Geotechnical Data Processing with Our AI Borehole Log Digitizer & No-Code Workflow

In geotechnical engineering and geology, data is everything. Whether assessing ground conditions for a new construction project or analyzing historical borehole logs, the ability to quickly and accurately process geotechnical data is crucial. However, much of this valuable information is trapped in PDFs, requiring hours of manual transcription. Civils.ai’s AI Borehole Log Digitizer changes that—eliminating tedious data entry and transforming borehole logs, lab test reports, and geotechnical data into structured, actionable insights.

Eliminating Manual Data Entry: What Civils.ai Can Do

Civils.ai’s AI Borehole Log Digitizer is designed to extract critical geotechnical data from PDF borehole logs and reports with accuracy and speed. Instead of manually transcribing borehole and lab test data, engineers and geologists can now drag and drop entire PDF reports and instantly extract structured data.

What Can You Extract?

• Geology – Identify soil and rock layers from borehole logs.
• In-situ Test Results – Capture data from SPT, CPT, and other field tests.
• Metadata – Extract critical details such as borehole locations, depths, and project identifiers.
• Historical Reports – Process entire scanned geotechnical reports, automatically isolating and digitizing borehole logs.

How to Extract Data & Integrate into Geological Modelling Software

The AI Borehole Log Digitizer allows users to export extracted data into multiple formats, including:

1. Excel – For easy data manipulation and analysis.
2. AGS 4.1 – To comply with industry geotechnical data standards. 
3. Shapefiles & DXF – For seamless integration with GIS and CAD software.

Unlike traditional solutions, Civils.ai’s digitizer works with handwritten and scanned documents with no file size limits, ensuring that even historical reports are no longer locked away in inaccessible formats.

Below we show you how to navigate the software with a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Upload Your Borehole Logs - Start by uploading your borehole logs in PDF format. The best way to utilize this feature is by first creating your own project within the software!

Once in your project, you can upload your geotechnical reports into your No Code Workflow.

Step 2: Let Civils.ai Process the Data - Civils.ai automatically extracts and digitizes the data from your files. Processing takes about 10 minutes per borehole, ensuring that every layer, SPT result, and groundwater measurement is accurately captured.

Step 3: Review and Validate the Data - Once processing is complete, you can review and verify the extracted data within the Civils.ai platform. There are tons of different details that can be viewed such as the Geology, Key Data, Parameter Correlations and Extra Details.

You could even utilize the software to run 2D sections of your borehole data. 

Step 4: Download in Your Preferred Format - Export the cleaned and structured data in Excel, AGS, or other industry-standard formats to integrate seamlessly into your workflow.

For geotechnical engineers, having access to high-quality subsurface data is only half the battle—being able to export that data in the right format is just as crucial. Whether working on foundation design, slope stability analysis, or ground improvement solutions, engineers rely on software tools that require specific data formats.

That’s why Civils.ai allows users to export borehole data in Excel, AGS, and other industry-standard formats.

The Challenge of Subsurface Modeling

Creating accurate subsurface models is often hindered by uncertainty over ground conditions. The risks associated with unknown geological features can lead to costly delays and unforeseen project challenges. A significant contributor to this uncertainty is the sheer volume of geotechnical data trapped in PDFs, forcing engineers to spend excessive time manually extracting and inputting data. 

Depending on the project's scale, engineers may need to analyze data from 5 to 20 boreholes for small commercial buildings, 20 to 100 for mid-sized projects like bridges and industrial sites, and 100 to over 500 for large infrastructure projects such as highways, tunnels, and high-rise buildings. Mega-projects, like airports or metro systems, can require 500 to 2,000+ boreholes, with each borehole log containing 50 to 500+ individual data points. Manually processing this vast amount of information is both time-consuming and prone to errors. 

By automating this process, Civils.ai helps mitigate risks by making crucial geotechnical insights more accessible.

Why Data Matters in Geotechnical Engineering

The more high-quality data available, the better engineers can de-risk projects. Borehole logs, lab test data, and environmental reports all contribute to developing a comprehensive understanding of site conditions. Having this information readily available improves decision-making, reduces uncertainty, and enhances the accuracy of subsurface models—ultimately leading to more efficient, cost-effective construction projects.

The Role of Civils.ai in Geotechnical Data Management

With the power of AI, Civils.ai transforms the way engineers interact with geotechnical reports. Instead of spending hours manually searching for and transcribing information, users can:

• Extract geological data directly from borehole logs.
• Capture parameters and results from in-situ and lab tests to understand soil and rock behavior.
• Feed structured data into geotechnical models for better site analysis and risk assessment.

By digitizing and structuring borehole log data, Civils.ai empowers engineers to make data-driven decisions with confidence—unlocking efficiency, accuracy, and deeper geotechnical insights.

See it in action! Watch the demo here: