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Karst database development in Minnesota: design and data assembly

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The Karst Feature Database (KFD) of Minnesota is a relational GIS-based Database Management System (DBMS). Previous karst feature datasets used inconsistent attributes to describe karst features in different areas of Minnesota. Existing metadata were modified and standardized to represent a comprehensive metadata for all the karst features in Minnesota. Microsoft Access 2000 and ArcView 3.2 were used to develop this working database. Existing county and sub-county karst feature datasets have been assembled into the KFD, which is capable of visualizing and analyzing the entire data set. By November 17 2002, 11,682 karst features were stored in the KFD of Minnesota. Data tables are stored in a Microsoft Access 2000 DBMS and linked to corresponding ArcView applications. The current KFD of Minnesota has been moved from a Windows NT server to a Windows 2000 Citrix server accessible to researchers and planners through networked interfaces.

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Acknowledgements

This research project was supported with funding and technical assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and conducted through the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS). The karst feature locating and verification efforts of Scott Alexander, David Berner, Jeff Green, Lisa Holland, Sue Magdalene, Bev Shade, and many others are gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37604, USA

    Y. Gao

  2. Department of Geology& Geophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    E. C. Alexander Jr

  3. Minnesota Geological Survey, 2642 University Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55114, USA

    R. G. Tipping

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  1. Y. Gao
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  2. E. C. Alexander Jr
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  3. R. G. Tipping
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Correspondence to Y. Gao.

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Gao, Y., Alexander, E.C. & Tipping, R.G. Karst database development in Minnesota: design and data assembly. Environ Geol 47, 1072–1082 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-1240-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-1240-3

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