Guide to Geological Services

Protect your investment by hiring a solid geological consultant

By Kimberly Webb

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For many industries, such as construction and petroleum, having access to geological consultants is a must. They can not only help you choose the right location for your next project, but can assist you in getting soil samples and other tests that may be necessary to build on a particular plot of land. The key to finding a good geological consulting firm is knowing what to look for and what questions to ask.

Geological firms typically work with either government entities or those in the private sector, but some work with a mixture of the two. In addition, many geological firms specialize in particular fields or industries. You may come across firms such as:

1. Oil and gas geological consulting companies, which specialize in nothing but oil and gas businesses and containment

2. Geoservice consulting firms that deal with a wide variety of problems and companies

3. Geological engineering companies, which can not only help with diagnosing problems but can offer solutions and plans of action

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself on the geological service industry

One of the best ways to prevent yourself from being misrepresented when you choose a geoservice consultant is to learn as much as possible about the industry itself. You should be able to read a basic topographical map and understand some of the geological terms that are relevant to your industry.

I recommend: Keep track of the latest news on some of the major geological websites and resources. Bookmark the Geological Society of America's homepage as well as the American Geological Institute's GeoRef website. There you'll find resources and information for business owners such as yourself.

Locate geological consulting firms that specialize in your business sector

Finding a geological consulting firm that specializes in your particular industry can really benefit your bottom line. Specialists know the tests and procedures that are necessary for your particular job, and can guide you in the right direction when problems arise. So, for many, it pays to find someone intimately familiar with your industry and forgo a general geological service.

I recommend: Choose a company that understands your needs. Coastal Geologic Services specializes in working with clients in coastal regions. They know the different soil types and problems that occur only in this particular region. Geological Consulting Services, which is based in Texas, works only with those in the petroleum industry. This company understands the needs of the oil industry like no other.

Find out what other services the geological services companies offer

When you choose among geological firms, it's important to look at their lists of services. The company you choose should be able to help you determine what sorts of tests and maps you need to create at the beginning of the project, and work with you if problems arise. Following up after a job is also an important service.

I recommend: Explore your options to make sure that you pick a geological service firm that can help you from start to finish. GEO Consultants is a full-service company that can help you with every step of your project. Technos is another good option to consider for site characterization of your geotechnical, environmental or hydrogeologic projects.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide