Excel Best Practices and Tutorials for Geological Data
Key Questions
What are common Excel pitfalls to avoid when handling geological data like assays?
Avoid merging cells and using fragile VLOOKUP functions, as they can break formulas and complicate data analysis. The guide highlights these as bad habits promoted online that hinder reliable workflows in mining jobs.
What Excel functions are recommended as alternatives to VLOOKUP for better formula readability?
Use XLOOKUP, helper columns, LET, and LAMBDA functions to create more robust and readable formulas. These tools improve maintainability, especially for assay data cleaning and QAQC.
How can AI assist with creating Excel formulas for geological analysis?
AI tools like ChatGPT can generate formulas quickly, as shown in the 'AI for Formulas in Excel' course module video. This speeds up tasks like data processing for Bor mining applications.
What basics are covered in introductory Excel tutorials for geo data?
The Unit School Basic Excel video covers foundational skills for cleaning, analysis, and QAQC. It reinforces essential practices for geological workflows.
How do you run statistical tests in Excel for geological datasets?
Prepare data in two columns with headings for each group or treatment. Use Excel's built-in tools under the Data tab to perform tests like t-tests on assay or exploration data.
Pitfalls guide warns against merging cells/VLOOKUP fragility for assays; push XLOOKUP, helpers, LET/LAMBDA for readable formulas. Stats tests, AI formula aids (ChatGPT), basics video/unit school reinforce cleaning/analysis/QAQC for Bor mining jobs.