Computer Graphics as a Tool for Correlation of Thematic Mapper Satellite and Subsurface Geologic Data in Hydrocarbon Exploration

Bronya Oldfield

Computer technology, particularly high-speed graphics workstations, have made it possible to graphically combine and visualize large data bases and multispectral satellite data. This presentation focuses on a tool that attempts to extract information concerning spectral components of satellite data by graphically correlating raster-format satellite data with vector-format maps of surface and subsurface geologic data. Thematic mapper (TM) satellite data have been graphically correlated with topographic data and subsurface data from maps constructed using Petroleum Information (PI) data for the Patrick Draw area, southwestern Wyoming. The study area is on the eastern margin of the Rock Springs uplift and extends into the northern Washakie basin and southern Red Desert basin

Subsets of the TM satellite data were selected for a 40-km² area around Patrick Draw, Table Rock, and Desert Springs fields. Formation tops were extracted from the PI data base and were used to create structure contour maps of the region. Perspective plots and block diagrams were constructed to show interrelationships of surface and subsurface geologic features.

Imate profiles were taken trough each spectral band of TM satellite data, and cross sections were constructed along identical sections from subsurface data. The image profiling technique facilitates correlation and identification of components in satellite data that may relate to occurrence of oil and gas. Thus, graphical correlation applied in this manner may act as a useful data integration tool in the search for oil and gas prospects.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91022©1989 AAPG Annual Convention, April 23-26, 1989, San Antonio, Texas.