About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 68 (1984)

Issue: 4. (April)

First Page: 519

Last Page: 519

Title: Should a Microcomputer Be Used to Make a Geologic Contour Map?: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Eldon N. Powers

Abstract:

Four hurdles common to successful computer contouring of geologic data are: (1) gathering and entering the data, (2) retrieving and correcting it, (3) properly interpreting the computer-contoured surface, and (4) biasing the control on the contoured surface to support a working hypotheses. An interactive microcomputer system is used to solve these 4 problems; in this presentation, the various components of this system are illustrated by a series of pictorial or schematic diagrams.

Well data from scout tickets are entered by use of a full cathode ray tube (CRT) screen. Prompting is provided for entry of well location or x-y status, elevation, total depth, and stratigraphic correlations--the measured depths of a predetermined series of formation tops. The system provides the option of entering initial production (IP) data or shows of oil and/or gas for each formation of interest. All data may be corrected and fine-tuned by the use of the full screen editor.

Contoured surfaces or isopachs are generated from the system's data base, and may be either displayed on the CRT screen or plotted as a map on appropriate plotter equipment. Automatic background section lines for reference are a significant feature of this system.

Fault traces with fault throws are also entered on the CRT map data. Direction of trend of the contours and rate of dip can be further controlled by entry of dip and strike data. The interactive analysis and utilization of all this information allow a rapid geologic interpretation of an area. The completed microcomputer-generated map may be adequate for a final map or may be used as a work map and guide for manual contouring that best fits an interpretation of the geologic features in the area.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 519------------

Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists