by a software licence key i.e. we offer both fixed seat or floating licences. On Unix there is a graphics sub-system controlled by a separate flex/lm licence (included in cost of product). Each licence for all configurations will include a Concept Keyboard and 90 days maintenance. It is possible to upgrade licence cover incurring only a charge equal to the difference in the prevailing prices. A maintenance agreement is available for all platforms and includes full telephone/fax/email support, maintenance revisions, upgrades, and where deemed necessary, on-site visits on an expenses only basis.

TAXONOMIC DATABASE
At the heart of StrataBugs is a relational database which helps to protect the integrity of the biostratigraphic data and provides a sound basis for other applications. The database is supplied with a small dictionary of taxon names which is easily augmented by the user. Editing taxon names, linking synonyms, merging and grouping taxa are all possible.

EVENTS
Events can be generated automatically from the database or user defined, displayed graphically against other well data and used for correlation. Events can also be generated for use in an integral graphic correlation module or saved for export to other programs such as GraphCor or RASC (ranking and scaling).

CHART PLOTTING
The principal features of the StrataBugs chart plotting application are as follows:
- semiquantitative or quantitative occurrences
- histograms or saw-tooth curves (various styles) and spindle diagrams
- absolute or % abundance (various calculations)
- presence/absence, stratigraphic range and numeric display
- simple diversity calculations
- multi-trace group total panel display & stacked curves
- display interpretations with user-defined coloured intervals (optional)
- display graphic lithology, grain size and wireline logs
- correlation of IGD boundaries and events with user-defined datums
- chronostratigraphic diagrams
- header with well and chart details and logo (optional)
- chart legends and overflow text boxes
- user-defined vertical and horizontal scales (DD, TVD, TWT and Age)
- display in feet, metres or equal spaced samples
- plot all samples or selected types/analysts
- comments, events and striplog displays
- user defined chart templates
- column order, labelling and titling fully customiseable
- user defined taxa grouping/colours
- save charts as metafiles for storage, editing and remote printing
- stratigraphic range chart
- sequences with systems tracts display
- alphanumeric key and synonyms display

BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC DATA ENTRY
Biostratigraphic data entry is principally via on-screen menus or a membrane keyboard with user defined paper overlay menus. Taxa can be recorded as they are viewed under the microscope (point count mode available) or entered later, whichever is more convenient.

WELLS/OUTCROPS AND SAMPLES
StrataBugs holds data about each well including Well Name and unique Code, Operator, Field, Country, Quadrant, Block/Sub block, Latitude and Longitude, TD, RTE, Sea Bed and Sea Level, Spud and Completion Dates. There is a facility for entering outcrop data measured above or below a reference datum. Samples are recorded by depth/elevation (feet or metres) and type (cuttings, sidewall cores, cores, outcrop) and analyst.

INTERPRETED GEOLOGICAL DATA
StrataBugs stores interpreted geological data (IGD) which can be displayed alongside biostratigraphical data. Data types include Biozones, Lithostratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy, Sequences, Palaeoenvironments. Boundaries between units may be depth labelled and recorded with different degrees of confidence or as unconformities or faults, and used for interwell correlation. Gaps between sampled intervals are clearly displayed on plots. Multiple versions of IGD schemes can be displayed and printed.

ORGANISER
Users can get a summary of their data and "drill down" to look at the details. Import tools enable users to import data from other StrataBugs users and in Checklist, Ragware, CSV, Tilia, PD, Strats, Fugro-Robertson’s RG and other formats. The taxonomic database ensures that the user is able to verify new taxa before they are loaded to the system. In addition, the system "learns" which alternatives to imported names are preferred and can subsequently automatically switch them. This is a particularly useful tool for companies which use contract analysts. External data files can be viewed, compared with the database and edited if necessary before import. Data can be exported in various formats. Organiser supercedes and improves on the Index and Tools applications.

Click here to return to the top of this page.