3 GloSIS Database
This section provides details on the GloSIS database in PostgreSQL.
3.2 Database Credentials
The connection to PostgreSQL requires the specification of the . The application defines default values for Database Credentials.
These are stored in credentials.R and used by the glosis-shiny application:
database_name <- "postgres"
host_name <- "postgis"
port_number <- "5432"
user_name <- "postgres"
password_name <- "glosis"3.3 Database Schema
The GloSIS database schema follows ISO 28258 Data model. The model organizes soil-related data into six main categories, known as “features of interest,” each with specific subcategories:
Site – Represents the broader environment where soil investigations occur, capturing terrain or land-use characteristics.
Plot – A specific location for soil investigation, where soil profiles and samples are collected. It is further classified into:
- Surface – A polygonal area where soil properties are assumed homogeneous.
- TrialPit – A manually excavated pit for detailed soil examination.
- Borehole – A drilled hole for subsurface soil sampling.
Profile – A vertical sequence of soil horizons or layers at a given location, fundamental for soil classification.
Profile Element – Subdivisions of a profile based on depth, further categorized as:
- Horizon – A natural, homogeneous soil layer.
- Layer – An arbitrarily defined soil section, often for analysis.
Soil Specimen – A physical sample extracted at a defined depth, typically analyzed in laboratories for chemical and physical properties.