Q: Must I register for an account?

A: No. Anyone may access the database to search and retrieve data. However, to add new borehole records, you must register for a user account.

Q: Who may register for a user account?

A: In order to preserve the integrity of the database, only people affiliated with land use issues will be given access to add records to the database. These affiliations include engineering companies, geotechnical companies, drilling companies, towns and other state agencies, environmental groups, and academic organizations. Other users may be added on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Is it possible to download or view all the records at once?

A: At present it is not possible to download all the borehole records at one time.

Q: Can I use more than one criterion for a search?

No. You can only conduct a search based on one criterion, such as depth to bedrock, or town.

Q: I use Netscape Navigator, why do some of the features not work for me?

A: This website uses some of the advanced scripting features that can only be used by Internet Explorer v. 5 +. Netscape users will be able to add, search and download records, but will not see all the screen elements and will not be able to use the quick-tip pop-ups or some other advanced features available to Internet Explorer users.

Q: How long does it take for my borehole report to be approved and added to the database?

A: In general, we strive to approve submitted borehole reports within two weeks.

Q: I have forgotten my password, how can I retrieve it?

A: If you have forgotten your password, please send an email to hamidzada@uri.edu <mailto:@uri.edu>. When your identity has been authenticated, your password will be reset.

Q: Are the borehole data checked for accuracy before being added to the database?

A: We verify that the data have been entered into the correct fields and we will try to identify obvious typographical errors. We do not, however, verify the accuracy of the data against the original borehole record. If we suspect that submitted data may contain errors, we will ask the submitting agency to review their data for accuracy.

Q: Is there a procedure for correcting discovered errors?

A: Yes. The person who is submitting a record for consideration has the opportunity to view and edit his/her record before submission. The site administrator can also modify the record at the time it is checked for accuracy before entering it in the database.

Q: How often is the database updated?

A: Every two weeks, at present.

Q: Who maintains the database?

A: Currently, Nasir Hamidzada, of the Department of Geosciences, URI.

Q: Is the database available as a shapefile for loading into ArcView?

A: No. That is a future goal of the web site.

Q: Can I download the map and cross section into ArcView?

A: No. At present they are present only as JPEG files.

Q: Are data available for the whole State?

A: No. The current database only covers an area in the vicinity of the University of Rhode Island. It is intended to serve as a template that can be expanded to cover the entire state or other states. At present we are populating it with data from the Providence, RI area as part of another project.

Q: Are there other sources of borehole data in the state?

A: The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, as well as organizations listed in the Search menu, may have other data.

Q: How can I add an item to a pull-down list in a Submission field?

A: Below the pull-down list for each field is a blank box in which you can add a new category.

Q: The map seems to be part of a GIS (e.g., ArcView) file, with various layers that may contain land-use and geologic information. Where can I obtain such a file?

A: We have prepared a CD-Rom that contains this information. E-mail the Administrator (through the “Contact Us” screen) to obtain a copy.

Q: What is the URI Transportation Center?

A: As stated on the homepage of their website “The URI Transportation Center was established in 1999 to conduct multidisciplinary education <http://www.uritc.uri.edu/education>, research <http://www.uritc.uri.edu/research/>, technology transfer and outreach for surface transportation systems and advanced transportation infrastructure. The Center is one of 33 national centers <http://utc.dot.gov/listing1.html> supported by the US Department of Transportation through the University Transportation Centers Program.” Their URL is <http://www.uritc.uri.edu/>.