Computers are useful to the explorationist not only because they can easily perform computations too lengthy to be performed routinely "by hand" (e.g., forming a synthetic seismic section for a moderately complex earth model), but also because they can reduce the tedium, time, and error rate of tasks the interpreter now performs (e.g., interpolating and rescaling displays). This paper presents a single example of computer-aided interpretation that illustrates the versatility, speed, and operational simplicity of a stand-alone microcomputer work station. Seiscom Delta's "Microseis" system performs various tasks required to go from a seismic time section to a final depth map.

The system permits picking the section at irregular intervals; thus the user can space data points widely in uninteresting areas, and closely in complex areas. Comments, for example, noting surface features or subtle changes in the character of data, can be entered along with numeric data. The data need not be seismic; the system works equally well with well depths, geochemical data, and radiometric readings. Line tying, isovalue generation, and conversion routines can be used for both seismic and nonseismic data. Data can be entered from displays having various scales and can be easily corrected or supplemented. The user has a wide variety of display options in data selection and format, display scales, and presence of supplemental information.

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