Abstract: Well-Data Display System--Interactive Exploration Tool

George R. Bole

In the search for oil and gas, the explorationist routinely develops suitable maps and cross sections to portray the subsurface geology of a particular area of interest. Too often, and when time is a critical factor, the choice of which horizons or intervals to map and which wells to include in the sections is quite limited and is based on a working knowledge of the area.

With a file of digital well histories in the computer, an explorationist can retrieve data and utilize them to prepare and display many maps and cross sections of a regional or general nature through a cathode-ray tube. In this manner maps and cross sections which the explorationist would not otherwise have the time to prepare by hand can be produced rapidly. Ideas or "leads" suggested by the displays then can be evaluated in greater detail for final disposition by the explorationist.

Well Data Display System is a tool for preparing "quick and dirty" interactive graphic displays. It gives the user the ability to create structural and stratigraphic cross sections, contour maps (structure, isopach, trend, regional, and residual), and display scout-ticket listings. It also provides an edit facility that allows data to be added to, changed, and/or deleted from the computer-resident well history file, thereby permitting spurious anomalies to be smoothed, and data deficiencies to be restored to give a more accurate and complete subsurface picture.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90972©1976 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, New Orleans, LA