Abstract
The growing demand for comprehensive data bases on various sectors of the economy is well understood in developing countries. Establishment of on-line data bases, although ideal, requires proper telecommunication infrastructure, and the cost involved may not be commensurate with the benefits expected to accrue. The outlines of an off-line decentralised mission-oriented information system for mineral resources (MRIS-India) are presented in this paper. Ten broad topics/subsystems covering information on various aspects of mineral resources have been identified and each discussed in detail. More emphasis is laid on current and latest information, keeping in view user requirements rather than time-series data. Suitable data formats have also been given. Although MRIS-India is more directed towards meeting the maximum domestic requirements for information, international data requirements can also be met from this system to some extent. MRIS-India as outlined here would be a medium-sized data base and can be effectively implemented even on a microprocessor-based minimum configuration computer system. The availability of similar systems in developed countries and the status of international data standards are also briefly discussed.