Many of the processes used in the interpretation of geological and geophysical data basically involve the correlation or cross-comparison of related sets of well logs, seismograms, and other graphical data.

Commonly the correlation is done by visual inspection. Two sets of graphical data are viewed side-by-side, and displaced relative to each other until a maximum degree of correspondence is observed.

However, with the ever-increasing volume of accumulated geological information, there is a growing trend toward the automatic processing of data. The digital correlator described is a special-purpose computer specifically designed to perform correlation operations at speeds sufficiently high to permit "on-line" or real-time processing of geophysical field data.

The paper describes the basic correlation process and, schematically, how the process is carried out in the correlator, and includes pictures and description of the correlator itself.

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