As geologists we should take a close look at the development and use of Lithologic Data Systems as hydrocarbon finding tools. The technology and experience are now available for us to do this.

A Lithologic Data System must be capable of accepting descriptive data from sample cuttings, cores, outcrops, and that purchased from commercial concerns. The capture of the company data is very time consuming and expensive. Purchase of lithologic data from commercial firms is the fastest and least expensive method of obtaining a Lithologic Data System. Their data are more adaptable to a computer system because of the higher degree of standardization and are already prepared for computer storage. Commercial firms are currently generating more intervals of data per month than most companies. The three commercial firms currently in the data processing business have in their files approximately 15,000 lithologic digital logs. The files are increasing at the rate of approximately 100 well per month. No longer are data systems the sole property of the larger companies. All three commercial lithologic data firms have retrieval programs that will process their data.

With the increase of computer usage, industry-wide standardization of logging methods, geologic terms, and data formats are essential. After storage, geologic models can be developed and retrievals created for output in any desirable form such as log strips, multiple types of maps, histograms, statistical data, etc. Of all data systems developed by the oil companies, the Lithologic Data System has the greatest potential for aiding in the search for future energy reserves.

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