Using geographic information system and knowledge base system technology for real-time planning of site characterization activities

Site characterization activities involving a variety of different tools and techniques are a key component of any environmental rehabilitation program. Depending on the specific characteristics and requirements of the project, a range of tools can be used to characterize the surface and subsurface conditions. The results will be subject to specific limitations which will apply to a particular tool in terms of the depth investigated and the resolution of the measurements obtained as a result of the sensor capacity and background noise conditions. This paper presents a methodology that can be used to evaluate the relative merits of alternative sampling plans for a site and assist in identifying the optimal sampling plan taking into account the amount and type of prior information. This methodology allows new test results to be incorporated in real time as "prior information" as the site investigation proceeds. The methodology is implemented using a geographic information system (GIS) and a knowledge base system (KBS). Factors considered in the methodology include the effective measured area, the likely target characteristics, surface and subsurface noise conditions, and the level of confidence that exists about the possible source location as a result of prior studies at the site. The results of a sensitivity study are presented. An example is used to demonstrate the capability of the prototype system to assess different test configurations.Key Words: characterization, GIS, KBS, planning, quality.