Esri Petroleum User Group (PUG) Abstracts

The 2004 PUG Conference was held February 23-25, 2004 at the JW Marriott in Houston, Texas.

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NOGA Online Featuring USGS Assessments of Oil & Gas An Update
Laura Biewick,USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey Central Energy Resources Team is in the process of reassessing domestic oil and natural gas resources in a series of priority basins in the United States. Assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources in five such priority provinces were recently completed to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 2000 (EPCA 2000). New assessment results are made available on an ongoing basis at the National Assessment of Oil and Gas Project web site (NOGA Online).

At NOGA Online the assessment results are reported by geologic province, and each province page is available from either a map interface or a pull-down menu. Products that are accessible from the province pages include an interactive map application developed using ArcIMS. In addition to ArcIMS tools, the interactive map application provides links to information associated with the layers, such as GIS data download, metadata, thumbnail views, and sources of the base cartographic layers. Also available is a ‘Make Map’ button that allows users to save and print custom maps.

Enhancing Exploration By Integrating ArcMap and Spotfire Visual Analytics
John Lyle, ChevronTexaco

The primary goal of petroleum exploration is to identify the most prospective areas and “new opportunity” trends. To accomplish this, all available subsurface data is collected, integrated and analyzed to winnow it down to the most prospective acreage.

ChevronTexaco recognized that this analysis can by performed faster and in more detail with the combined use of ArcMap and Spotfire’s DecisionSite software. DecisionSite provides an attractive complement to ArcMap by allowing users to see and analyze their data in multidimensional attribute space. DecisionSite lets users easily create diagnostic 2D/3D plots of their data, instantly filter it on many attributes, quickly discover trends and understand outliers, as well as execute automated analytic tools and workflows.

To make this combined ArcMap/DecisionSite analysis more effective, ChevronTexaco worked with Spotfire to develop a new ArcMap extension called MapConnect. MapConnect facilitates the simultaneous use of ArcMap and DecisionSite by passing the selected data in one tool to the other. Users select well data in ArcMap, display it in DecisionSite plots and interactively and iteratively analyze it with DecisionSite and ArcMap. Useful applications in exploration and production will be shown that include highly interactive visualization, interrogation and evaluation of petrophysical, geochemical, rock physics and subsurface data types.

An Effective GIS Database for Fields and Prospects
Ken Hood, ExxonMobil

Hydrocarbon exploration utilizes a vast array of information, including many different types of rock and fluid data. As an industry, we know well how to map and manipulate rock data. Capturing and managing data on fields, discoveries, prospects, leads, and dry tests, however, presents a distinct set of challenges. A single field may include overlapping hydrocarbon accumulations at different reservoir intervals, while individual reservoirs may comprise multiple, non-contiguous fault blocks or structural culminations. Within the same structure, different reservoir intervals could be hydrocarbon bearing, dry, or untested. Understanding the distribution and geologic characterization of hydrocarbons, undiscovered potential, and dry tests is both essential and time consuming. Moreover, business opportunities may depend on vertical associations (e.g., deeper pool potential) and whether discovered hydrocarbons are producing or undeveloped. The recent proliferation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the petroleum industry has enabled increasingly sophisticated work processes and capable databases to be utilized in this endeavor. The General Feature Model (GFM) is a GIS database designed to address many of the complexities of storing, displaying, managing, and analyzing feature data. More than just a computer database, the GFM provides a highly effective tool for managing exploration, development, and production opportunities in a way that can provide significant competitive advantage.

Utilizing GIS in a Pipeline Facility Management Work Flow Process
Tracy Thorleifson, Eagle Information Mapping

GIS has been utilized as an integral component in a Pipeline Facility Management work flow process to optimize the associated resources. By integrating data management systems used for specific business objectives, GIS becomes a common thread to be leveraged as an integration and analysis platform. This is accomplished by implementing a Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS) data model that is integrated with ArcSDE, and establishing appropriate relationships between maintenance management and electronic field inspection forms facility systems. The result is a well defined automated work flow process from field input to alignment sheet and report generation and a facility management system that maintains asset information which is immediately available for spatial analysis and viewing. This presentation will focus on the approach, components and objectives of the implementation.

Case study: Maturation of GIS environment in mid-size oil company
Robert Graham and Katya Casey BHP Billiton

View the entire presentation. [PDF–4.8 MB, 26 pages]

BHP Billiton Petroleum (BHP B) moved rapidly from non-GIS company in summer of 2000 to advanced ArcGIS 8.x based mapping and mapping data management today. We moved from limited number of ArcView 3.2 projects and 5-6 users of ArcView toArcGIS used in all major exploration projects, geohazards team and some projects in facilities development. Our graphics department is highly sophisticated in use of ArcGIS layer editing and delivers their layers in GeoDataBase format. Now we have over 40 ArcGIS users and this number grows daily. Today, BHP B Petroleum is in position to move from basic visual GIS analysis to more advanced quantitative spatial analysis. Optimized processes of collection of the mapping data lays at the basis of BHP B GIS data management improvements. BHP B recognized importance of meta data collection associated with all data stored in SDE. Working closely with geological modeling data vendors, BHP B Petroleum now has a collection of high quality raster and vector data in SDE with an extensive meta data saved with each layer. This provides the foundation for growing BHP Billiton Geography Network pioneered by our Minerals Exploration division.

