Computer processable well data systems in the United States and Canada contain information of more than 700,000 wells. The use of computers to extract, analyze, and display this information is essential for economically efficient exploration where large amounts of data are available.

A systematic approach to exploration using the well data files and computer methods can improve exploration decision making. One case study demonstrates the use of well data files for the analysis of future gas potential in the northern Rocky Mountains. Another case history illustrates file applications that were used to evaluate the Muddy reservoir in the Powder River basin. Data in the Rocky Mountain well data file were used to delineate prospective Muddy trends on which subsequent drilling has discovered more than 250 million bbl of oil.

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