Recent advances in computer hardware technology have created a trend of lower prices and higher performance. Today, both individuals and small companies can afford computer equipment for geoscience applications. The question is often asked, "What is necessary to initiate the use of computer technology to assist in the exploration process?" This paper reviews the hardware, software, and techniques involved in computer-aided exploration.

Basic hardware requirements for geoscience applications are a digitizing tablet for data capture, a processor and peripherals for data analysis, and a plotter for displaying results. Software is available for common applications such as digitizing, log analysis, and mapping. Nortex has purchased a digitizer and plotter and shares part of a computer with the business group.

Nortex has both purchased application programs and hired programmers to develop applications internally and maintain the present software. Applications include log digitizing and analysis, seismic data digitizing, mapping and retrieval from WHCS data, and trend surface and residual analysis.

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