  The objective of this work is to define best practices in the management of
geothermal exploration data. This study builds on a questionnaire to survey the
geothermal data management practices in mature geothermal markets. The inquiry
targeted public Regulatory entities with overview of geothermal resources as
well as public and private developers. Topics covered in the questionnaire
range from the country status to the database set up. The questionnaire focused
on the specifications, usage and investments required for
installing/maintaining information systems capable of managing exploration
data. In addition, information on the different regulatory frameworks and
company policies for managing/sharing exploration data has been gathered to
identify the requirements imposed on the design of information systems. The
responses were analyzed to identify commonalities in data management practices.
They reveal that installing an Information System (IS) is the best practice to
systematically and securely manage exploration data. They also provide
recommendations with respect to the regulatory framework, data types, data
collection methodologies, data storage, data quality control, data
accessibility and dissemination, IS architecture, financial investments and
human resources required to develop a state-of-the art IS. These results will
guide the design of future technical assistance programs for beneficiaries of
World Bank support to geothermal exploration activities and it is our belief
that they will be beneficial for the geothermal sector at large.
