In this figure, fields are marked that exist in the DCDB but do not have an identical match in the Data Model. Data fields which do not have exact matches in the Data Model are marked with gray circles. As the Washington D.C. Area database effort progresses, we are addressing issues associated with implementing the Data Model. These issues relate to software, GIS, data storage, and data elements. Differences in the amount of normalization of the data may also be required, Database designers need to work with the field geologists in order to construct data entry tools and views for analysis, ArcInfo file structure governs parts of the database structure.
Spatial data is stored in tables separate from their associated attribute data.
Working with the geologists and analysts who will be using the database is another significant challenge for this implementation of the Data Model. The appearance of the data entry forms and views of the data will have to be compatible with the people using them. After working through some of the issues mentioned in this paper, we hope to have a good prototype database that can be used as a building block for the National Geologic Map Database.