PaStraLa – a paleontological database for geological surveys

Our database logo Source: BGR

The processing of palaeontological samples in the geological surveys comprises several steps. To begin with, a customer submits rock samples, which are then mechanically and chemically processed in the appropriate laboratories, depending on the fossil groups to be examined. The subsequent scientific analysis of the obtained fossil material results in a statement regarding the age and formation conditions of the submitted samples.

In the relational database PaStraLa (paleontology, biostratigraphy, laboratories) all these steps are documented in due consideration of a quality management and all generated data sets are digitally archived. The database model is based on papers about the standardized recording of sample and analysis data, which have already been implemented in other areas of BGR.

In order to make the results available to the general public, the PaStraInfo database (Palaeontological-Stratigraphic Information) was developed in 2010 as an extract from PaStraLa. It was implemented in the NIBIS® KARTENSERVER. The page can be accessed directly via the address: http://nibis.lbeg.de/cardomap3 or via the start page of the LBEG website. Work is currently underway to update the database.

As of 01.02.2020, the database contains 83.378 data records. This includes the biostratigraphic reports available in analogue form since the 1930s, which have been digitalized and processed for this purpose.