AGS File Utilities

AGS File Utilities

The BGS AGS File Utilities API validates and processes AGS 4.x format geotechnical data files. No authentication required.

AGS 4.x Format

AGS 4.x is the UK industry standard for exchanging geotechnical and geoenvironmental data. Files use a plain-text tabular format with groups, headings, and data rows.

Key Concepts

• AGS File — A plain-text file (.ags) containing geotechnical data organized in groups. Each group starts with a GROUP row followed by HEADING, UNIT, TYPE, and DATA rows.
• Groups — Named data tables within an AGS file. Common groups: PROJ (project info), HOLE (borehole locations), SAMP (samples), GEOL (geology descriptions), ISPT (SPT test results), CONG (consolidation tests).
• Validation — Checks AGS files against the AGS 4.x standard rules (Rule 1–20). Includes schema validation (structure/format) and data validation (cross-references between groups).
• Dictionary — AGS standard dictionaries define allowed group and heading names. Custom dictionaries extend the standard for project-specific headings.

Validation Rules

AGS validation checks include:

• Rule 1: File must be plain ASCII text
• Rule 2: Each data row must have the correct number of fields
• Rule 3: Each group must have GROUP, HEADING, UNIT, TYPE rows
• Rule 7: HEADING names must match the AGS dictionary
• Rule 10: Data types must match TYPE definitions
• Rule 19: GROUP names must be uppercase, 4 characters

Typical Workflow

1. Get API info to confirm availability and supported features
2. Validate an AGS file by URL — returns validation errors and warnings grouped by severity and rule number