AGS(SG) Standardised Site-Investigation Data

AGS(SG) is Singapore's standardised electronic format for transferring site-investigation data. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says its Singapore Geological Office introduced AGS(SG) because there had previously been no common electronic format for submitting site-investigation data. The format is tailored to local needs while remaining compatible with internationally recognised formats for geotechnical and geophysical data (BCA Guidelines for ST Plan Applications, accessed 2 September 2026).

Data covered and purpose

The AGS(SG) protocol covers geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental and geophysical field data, together with laboratory-testing data. BCA's stated purpose is to enable data sharing across different systems and improve the efficiency and utility of geo-information. AGS(SG) is therefore a data interchange and submission standard, not a replacement for the ground investigation itself, the geotechnical interpretation, or the professional design decisions that use the resulting information (BCA Guidelines for Electronic Transfer of Site Investigation Data, accessed 2 September 2026).

Submission responsibilities and supporting files

The electronic-transfer guideline places responsibility on the submitting party to ensure that the data is accurate and complete. BCA's related guidance for geotechnical design describes site-investigation results as part of the Ground Investigation Report and Geotechnical Design Report workflow. AGS(SG) should consequently be treated as one component of a controlled project record, alongside the report, relevant declarations, checking information and any other submission material required for the project (BCA Electronic Transfer Addendum, accessed 2 September 2026).

Project identification and file management

The BCA addendum specifies labelling information for AGS(SG) media, including project identification, project location, the number of boreholes or cone-penetration tests (CPT tests), project date, contractor or firm, client, AGS(SG) version and media reference number. These labels support traceability between the electronic data and the project record. The prescribed examples are administrative controls for identification and security; they do not make sample data accurate merely because a file is correctly named (BCA Electronic Transfer Addendum, accessed 2 September 2026).

Relationship to structural-plan work

BCA places AGS(SG) within its structural-plan and site-investigation guidance. The format improves the portability and reuse of investigation data, but it does not itself approve a structural plan, certify a site, or determine the characteristic values and acceptable risks for a design. Practitioners must use the current BCA guidance, applicable regulations, accredited site-investigation arrangements, professional judgement and project-specific submission requirements together (BCA Guidelines for ST Plan Applications, accessed 2 September 2026).