C-Master lithology logs are built on these kinds of external information used to uniquely identify a borehole and the lithologies it contains. Only a few of these data are required; most other data is helpful, but not required.
- Lithology Code (“FERM Code”) – These numeric codes define the characteristics of the rock types found in the core. There are different descriptions used in different regions of the country, and the Software accommodates multiple descriptions. Look here for a comprehensive description of the codes used by the Kentucky Geological Survey, ****
- Quadrangle files – identify the names of the quadrangles and their map scale. This is used to keep track of the number of bore holes that have been entered for each quadrangle, assigning a unique Log ID number to each raw data log.
You don’t need to use actual quadrangle names! Any unique identifier you wish to use to identify an area or region where the logs were drilled is just fine!
- Source Reference files – identifying the owner and contributor of the lithology data. These may be company records, public records, etc.
This helps you keep track of your data sources and ownership
Ownership (Source) information is required to help prevent duplicate data entry
- Tract files – identifying the names of land tracts in which the borehole data was taken. These data consist of named tracts of land that a company/governmental agency would use when referring to the specific area that contains the borehole
Tract files can also help differentiate similarly named parcels of land to keep ownership information by the land itself.
Tract files are not required for generation of log strips or in Projects
- Bed files – identifying the named seams that can be identified through analysis or prior knowledge. These are 3-4 character names used to uniquely identify a lithology (usually the entity being extracted) and a qualifier. Qualifiers can be used to identify multiple separations in a named bed. The assignment of beds and qualifiers to a lithology entry is usually performed by a supervising geologist.
Using bed files places information you have about seams or special rock types directly into the lithology record and lets you get at that data in a scientific, structured fashion. A set of “standard” bed codes is supplied for coal producing regions in the Eastern and Western USA, but you can develop your own bed codes for any rock type you might be dealing with.
- Phrase files – Identifying the name of a rock type and its numeric coding (FERM code). The phrase file can contain driller-unique names and the corresponding lithology code, standard phrases for the lithology codes, or a mixture of both. A coding region ID number is assigned to each variation of the phrase files and that is used to automatically perform the coding operations (assignment of phrases/codes)
Phrase file(s) are essential to tie the description of the rock type to the symbology used in generating log strips. While other reference files are optional (to a large degree), phrase files are required.
These files, maintained by the software and the user, are incorporated into a Header record that precedes the lithology data entries. The header record also contains geographic information (quadrangle name and scale), coordinates (UTM, Lat/Lon, State Plane, Carter, Township and Range). UTM, Lat/Lon and State Plane are converted for internal use to UTM. Carter coordinates can be used directly in log header entry to establish UTM, Lat/Lon or State Plane coordinates.
C-Master is not a general GIS program; however, NAD27, NAD83 and WGS84 are accommodated for both input and output.###
Each lithology record contains a thickness record, and a numeric code or a phrase to describe the lithology. The thickness of each lithology is determined by data that can represent either individual thickness or cumulative thickness. Cumulative thickness can be either cumulative from the top of the hole, or cumulative by core barrel number. The method by which this thickness can be recorded is in decimal feet, feet/inches/fractions, or meters. Any log can contain any combination of methods of recording (individual, cumulative, core barrel) and any combination of data entry formats (decimal feet, feet/inches/fractions, meters).
From each of these individual records, the user can set up Projects that consist of identifying information for a group of logs being analyzed. Within a Project, one can define up to 100 sub-projects. A sub-project consists of additional identifying information that can be extracted from a lithology log using reference points that define a point position within the log, and “intervals”, the rock characteristics (user defined) that exist between reference points.
Production of graphic log strips is done by selecting a log or set of logs for processing as a strip. Strips can be created as one log per AutoCad file, one (or multiple) log(s) per PDF file, or sent to a printer. You can send the PDF log strips to various plotters as well. The PDF log strips can be 200″x200″ per page (Adobe PDF limitation) or larger if you use products such as FoxIT.
Using a C-Master Import facility, logs from other C-Master systems can be processed and incorporated into your existing C-Master data. You can change the quadrangle assignment during the import process if the original logs don’t match your naming of quadrangles.
*** These data provided/shown by the Kentucky Geological Survey does not make any warranty, expressed or implied. These data and links are provided for reference only.
### There are some restrictions for the general handling of CONUS NAD datums and the world in general. Contact CJD Software if you have additional questions.