Ground engineering is becoming increasingly digital. Data are generated, collected, exchanged and analysed in greater volumes than ever before. However, much of their potential value remains unrealised, with information often fragmented across projects, organisations, digital platforms and incompatible formats.

Recognising the opportunity to improve how ground information is generated, managed, shared and applied, the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists  has established Digital Transformation of Ground Data (DTGD) as a new Working Group.

Originally launched in 2025 as an independent volunteer-led initiative, DTGD now formally brings together representatives from industry, academia, software providers and client organisations under the AGS umbrella.

The Working Group aims to become the collective voice for the digital transformation of ground engineering, providing a forum to share knowledge, coordinate industry input, develop best practice and improve the way ground data are created, managed, exchanged and used. Its ultimate goal is to deliver better outcomes for infrastructure, society and the environment.

Key Objectives

Improving Access to and Reuse of Ground Data

Ground data is often collected at significant cost, yet many valuable datasets remain inaccessible or underutilised once projects are completed. The Working Group will promote practical approaches to improve the discoverability, accessibility and responsible reuse of ground information across the industry.

This includes supporting initiatives that help organisations identify where historical and emerging datasets exist, encouraging the sharing of legacy ground investigation information, and exploring opportunities to improve access through national repositories and other digital platforms. Improving access to existing information can reduce duplication, support better-informed decisions and unlock value from data that have already been collected.

Creating a Digital Golden Thread Across the Asset Lifecycle

The value of ground data increases when information remains connected throughout its lifecycle. Data generated during planning and investigation should continue to inform interpretation, design, construction, operation and future development.

The Working Group promotes the concept of a digital “golden thread” of information, providing traceability and continuity across project stages that have traditionally been disconnected. Better integration of information can improve understanding, reduce risk and enable asset owners to derive greater long-term value from their data.

Achieving this vision will require collaboration between industry stakeholders, software vendors and asset owners to improve interoperability and support seamless data exchange.

Improving Data Management and Interoperability

Consistent standards and effective information management are fundamental to digital transformation. The Working Group will support initiatives that improve how ground data is specified, managed, exchanged and validated, including the wider adoption of recognised standards such as AGS’s data format and the implementation of digital workflows.

Greater interoperability between organisations and software platforms will enable more efficient data exchange throughout the project lifecycle, reducing information loss and rework. The focus is on improving the quality, consistency and usability of data to achieve better project outcomes and maximise return on investment.

Building the Future Geo-Digital Workforce

Technology alone will not deliver digital transformation. Success depends on people having the skills, confidence and ambition to implement and sustain change, and on the wider industry embracing new ways of working.

A key objective of the Working Group is to help develop the future geo-digital workforce by strengthening capabilities in the management, analysis, interpretation and sharing of ground data. This includes addressing skills gaps, supporting professional development and creating clear learning pathways to improve digital maturity across the sector.

By investing in people alongside technology, organisations can strengthen capability, encourage innovation and realise the full benefits of digital transformation.

Influencing Policy, Data Stewardship and Ownership

Many of the challenges associated with digital ground data extend beyond technology. Issues such as ownership, stewardship, confidentiality, commercial sensitivity, liability and long-term governance must also be addressed.

The Working Group provides a forum to discuss these topics, share diverse industry perspectives and help shape future policy, guidance and best practice. By promoting responsible data stewardship and greater clarity around ownership and governance, the Group aims to support a more trusted, connected and sustainable future for ground engineering.

The Group will also engage with government bodies, infrastructure owners and other stakeholders to encourage alignment of objectives and collaboration across the wider sector.

Get Involved

The Working Group welcomes active contributors from across the ground engineering community who are interested in helping shape the future of digital ground engineering.

To find out more or get involved, visit the AGS website.

Leadership:

Chair: Vicky Corcoran

Deputy Chair(s): Andrea Gillarduzzi & TBC

Web

https://www.ags.org.uk/group/digital-transformation-of-ground-data/

Article contributed by

Andrea Gillarduzzi (Arcadis) and Alison Greenall (AtkinsRéalis)