Transcript generally in a computer

Databases and Landwork
WebEx Broadcast
October 4, 2013
What is a database?

a comprehensive collection of
related data organized for
convenient access, generally in a
computer

a comprehensive collection of related data
organized for convenient access, generally
in a computer
Phone book
 Dictionary
 Index books

Database vs. Database Program or
System
Per definition, database is simply the data
 A Program or System is what facilitates
entry and processing of that data
 The terms ‘Database’ and ‘Database System’
are essentially interchangeable

Everyday databases in land work

Courthouse Indexes

Printed and electronic
State Mineral Websites (Sonris, NDIC, etc.)
 Search Engines




Google
Bing
Social Media


Facebook
Linked In
Everyday databases in land work
And of course…

Spreadsheets

Simple but powerful



Sorting
Arithmetic
We will revisit spreadsheets when we
discuss design options
Images and Associated Files vs. Data

Image files may contain “metadata”

State Mineral Websites
Well and production data
 Vs.
 Associated image of document

Benefits of an Electronic Database
Speed
 Accuracy
 Convenience
 Control
 Standardization


Normalization
Benefits of Electronic Databases


Speed
 Generally real-time
 Data is already normalized (see below)
 Info not only gathered but manipulated instantly
Accuracy

Not subject to human mistakes
Benefits of an Electronic Database

Convenience
 Don’t have to handle paper sources
 Web access even better
 Database program gathers and
manipulates data for you
Benefits of an Electronic Database

Control
 Very easy based on User IDs, authority levels
 Types of authority
 Degrees or areas of access




Prospects
States
Divisions
Standardization

Users select from options

Normalization

Table structure and general design tailored to task
Drawbacks of an Electronic Database

Security, Security, Security

Users
Hackers
Viruses
Failures
Disasters




Two Types of Databases

Flat





Spreadsheets
Easier to set up, more difficult to maintain
Has orientation as described below
Much data repetition
Relational


Related tables
More difficult to set up, easier to maintain
Two Three Types of Databases

Worth mentioning…

Object Oriented
Tables not directly related
 Usually best for very large amounts of
data with relatively few tables

Database Permission Types

Four broad types of permission
Read
 Write
 Edit
 Delete


Much of what we have discussed is
read access only
Databases for the Land Industry

Divided into 2 broad categories

Acquisition/Tracking
 Tract-oriented database
 Concerned with % signed, restrictions, etc.

Management


Contract-oriented database
Concerned with rights and obligations
Field Acquisition and Tracking Systems

Several companies



TotaLand
iLandman
Land Boss
Commonly tract-oriented
 Document generation (leases, reports, etc.)
 Real-time reporting
 Linking to GIS
 Data Gathering

Tract-Oriented Design
Note the
repetition of
records
Asset Management Systems

Leading companies



Tobin
Quorum
Land Pro
Generally contract-oriented
 Tracking of rights, obligations over time



Deaths, sales, expirations
WI, RI, ORRI, NPRI
 Division Orders
 Joint Interest Billing
Contract-Oriented Design
Again, note
the
repetition of
records
Non-Oriented Design
Cross Tables as opposed to Sub Tables
Common Thread
Each design has pros and cons
 All systems attempt to relate key data










Tracts
Contracts
Parties
Units
Wells
Instruments
Projects
Payments
Etc., etc.
Review - Electronic Databases
Flat – Tract Oriented
Relational – Tract Oriented
Flat – Contract Oriented
Relational – Contract
Oriented
N/A
Relational – Non Oriented
Review - Electronic Databases
Tract-oriented
Contract-oriented
Non-oriented
Closing thoughts…
Databases are all around us
 Electronic databases are critical to everyday
life, and the land industry is no exception
 Generally speaking, the front end side of the
land industry has been slow to embrace
significant integration of databases
 Solutions are getting better, prices are
coming down
 Get on the bus or get left behind…

Questions
Please type in questions
CE Credit Affidavits
Bill Justice
[email protected]
Databases and Landwork
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after complete.
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Thank you!