AusGeochem is a geospatial platform combining a cloud-hosted relational database engine with full access and privacy control layer and a virtual laboratory capability for analysing and visualising complex geochemical datasets. The software allows researchers and laboratories to register georeferenced samples and upload, archive, disseminate and publish datasets, and provides minting services for internationally recognised identifiers such as IGSNs and DOIs. Users are able to keep datasets private prior to publication, while performing statistical analyses and data synthesis within the context of large volumes of publicly funded geochemical data aggregated from the user community. Geochemistry data management and standards are based on international best practice, drawing from international open data initiatives such as EarthChem and EPOS-ERIC and organised expert advisory groups. Presently the platform contains functionalities for inorganic geochemistry (major/minor/trace), U/Pb geochronology, fission-track thermochronology, and (U-Th)/He thermochronology, however the platform is constantly evolving and expanding to cover new techniques and applications. Our goal is to not just create a compilation of data from various methods, but to be a part of the community, creating a system that researchers will use as part of their normal research workflow.

Workshop Outline:

Part 1: Introductions

Goals of the AuScope Geochemistry Network and the AusGeochem Platform

Part 2: “Data Models - Under the Hood”

Technical Creation of the Platform

Part 3: AusGeochem Platform Tutorials

Platform Demonstration and hands on activities

Inputting, handling, and visualising data.

Part 4: AusGeochem into the Future

The future use of the platform - e.g. new data types, applications