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In mature exploration areas the ability to rapidly evaluate acreage for further exploration and development has previously been restricted by the vast amounts of data that must be analyzed. To efficiently evaluate selected areas it becomes necessary to subdivide such areas into workable tracts based on the amount of data and time available. Regional attempts at exploration in many places become too manpower-intensive for many energy companies.

Through utilization of computer data bases it is possible for a small group of individuals to effectively evaluate significant amounts of acreage. In mature provinces, this capability lets individuals rapidly develop exploration recommendations which previously could be made only by geologists who were already knowledgeable about that part of the province.

Two approaches which have been successfully applied to recent exploration efforts are (1) mapping of exploration potential/development potential values and (2) statistical mapping of structural trends. The exploration potential/development potential concept assigns arbitrary values to pertinent tests of specific geologic horizons. By using automatic contour mapping programs it becomes possible to define areas of exploration potential as well as areas of development potential.

The second application involves residual and trend surface analysis mapping of selected geologic horizons to define regional paleostructures. In the example to be presented, both seismic and well control indicated that sedimentary onlapping occurred during Lower Cretaceous time on the flanks of basins; these onlaps were located by computer-drawn contours. Significant potential hydrocarbon plays lie within these onlap zones.

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