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Type
Webinar

Extractor twins: taking the tedium out of table transcription

Event organised by ICE

Date
29 January 2026
Time

This event has now ended

Overview

Transcribing geotechnical laboratory data into project databases is often a laborious process. Reports typically arrive as image-based PDFs or inconsistently formatted Excel files, making it difficult to transfer data into systems like gINT—a widely used geotechnical database software for storing, managing, and reporting subsurface investigation data.

To tackle this challenge, Geoquip developed two practical tools: PDF-Scraper and Excel-Extractor. These so-called “extractor twins” automate the conversion of complex reports into import-ready files, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Since their deployment in 2024, these solutions have cut manual data handling time by 50%, improved consistency, and streamlined workflows across multiple projects. 

At this ICE South West Lunch & Learn webinar, you will learn:

  • Why geotechnical data handling is a persistent challenge and its impact on project efficiency.
  • How AI and automation can reduce manual transcription and improve data accuracy.
  • Tips for integrating practical tools into your workflow and preparing data for gINT.
  • Insights into future developments in digital solutions for geotechnical engineering.

Join Sandy Smith from Geoquip to explore the transformation of geotechnical data management.

Speaker

Dr Sandy W Smith

Dr Sandy W Smith

Geoquip

data team manager

Read more

Dr Sandy W Smith

Sandy graduated from Kingston Polytechnic with BSc (Hons) in geology and gained a masters’ and doctorate in biostratigraphy at Sheffield University. 

He spent most of his career in the oil and gas industry working as a biostratigrapher for Shell. Sandy also worked with data and early cloud computer systems for Halliburton Landmark, and as datawise division manager for Merlin Energy Ltd. 

In 2024, Sandy migrated to the offshore wind industry by joining Geoquip as the data team manager.  Now he is enjoying integrating into a new technical sector and working with a talented team solving geotechnical data challenges by creating innovative software solutions and applying “good old” high quality data management practices.

For more information please contact:

Kate Messham