Challenge: The British Geological Survey (BGS) struggled with scattered legacy spatial data across corporate drives, making it difficult for internal teams and external users to find reliable, current datasets. Staff wasted significant time searching for data, verifying versions, and determining usage rights.

Solution: I collaborated with developers, database specialists, and GIS experts to visualise the workflow that transforms how BGS manages and delivers spatial data through the Spatial Data Delivery Service (SDDS).

My Role & Approach

As the workflow designer, I worked closely with a cross-functional team including:

• Database developers
• GIS specialists
• Data governance leads
• Metadata specialists

Design Process

1. Problem Analysis: Conducted stakeholder interviews to identify pain points in the existing data landscape
2. Workflow Mapping: Created a visual "conveyor belt" metaphor to represent the systematic data processing pipeline
3. Iterative Refinement: Developed multiple drafts (v1-v5.4) based on developer feedback and technical constraints
4. Visual Communication: Designed an infographic that clearly communicates complex technical processes to diverse audiences

The Workflow: Systematic Data Processing

The workflow I designed includes two parallel tracks:

Legacy Data Investigation Track:

1. Data Owner verification
2. Utility assessment ("Is it still useful?")
3. Licensing review
4. Metadata enrichment
5. Symbology standardization

New Data Approval Process:

• Streamlined pathway for incoming datasets
• Systematic verification before database integration
• Prevention of future "lost data" scenarios

After: "Registry of Spatial Datasets"

• Single source of truth for all spatial data
• Consistent presentation across applications
• Clear data lineage and usage rights
• Foundation for new tools like GeoReports

Key Design Decisions

1. Non-linear Process: Recognized that investigation steps could occur in different orders, designing flexibility into the workflow
2. Decision Points: Created clear pathways for data that needs enhancement, archival, or immediate publication
3. Holding Areas: Designed staging areas for datasets requiring additional funding or technical work
4. Multiple Outputs: Ensured the workflow serves various applications beyond GeoIndex, including mobile apps and research tools

Tools & Methods

Results & Impact

Designed a visual workflow that makes the complex SDDS process transparent and understandable, helping stakeholders see how corporate spatial data is captured, stored, and delivered—ultimately making data more discoverable and AI-ready.

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This workflow now serves as the foundation for BGS's spatial data management, ensuring reliable access to geological data for research, policy, and commercial applications.