Computer Use in Petroleum and Stratigraphy Section of Kentucky Geological Survey

Brandon C. Nuttall

The Kentucky Geological Survey is the official repository for the records of all wells drilled for oil and gas in Kentucky. Information contained in these records is extremely valuable to the oil and gas industry in the exploration for and development of hydrocarbon deposits. This information is also valuable in the search for coal, limestone, lead, zinc, fluorspar, gypsum, and other resources. Information on an estimated 225,000 wells drilled in Kentucky is on file at the Survey. Information is currently being added to the files at the rate of 4,000-5,000 wells per year.

To date, approximately 75,000 well completions have been encoded, entered into the computer, and proofread. On-line well data include basic well identification, location, completion information, and a catalog of available well-record documents. These computerized data are available in the form of customized printouts, computer-generated well-location base maps, and machine readable 5.25-in. flexible diskettes.

The Kentucky Geological Survey has initiated a long-term project to preserve the well-record information as digital images stored on optical disks. Hardware to scan documents has been acquired, and preliminary procedures for handling materials are being formulated. Software to support extended document storage and indexing is under development.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91041©1987 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Columbus, Ohio, October 7-10, 1987.