Precise location data is crucial for accurate seismic interpretation. While the “4 corners” method can introduce risks, extracting coordinates directly from trace headers improves spatial accuracy, minimizing misalignment from cumulative azimuth and spacing errors.
Loading corner coordinates from load sheets and EBCDIC headers is efficient, but manual data entry raises error risks. Studies indicate that 20-30% of these errors are transpositions (e.g., “43” entered as “34”), with the rest being random digit additions or omissions.
Analyzing XY values from hundreds of thousands of 3D poststack volumes confirms that trace headers—populated directly by processing software—provide more reliable spacing and azimuth data than load sheets and EBCDIC headers, with far fewer manual-entry errors. However, trace headers can still have issues, which can often be identified and corrected automatically.
We’re launching a new Grid Definition Calculator, available soon for Beta testing. This tool allows users to enter or paste line, trace, and XY corner values to calculate spacings, azimuths, area, and create a grid polygon using either three corners or a Point + Spacing method. Currently, Projection (CRS) is for display only, but an upcoming feature will check corner orthogonality (90-degree angles).
Interested in Beta testing? Reach out! We welcome feedback on the interface and are especially keen on your input for handling 4-corner data from load sheets/EBCDIC headers versus XYs from trace headers.
About Don Robinson Don Robinson has dedicated over 50 years to software development and seismic analysis. He founded Oklahoma Seismic Corporation in 1980 and co-developed the MIRA interpretation system, later acquired by Landmark Graphics in 1993. He then started Resolve GeoSciences in 1997, where he now leads the development of SeisShow and AnalyzeSE, software for analyzing and correcting SEG-Y seismic data.Connect on LinkedIn
Before loading SEG-Y files into an interpretation system, analysis tool, or data repository, several critical questions must be addressed. The image effectively highlights key considerations for preparing seismic files properly.
SeisShow and AnalyzeSE take care of everything, eliminating the need to manually locate bytes for key fields and addressing all necessary items.
After careful review, it’s clear we should cover these topics across multiple posts.
As the saying goes, “Be sincere, be brief, be seated”, often attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt. So today we’ll focus on key steps for loading data for immediate use.
Our primary concern is: Location! Location! Location!
With seismic data now integral to GeoSteering, accuracy is crucial. Modern drilling pads support 32+ wells, so even small spacing errors can impact well positioning and fail to warn of faults and hazards for all wells on a pad.
A key concern is accurately identifying XY values from the Trace Headers or Load Sheet and carefully checking spacings. As shown in the second image, if the expected spacing is 110 feet but the data reads 110.5 feet, the grid could be off by up to 1,000 feet in X and Y by the end of the survey or greater if the survey had more lines and traces..
Ensure your Projection System is correct. The image below uses Texas Central, NAD 27, but results would vary significantly with Texas Central, NAD 83 or Texas North Central, NAD 27. Incorrect datums have led to many dry holes.
Share your experiences here to help guide the order of our future posts. You can also contact us here: resolvegeo.com/contact and share the post with others. Your insights are valuable, and we’re always surprised by new challenges.
About Don Robinson Don Robinson has dedicated over 50 years to software development and seismic analysis. He founded Oklahoma Seismic Corporation in 1980 and co-developed the MIRA interpretation system, later acquired by Landmark Graphics in 1993. He then started Resolve GeoSciences in 1997, where he now leads the development of SeisShow and AnalyzeSE, software for analyzing and correcting SEG-Y seismic data. Connect on LinkedIn
We’re excited to announce that Resolve GeoSciences, Inc. will be sponsoring and attending the upcoming PPDM Oklahoma City Energy Data Workshop set for June 13, 2023.
This one-day event, themed around “Data Innovation,” is in perfect alignment with our mission to enhance seismic data preparation and conditioning workflows for data and IT professionals.
Innovation underpins the core of our products, Resolve AnalyzeSE and Resolve SeisShow. Resolve AnalyzeSE can automatically define SEG-Y header formats and identify problems before using or archiving seismic data, while Resolve SeisShow delivers robust SEG-Y viewing and correction capabilities.
The workshop will be held at the Maple Room at Chesapeake Energy, located at 6100 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. You can register for the event here.
Partnership with Talus Technologies
Talus Technologies will also be joining us as a sponsor. Talus has developed Exploration Archives, a comprehensive and dynamic software for managing, monitoring, and accessing geological and geophysical (G&G) data.
Together, Resolve and Talus have partnered to integrate Talus’ robust database management solution with Resolve’s advanced seismic QC and analysis software to create a comprehensive solution for seismic data management.
Resolve GeoSciences in Oklahoma City
If you’re in the OKC area, we would be happy to show you firsthand how these tools can support your work. A representative from Resolve will be visiting Oklahoma City the week of the event. Express your interest in a live demo by filling out our contact form or by reaching out to us at info@resolvegeo.com or by phone at (832) 280-7009.
Join Resolve GeoSciences at the 2023 Houston Professional Petroleum Data Expo this week, hosted at the Red Oak Ballroom in Houston’s CityCentre.
The PPDM Expo is the perfect opportunity to learn about best practices in petroleum data management, connect with fellow data professionals, and gain valuable insights to enhance your data workflows.
Find us at Booth #7, where we will be featuring Resolve AnalyzeSE™ and SeisShow™, our robust seismic data software suite with capabilities such as:
Automated batch scanning of SEG-Y files to detect header formats, extract metadata, and compute statistics
Viewing, analysis, and conditioning of SEG-Y volumes using interactive filters and QC tools
Exporting of workstation-ready SEG-Y files, reports, and JSON manifests
If you’re already planning to attend, don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello! To register, visit www.ppdm.org/HExpo23.
If you are unable to attend the conference, you can still join us at the PPDM’s complimentary cocktail reception on Tuesday, May 9th, from 3:45-6:00 pm at The Westin. To register, visit www.ppdm.org/HExpo23.
Imagine a future where your seismic data is workstation ready from the moment you want to use it.
At this year’s IMAGE 2022 convention, you can learn how to make this possible by using more efficient and automated seismic data management technologies.
Resolve GeoSciences and Talus Technologies are partnering at Booth #913 to offer presentations throughout the week on topics related to SEG-Y and seismic data management.
Start making your convention plans now by adding these presentations to your calendar. If you’re someone who uses SEG-Y, you won’t want to miss them.
