A data acquisition and control system and process for characterizing the subsurface geology of an excavation site, and for utilizing acquired data to optimize the production performance of a machine an earth penetrating member. A geological information acquisition unit (256) and an optional geographic positioning system (254) are employed to survey a predetermined excavation site or route. A geology characterization unit (260) may be employed to determine the physical characteristics of the subsurface geology. The acquired data are processed to provide geologic and, if applicable, position information for the excavation site which is utilized by a main control unit (250) and a machine controller (255) to modify excavation production performance of the machine.