Large Petroleum Data Bases: The Three I's--Integrity, Integration, Interface

STARK, P. H., Petroleum Information Corporation, Denver, CO

Improved cost effectiveness and enhanced productivity are the primary benefits to be gained from the management and application of large petroleum data bases during the 1990s. Achievement of these benefits depends on three critical data base management functions: integrity, integration, and interface. This paper describes strategies and tactics that are being employed to successively manage these functions in US commercial E&P and downstream data bases.

Data base integrity is the foundation for successful data base utilization. Rising user expectations demand high data base quality standards. Key activities include (1) the assigning of unique identifiers and standard data codes, (2) the verifying of accurate identification and location, and (3) the compiling of complete and accurate technical data.

Integration is the hot data base topic for the 1990s. Both data and software must be addressed to realize cost effective systems. This function's activities include (1) the assigning of common standard codes to data bases, (2) the integrating of physical data in master data bases, (3) the capturing and indexing of graphics files through scanned image technology, and (4) the developing of data base connectivity and standard data models.

Establishing satisfactory interface between data base and users is required to achieve productivity. User interface with data is facilitated with GIS spatial data management systems. Vendors are cooperating to interface data with workstations and applications.

Potential benefits of high quality, integrated data bases, and a GIS user interface are illustrated for case histories in the Austin Chalk and Texas Gulf Coast.

If one agrees that 80% of professional time is devoted to searching for and organizing data, the successful implementation of the three I's can deliver significant productivity during the 1990s.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91004 © 1991 AAPG Annual Convention Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 1991 (2009)