AGS Software For Geotechnical Data,
From Field To File
TabLogs captures AGS-compliant data in the field, imports existing AGS files, and exports validated AGS for your clients. Map a file once, save the template, and reuse it on every project after.
Capture AGS drilling data on site, including WINS, CHIS, WADD and PTIM
Import AGS files with reusable mapping templates
Import AGS and DIGGS XML; export AGS, DIGGS, Excel or gINT from the same project
What is AGS?
AGS is the standard data format for exchanging geotechnical and geoenvironmental data, published by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists in the UK. An AGS file is a structured text file that organises borehole, sample, in-situ test and lab data into standard groups with standard headings, so any AGS-compliant system can read it. TabLogs works with AGS4, version 4.1.1.
AGS software is any tool that creates, reads, validates or converts AGS files. TabLogs is cloud-based borehole logging software that handles AGS end to end: field capture, import, validation and export, in one platform.
That includes the full AGS round trip: import an AGS file, edit the data in TabLogs, and export a clean AGS file again. It all runs from the Project tab.
Because every AGS file follows the same structure, the mapping work is mostly a one-time cost. Once your template is built in TabLogs, each new AGS file is upload, select template, preview, import.
AGS groups explained
An AGS file is split into groups, each identified by a four-letter code. These are the groups most geotechnical projects use, and how TabLogs handles them.
| AGS group | What it holds | In TabLogs |
|---|---|---|
| PROJ | Project details: name, client, location | Project information |
| LOCA | Each borehole or test location, including coordinates | Log and location data |
| GEOL | Soil and rock descriptions by depth | Subsurface information |
| SAMP | Samples taken, with depths and types | Samples |
| ISPT | Standard Penetration Test results | In-situ tests |
| HDIA / CDIA | Hole and casing diameter | Captured on every drilling method |
| WINS, CHIS, WADD, PTIM | Sampling runs, chiselling, water added, progress by time | Drilling data captured in the field |
| Lab groups | Lab test results, such as Atterberg limits | Linked to TabLogs lab test results |
Tip: coordinates live in LOCA, not PROJ. Easting and northing sit in LOCA_NATE and LOCA_NATN, and latitude and longitude in LOCA_LATT and LOCA_LONG. If a field seems to be missing from your file, check the group it actually belongs to before assuming it isn't there.
Import AGS files in minutes
TabLogs imports AGS files from consultants, drillers and legacy systems into a live project, ready to log, edit and report on.
- Upload the AGS file and choose your log configuration.
- Map each AGS group and heading to TabLogs fields in the mapping table.
- Save the mapping as an Import Template.
- Preview the data, then import.
Because AGS is standardised, one template works across files and even across clients. After the first import, the next one is upload, select template, preview, import.
Working with US clients? TabLogs also imports DIGGS XML files into the same project.
Not sure where a field lives? Open External View lets you look inside the source file to find the right group and heading.
Export and validate AGS
TabLogs exports AGS straight from your project, with field, sample and lab data linked correctly.
- Group-by-group mapping. Review project, location, geology, sample, in-situ and lab groups one tab at a time.
- Lab results included. Link each lab group to its TabLogs lab test source, so values like liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index land under the right AGS fields.
- AGS codes handled for you. Value mapping translates your own terms, such as sample types, into the AGS codes the receiving system expects. Code lists can be maintained centrally.
- Preview before you send. Check location IDs, depths, sample IDs, test types and codes before generating the file.
- Reusable export templates. Save a validated mapping and use it on every project for that client.
To review an exported file, convert it to a spreadsheet with the AGS Validator and check that every test result sits under the right sample and log.
Capture AGS data in the field
The cleanest AGS file starts on site. TabLogs captures AGS-compliant drilling data as the hole is logged, so nothing needs re-keying at the office.
| What the logger records | AGS group | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Window or windowless sampling runs | WINS | Dynamic sampling |
| Hole and casing diameter | HDIA / CDIA | Every drilling method |
| Chiselling through hard strata | CHIS | Cable percussive |
| Water added to the hole | WADD | Cable percussive in granular material |
| Progress by shift: depth, casing, water level | PTIM | Multi-day holes |
Each option is switched on per drilling method in your log configuration, so loggers only see the fields their method needs.
AGS vs DIGGS
AGS and DIGGS solve the same problem for different markets. TabLogs imports and exports both from the same project, so you don't need to choose.
| AGS | DIGGS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists format | Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists |
| Where it's used | UK, Australia, New Zealand, Asia | United States, including state DOTs |
| File type | Structured text, organised into groups | XML |
| In TabLogs | Import, export and full round trip | Import and export |
Frequently asked questions
What software opens AGS files?
TabLogs imports AGS files into a live geotechnical project, where you can view, edit, log and report on the data. Free tools such as the AGS Validator convert AGS files to a spreadsheet for review.
Can I convert an AGS file to Excel?
Yes. Import the AGS file into TabLogs and export to Excel, or use the AGS Validator to convert the file to a spreadsheet for checking.
Which AGS version does TabLogs support?
TabLogs supports AGS4, version 4.1.1, for both import and export.
Can I import an AGS file, edit it and export it again?
Yes. TabLogs supports the full AGS round trip, so you can correct or add to a client's AGS data and send back a clean AGS file.
Do I have to re-map every AGS file?
No. Save your mapping as a template once and reuse it across projects and clients.
Does TabLogs support DIGGS as well as AGS?
Yes. TabLogs imports DIGGS XML files and exports AGS, DIGGS, Excel and gINT formats from the same project.
Is a generated AGS file automatically valid?
A generated file confirms the export ran, not that every field is mapped correctly. Preview the data in TabLogs and check the output with the AGS Validator before sending it to a client.