Kirk A. Barrell
Geodynamic Solutions, Inc.
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the significant increase in performance and decrease of prices of the personal computer (PC) platform have accelerated the growth of geographic information system (GIS) usage. GIS is a very dynamic technology enabling the user to display a map of any location in the world and rescale that map instantaneously. The key to the success of any exploration or exploitation team is the integration of the members, the database, and the multiple software functions. GIS is a particularly effective means of providing functionality for all of the disciplines represented on the team. GIS cannot replace all existing software applications, but it can be used to integrate and link other programs. Although GIS can be effectively applied in various petroleum industry settings, its use in exploration and exploitation is of particular interest. One specific exploration application involves the creation of reconnaissance maps. Uses of GIS in exploitation projects are perhaps more varied because exploitation evaluation typically deals with more extensive data sets than those typically used in exploration settings. Exploitation approaches are generally applied to mature producing areas where well control is dense, whereas exploration projects may not involve any wells at all. GIS is a particularly effective technology that enables exploration and exploitation teams to share information, analyze data in new ways, and integrate the evaluation process.