ABSTRACT: Decision Tree for Hydrocarbon Exploration Applications of Remote Sensing

DEKKER, FONS, Petro-Canada, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and BOB DAMS, Intera Tydac Technologies Inc., Nepean, Ontario, Canada

Selecting the proper remote sensing tool for any hydrocarbon exploration project has become extremely confusing. Not only does the explorationist have to deal with the variety of remote sensing tools, their characteristics, potential applications, output formats, and cost differences, (s)he also has to take into account the variety of exploration tasks/requirements, altitude variations, latitude, and terrain characteristics (from deserts to tropical rain forests). Many explorationists therefore rely on consultants for all aspects of remote sensing in the exploration effort.

The DEAR DAD model provides an easy method to determine the most useful and cost-effective remote sensing tool for any hydrocarbon exploration project. It allows the explorationist to be actively involved in the decision making process without spending a large amount of time investigating the technology. The model also provides the possibility to stage the remote sensing investigation in several phases--from low cost, coarse, regional to high cost, detailed, local.

Examples from Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, and Yemen illustrate the use of the model.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)