Seismic Metadata Management: Optimisation with GIS
Todd R. Porter*, M. Robb Isaac, Monty R. Martin
GeoSynergy Inc.
16225 Park Ten Place, Suite 805
Houston, TX 77084
Website:www.geosynergy.com
Abstract
As 3D seismic surveys continue to grow in size and complexity, logistics and planning play an ever more important role in
determining the efficiency and profitability of a seismic operation. Meanwhile, the seismic metadata (information describing the
seismic data) associated with these surveys is rapidly increasing in volume and variety, yet is still stored in disparate locations
such as trace headers, co-ordinate files and paper and electronic observer logs. With the increasing popularity of time lapse
seismic, this metadata can be considered to be used for the pre-plan information of a repeat seismic survey, and it is consequently
more important than ever that it be efficiently gathered, stored, analysed and archived.
By combining these previously autonomous metadata sources with GIS layers (such as digital ortho-photos and CAD files of
pipelines or wells) into one data warehouse, real inter-dependencies can be established through spatial, attribute, and temporal
analysis, and proper cause and effect examination performed.
The industry has numerous powerful geological and geophysical planning, evaluation, processing, and analysis tools,
however few operational tools exist to effectively manage today’s complex 3D projects. A system called MATRIX ® has
been developed to address these requirements with an effective implementation of GIS, a flexible and familiar UI, and data
connection technology. The net gains are improved efficiency and quality through effective information management,
analysis, and dissemination.
This paper will present the issues critical to building such a system, and will examine case studies illustrating the benefits that
can be derived therefrom.
Introduction
In land, transition zone (TZ), and mixed mode seismic projects, significant effort and expense is invested in designing and
securing an exploration prospect. This includes mineral leases, surface permits, and any other field campaigns to collect data
in efforts to better define the area of interest and reduce liability and exposure.
Seismic operations are becoming more difficult to conduct due to culture, permits, restrictions, divided interests, and
complex acquisition methods used to improve quality of the final seismic product. Valuable information is gathered and
compiled during feasibility, evaluation and design stages. Minerals, permitting, and pre-survey / hazard mapping information
is provided prior to, and during the advance, survey, and drilling operations. These subsequent operations report
incrementally on their respective progress as well. As these inter-dependant operations usually run concurrently, it can be
extremely challenging to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives.
A system for managing, analyzing, and presenting information from inception to completion would therefore provide benefit
to a wide variety of user groups involved in the project. From crew clerk to field geophysicist, seismic processor to
operations manager, or drill push to safety auditor, an open implementation would enable these users to enter, access, report,
and perform analysis to support decision making.
