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Main Features

General Description

StrataBugs is the biostratigraphic data management system of choice for biostratigraphers worldwide. StrataBugs protects data integrity and minimises data entry tasks so that more time can be spent on interpretation.

Fossil occurrence data may be entered using an on-screen picklist, an on-screen overlay which can optionally be used with a touch screen (not supplied), or using a separate tablet device (not supplied); 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, sequence picks 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 corporate computer systems makes StrataBugs an ideal choice for larger organisations with a computing infrastructure in place. The system can be configured to suit your needs: from standalone to shared network databases.

The current release is v2.1.

Configuration Requirements

Hardware Requirements

StrataBugs is able to run where the Java platform is supported. This includes Windows (x86 or x64) and OS X. The Java Runtime Environment (free download) must be installed. StrataBugs v2.1 requires (minimum) Java 7.

Database Platforms

StrataBugs can be run using H2, PostgreSQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server (2008 on) (including Azure). MySQL can be supported on request. The demonstration version is installed using an H2 database, which is a standalone file. The database server platform e.g Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres system is not supplied with StrataBugs, but the StrataBugs database schema can be installed into an existing instance to reduce database management. Postgres is open source and freely available on a variety of server platforms.

Hardcopy Devices

Graphical design is very flexible; plots are user defined and device independent. Plots can be saved to PDF and SVG formats, as well as bitmap formats. They may also be printed to any printer or plotter, including PDF print drivers.

Licences and Maintenance

Various licensing options are available. Licences for networks are controlled by a software licence key i.e. we offer both fixed seat or floating licences. In a floating network license configuration, licenses may be 'checked out' for use outside the network for a set period of time. Licences are reissued on an annual basis.

Each licence for all configurations will include 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 and includes telephone/email support, maintenance revisions, upgrades, and where deemed necessary, on-site visits on an expenses-only basis.

System Features

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 dictionary of taxon names which is easily augmented by the user. Editing taxon names, linking synonyms, merging and grouping taxa are all possible. Taxon images may be stored with their occurrences in well samples, providing a link back to the original data. Export/import tools handle the transfer of image data.

Biostratigraphic Data Entry

Biostratigraphic data entry is principally via on-screen menus or a user-defined overlay, which can be used on-screen, on a touch screen or on a tablet device. Taxa can be recorded as they are viewed under the microscope using a point count mode or entered later from hard copies. Other options include the use of numeric codes for fast data entry.

Events and graphic correlation

Biostratigraphic event data can be generated automatically from the occurrence data or defined separately by the user. Events can be displayed graphically against other well data and used for correlation. An interactive graphic correlation tool plots events in wells against standard events; the depth/age line can be manipulated via drag-and-drop nodes.

Chart Plotting

The principal features of the StrataBugs chart plotting application are as follows:

Wells/Outcrops and Samples

StrataBugs holds data about each well including well name and unique Code, operator, field, country, 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).

Interpreted Geological Data

StrataBugs stores interpretations which can be displayed alongside biostratigraphic data. Data types include Biozones, Lithostratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy, Sequences, Palaeoenvironments. Boundaries between units may be depth labeled and recorded with different degrees of confidence or as unconformities or faults, and used for inter-well correlation. Gaps between sampled intervals are clearly displayed on plots. Stratigraphic schemes with unit ages underpin the interpreted interval data, which allows comparison between wells and inferences about age to be made.

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, Bugware and other formats. The taxonomic database ensures that the user is able to verify new taxon names before they are loaded to the system. In addition, the system "learns" which alternatives to imported names are preferred and can subsequently switch them automatically. 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.