Creating a Borehole Log from Field Data Using WinLoG and WinLoG Field Assistant

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Creating a Borehole Log from Field Data Using WinLoG and WinLoG Field Assistant

Creating borehole log from field data using WinLoG and Field Assistant

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Introduction

Borehole logs are the backbone of geotechnical, environmental, and hydrogeological investigations. They transform raw field observations into structured, interpretable datasets that support engineering design, groundwater analysis, and regulatory reporting.

However, the process of converting field notes into professional borehole logs can be time-consuming and error-prone—especially when relying on manual transcription or inconsistent data entry practices.

This is where WinLoG and WinLoG Field Assistant provide a powerful, integrated solution.

Together, these tools enable a seamless workflow from field data collection to final borehole log generation—ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency at every stage.

In this guide, we walk through the complete process of creating a borehole log from field data, from on-site capture to finalized output.

🧭 Understanding the Workflow

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand the full workflow:

  1. Field Data Collection (WinLoG Field Assistant)
  2. Data Transfer & Synchronization
  3. Borehole Setup in WinLoG
  4. Lithology & Sample Data Entry
  5. Geophysical and Test Data Integration
  6. Log Formatting & Template Application
  7. Final Output & Reporting

Each step plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and usability of your borehole data.

📱 Step 1: Collecting Field Data with WinLoG Field Assistant

The first step in creating a borehole log begins in the field.

What is WinLoG Field Assistant?

WinLoG Field Assistant is a mobile-friendly tool designed for capturing borehole data directly during drilling operations. Instead of relying on handwritten notes, field personnel can input structured data in real time.

Key Data Collected in the Field

During drilling and sampling, the following information is typically recorded:

🔹 General Borehole Information

  • Borehole ID
  • Location coordinates
  • Elevation
  • Drilling method
  • Start and end dates

🔹 Lithology Descriptions

  • Soil/rock type
  • Color
  • Grain size
  • Moisture condition
  • Consistency

🔹 Sampling Data

  • Sample depth intervals
  • Sample type (SPT, Shelby tube, grab sample)
  • Recovery percentage

🔹 Field Tests

  • Standard Penetration Test (SPT) values
  • Pocket penetrometer readings
  • Vane shear tests

Why Digital Field Logging Matters

Using WinLoG Field Assistant:

  • Eliminates transcription errors
  • Standardizes data collection
  • Speeds up office processing
  • Ensures consistent formatting

🔄 Step 2: Transferring Field Data to WinLoG

Once field data is collected, it must be transferred into WinLoG for processing and visualization.

Data Transfer Methods

  • Direct file export/import
  • Cloud synchronization
  • Manual import of structured datasets

Best Practices

  • Verify all borehole IDs match project naming conventions
  • Check depth intervals for consistency
  • Confirm units (meters vs feet)

Common Pitfalls

❌ Missing intervals
❌ Duplicate borehole IDs
❌ Inconsistent lithology descriptions

👉 Catching these early prevents downstream issues in visualization and reporting.

🏗️ Step 3: Creating a Borehole in WinLoG

https://www.cesdb.com/images/winlog-screenshot.jpg

After importing your data, the next step is to create a borehole within WinLoG.

Setting Up a New Borehole

In WinLoG:

  1. Create a new project or open an existing one
  2. Add a new borehole
  3. Enter header information:
    • Borehole ID
    • Location
    • Elevation

Applying a Template

Templates define how your borehole log will appear.

Typical template components include:

  • Lithology column
  • Sample data column
  • Graphical data columns
  • Text annotations

Why Templates Matter

Templates ensure:

  • Consistent presentation across projects
  • Faster log generation
  • Standardized reporting

🧱 Step 4: Entering Lithology and Sample Data

This is where your field data becomes structured digital information.

Lithology Entry

Each layer should include:

  • Depth interval (e.g., 0–1.5 m)
  • Material description
  • Color
  • Texture

Sample Data Entry

Add sampling details such as:

  • Sample type
  • Depth
  • Test results

Pro Tip: Use Standardized Descriptors

Instead of free text, use:

  • Controlled vocabularies
  • Predefined descriptors

👉 This improves:

  • Data consistency
  • Searchability
  • Reporting quality

📊 Step 5: Adding Geophysical and Test Data

Modern borehole logs often include additional datasets.

Common Data Types

  • SPT N-values
  • Cone penetration data
  • Gamma ray logs
  • Resistivity data

Enhancing Logs with Calculated Data

You can create derived values such as:

  • Average N-values
  • Combined geophysical curves
  • Interpreted parameters

📤 Step 6: Generating Final Outputs

WinLoG allows you to export borehole logs in multiple formats.

Output Options

  • PDF reports
  • Printed logs
  • Digital files for integration

Use Cases

  • Engineering reports
  • Environmental assessments
  • Regulatory submissions

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Inconsistent Data Entry

Leads to unreliable logs

❌ Poor Template Design

Results in cluttered outputs

❌ Missing Field Data

Creates gaps in interpretation

❌ Lack of Standardization

Reduces data usability

🚀 Best Practices for Efficient Borehole Logging

✔ Standardize Everything

  • Lithology terms
  • Units
  • Naming conventions

✔ Use Templates

  • Save time
  • Ensure consistency

✔ Validate Early

  • Check data during import
  • Avoid rework later

✔ Integrate Workflows

  • Field → Office → Reporting

🔗 Integrating into Larger Workflows

Borehole logs are not standalone—they feed into:

  • Subsurface modeling
  • Cross-section generation
  • Contaminant transport analysis
  • Environmental reporting

🌍 Industry Applications

Geotechnical Engineering

  • Foundation design
  • Soil analysis

Environmental Consulting

  • Site assessments
  • Contamination studies

Hydrogeology

  • Groundwater monitoring
  • Aquifer analysis

🏁 Conclusion

Creating a borehole log from field data is more than just data entry—it’s a structured workflow that transforms raw observations into valuable insights.

By combining WinLoG Field Assistant and WinLoG, you can:

  • Capture accurate field data
  • Eliminate transcription errors
  • Standardize workflows
  • Produce professional, high-quality borehole logs

As projects become more data-driven, adopting a digital, integrated approach to borehole logging is no longer optional—it’s essential.

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