Every project, whether in energy or any other sector, begins with data. Data collection is just the beginning; the real magic lies in analyzing that data to make informed decisions. This rings especially true in the energy sector where risks are plentiful – financial, environmental, and safety risks lurk at every corner.
Geo-data, vital information about the Earth’s physical properties, forms the backbone of project assessments from initial exploration to final development stages. But why is high-quality geo-data so important? Renata Miliopoulou, Fugro’s laboratory quality manager, sheds light on this crucial aspect.
Renata oversees one of Europe’s largest geo-data laboratories and emphasizes the significance of maintaining scientific integrity when providing results to clients. She stresses that accuracy is paramount as even minor errors can lead to significant deviations in ground models—a critical tool for engineers and developers to understand ground conditions.
“In simple terms,” Renata explains,
“my job is to ensure that numbers we provide accurately reflect soil conditions and are usable by clients.”
She underscores that all measurements carry some margin of error which must be minimized to prevent cascading inaccuracies in ground models.
But it’s not just about reducing errors; understanding ‘measurement uncertainty’ is equally vital. While measurement uncertainty pertains to variations in test results due to testing limitations, ‘ground model uncertainty’ relates to overall confidence in a ground model’s accuracy. Both uncertainties impact decision-making but require different considerations during data collection.
Fugro employs advanced technologies like automated testing equipment and rigorous quality assurance practices based on ISO/IEC 17025 standards to enhance precision and reliability in its laboratory operations. These measures help mitigate human error and ensure traceable, repeatable testing processes.
Renata highlights the complexity of decision-making in labs where judgments are rarely black-and-white. Critical thinking skills combined with statistical knowledge are essential for evaluating equipment performance effectively. Regular testing and interlaboratory comparisons play a pivotal role in verifying result reliability and improving industry standards over time.
In a field where minor discrepancies can trigger major consequences, accurate geo-data becomes indispensable. From soil samples to stress tests, data integrity forms the cornerstone of risk mitigation strategies for complex projects—leading towards safer and sustainable development outcomes.
Fugro’s commitment since 1962 has been unraveling Earth’s mysteries through precise geo-data analysis—an endeavor that continues shaping a more informed future driven by trustworthy data sources.
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