Over the next few years, interpretive techniques in petroleum exploration will be affected considerably by online graphic methods. A major trend has already started in this area as the industry strives to bring both exploration data bases and applications to the interpretive level. Much of the current work involves the conversion of existing batch applications to online graphic mode, for use in geoseismic modeling, base map generation, mapping and contouring, and selected forms of seismic data analysis.

In the future, it is expected that many new applications will be implemented that greatly expand the interpretive capability of the geologist and geophysicist. Such areas as seismic inversion, migration, well log/seismic trace correlation, seismic stratigraphy, and data integration are all receiving attention and considerable R and D effort.

To implement future systems in these and related areas will require considerable effort in regard to data base and system design, graphic interfaces, and user communications and training.

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