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Demystifying
Pre-Stack 
Depth
Imaging from the Practitioner’s Point
of View
Bevc, Dimitri1, Walt Ritchie2
(1) 3DGeo Development Inc,
The recent advent of economically practical wave equation depth
imaging solutions has ushered in a great deal of potential confusion for the explorationist seeking the most effective and affordable
PSDM solution from the many options now offered by the seismic processing
community. We advocate focus on two primary criteria to select the most
effective 3-D PSDM approach to meet the explorationist’s
subsurface imaging challenge:
1) Implementation fidelity of the algorithm/method of choice.
The old adage that “the devil is in the details” is especially true when any
new technology is transitioned from theory to practice.
2) Integration level of the velocity modeling system. Matching
the right imaging method and the right velocity model building tools to the
complexity of the subsurface imaging problem determines the degree of PSDM
project success. Tight integration of the velocity model building system with
the imaging algorithm of choice is essential; If the
velocity model is not correct, or is not consistent with the imaging method, it
does not matter how advance the imaging method is, the image will not be
optimal!
To
clarify the real issues, we overview the current state of the art in depth
imaging
and highlight areas for emphasis during the PSDM selection process. Using case histories from various
basins, we provide guidelines for the explorationist
to ensure the right issues are focused on, and the right questions asked so
that the right PSDM selection decision for the prospect under review is made.