Historical data from approximately 1.5 million wells residing on an IMS data base were computer processed by Amoco's Applications Management and Graphics Systems. Output consists of gridded "blindspot" maps for each stratigraphic section within each of thirty-four United States stratigraphic trend areas. In addition, a table of computed statistics was prepared for each trend in order to characterize rate of drilling, grid success ratio, and the projected number of years needed to find various percentages of remaining reserves of hydrocarbons based on current drilling rates.

From this information, it was possible to identify relatively untested, large scale subbasinal areas which were surrounded by

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highly drilled areas. One of these identified subbasinal areas has emerged as productive and subsequent to this analysis has continued to gain momentum and recognition as a major producing trend.

Color-coded computer maps summarize the degree of drilling saturation for shallow, moderate, deep, and ultra deep stratigraphic sections. Statistics gathered during the study indicate that at present drilling rates certain areas will require hundreds of years before even a moderate degree of saturated testing will be achieved. This lends support to the position that considerable additional hydrocarbon reserves can be found, but in more remote areas, deeper sections, and at higher costs.

The study illustrates the importance of adequate structured computing resources for historical well data storage, data base accessing, applications processing, and computer graphical display.

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