The objective of this project is to develop a rational, theoretically consistent, computer-based decision support system as a practical tool for the evaluation of exploration programs in underground construction. The development of this system is based on EVGE, a decision support system for determining the value of pilot tunnels, which can also be used for computing "the value of perfect information" (EVPI) of other exploration programs. The proposed system utilizes a powerful geologic model based on the "continuous space, discrete state Markov process" which is automatically updated to reflect the impact of imperfect geologic observations. Furthermore, it makes use of computer graphics and hypothesis testing to emulate the behavior of designers and contractors (i.e., the users) and uses Monte Carlo simulation for the evaluation of future exploration.
