The concept of data worth and its use in the development of site investigation strategies

The valuation of data in hydrogeological analysis and its application in the development of site investigation strategies are discussed. The assessment of data worth is done by comparing the cost of data collection against the expected value of the risk reduction the data provides. After accomplishing this procedure, a field investigation program is undertaken in order to determine the data to be measured, the process of measurement and the location of these measurements. Economic considerations are vital for these three parameters.