The computer "explosion" has affected all phases of business, government, and industry, and has gained tremendous momentum in expanding the capacity of exploring for oil and gas. Many programs have been developed to aid the geologist in screening his area of interest in the search for drilling prospects. Among these are sifting the data files, commercially available, for the massive amounts of information that might never been seen on a comparable basis by a geologist. Lithologic maps are quickly made from digitized sample and electric logs by the computer and the plotter. Quantitative studies of the electric log are in the operational stage and, under the supervision of competent log analysts, entire basins are being mapped on computed porosity, water saturation, litholo y, etc. Mapping techniques such as structural, isopachous, trend analysis, and factor analysis appear to be common-place within the industry as aids in the location of prospects. The computer can even be programmed to identify all the mineral content in an X-ray diffraction pattern. The purpose of all of these, and many other programs, is to aid the geologist in the search for prospects.

Just as important in the "overview" of the entire exploration effort are the programs written to evaluate the geological and geophysical prospects, analyze the land situation, prepare bidding strategies for lease sales, and coordinate the economic activities of all the departments that compose the exploration team. All of these efforts are the product of operations research personnel and fit into the management information systems of most companies.

It is imperative that the geologist master and control the programs which are available, utilize them, and work closely with the computer experts in the generation of new ideas.

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