Examples of Change Detection Applications for Coastal Pipeline Activity Using GIS and Remote Sensing
Perry Lopez, C-K Associates

In recent years, petroleum pipeline operation in the coastal zone have resulted in an immense reliance on valuable and necessary data sources. Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Technology (GIS/RS) has been the logical choice as the means to manage, analyze, and present this vast amount of data being made available. Coastal Zone analysis could not have been achieved, decisions could not have been made, and communication of results could not have been visualized had it not been for the evolution of GIS/RS. Coastal Zone management and analysis has become dependent on these tools…and the applications being realized are unending.

This paper will discuss a few of the many ways that GIS/RS is being utilized in helping the engineers, scientists, and environmental professionals use the power of GIS/RS to achieve their goals. Specifically, this paper will demonstrate the processes, procedures, and techniques that are currently being used in three coastal zone studies. The applications that are to be discussed are as follows:

• Land loss / Land Gain of a Coastal Area
• Analyzing the effects of Industrial Contamination
• Monitoring the long term effects of a Pipeline Corridor

Discussion of the data being developed, the software being used, and the techniques that are common to most coastal zone applications. Information and methods carry over from application to application but each situation almost always has a unique component that only GIS/RS can enhance or accentuate.

Spatially Enabling of PPDM
Trudy Curtis, PPDM

View the presentation. [PDF–3.7 MB, 26 pages]

GIS makes vast amounts of data available to users. This data is an integral component of exploration for and production of hydrocarbons. Oil companies, data vendors and application designers are using business models such as PPDM to make this data available to their users. Spatial enabling allows users complete access to the PPDM relational model through a GIS. This provides a vast amount of data to end users; this data supports business activities in ways never before conceived. Through collaboration with industry, the PPDM Association has developed several methodologies and recommendations to spatially enable the PPDM data model. These recommendations have been widely implemented; in each case substantial process improvements and cost benefits have been realized.

Complex and extremely large data volumes inherent in E&P data make creating a meaningful presentation of the data complicated, arduous and frustrating. Users can feel overwhelmed by the data they must sift through before they can begin real work in a GIS system. In 2003/2004, the spatial project team will design a simplified data model (PPDM Lite) that will be both a subset of PPDM and an extension to PPDM for data types specific to spatial data and GIS. The process will use the PPDM modeling approach and methodology as a guide. The PPDM Lite database will meet the business needs of PPDM members who require access to spatial data stored in PPDM and spatial data currently stored in external databases.

Collaborative projects like this one allow industry experts to contribute their knowledge and expertise in a neutral, non-competitive environment. The work that has been done by various work groups since 1989 will provide the foundation for this project.

The role of GIS within the key Exploration & Production workflows
Paloma Urbano, Landmark

View the entire presentation. [PDF–3.52 MB 35 pages]

The usage of GIS in the Oil and Gas Industry has mainly focused on the management of spatial data at corporate and project levels by data management specialists. Recent technological advances have resulted in more efficient and complex spatial databases which can now support most important business rules. In addition, increasing network and web technology are promoting the existence of spatial data inside corporations and to the rest of the world. In general, spatial data management is in a more or less mature state. Still the numbers of case studies where GIS functionality is directly tied to better and faster interpretation analysis and leads to finding more oil reserves are remarkably limited. Is this due to a poor integration of GIS and the most common interpretation products or to geoscientists and engineers confining themselves to the workflows they are more familiar with? This talk explores the role that the GIS functionality plays within the key Exploration & Production workflows.

Dynamic Charting in ArcGIS
Ian Bennett, Robertson Research

View the entire presentation. [PDF–2.6 MB 24 pages]

Tellus is a database of play fairways and petroleum systems which has evolved over 10 years in common with hardware and software advances. It currently exists as an ArcView 8x extension with ArcSDE holding and controlling spatial elements and Oracle as a RDBMS holding associated technical data and metadata. Image files are accessed via metadata.

The spatial dimension of the petroleum system – the play fairway map - is viewed as layers in ArcView 8x, using metadata tables to control a series of tools to rapidly access information from the database or display associated pdf files alongside the mapped elements. New functionality maximizes the dynamic creation of charts and tables directly from the Oracle data.

The temporal dimension (petroleum systems chart) is auto-generated from the database, with metadata used to define symbology and dynamic labeling.

At a well scale, the same approach has been used to create GC-GCMS plots directly from data, again with labeling, zoom and rapid re-draw facilities.

Access to data tables is now achieved through a tab-based table viewer, which runs through metadata via a set of queries to capture data relevant to the screen view and minimize the volume of tabular data retrieved.

How to make high-performance spatial and attribute queries in ArcMap8.x extensions
Tor Nielsen, IHS Energy

Combining spatial and attribute queries in ArcMap8.x is a real challenge - and so it was in ArcView3 - because ArcMap solely relies on the underlying RDBMS (in this case Oracle) to 'optimize' queries. Oracle's cost based optimizer does not - even with all the statistics computed - do a very good job tuning complex queries like the ones in ArcMap when you attach a query definition (attribute query) to your spatial layer object. This presentation will document the performance issues, will demonstrate that if it were possible for the developer to fully control the SQL that is sent to the optimizer, 'hand-tuned' queries can make the difference in performance - changing execution time from minutes to seconds, and will also present a practical work-around.

Web mapping, how we overcame pitfalls of implementation, and our way forward with complete integration of GIS world and unstructured data
Robert Graham, BHP Billiton

View the entire presentation. [PDF–7 MB, 22 pages]

Geography is an essential component in geological pattern recognition in oil exploration and development. Oil industry is using ArcGIS as a powerful integration tool, which offers wide variety of visual and analytical spatial data analysis. On the other side of the spectra, there is a need for web based simple and quick map review of information and search for the documentation associated with the features on the map. This completes the integration of structured and unstructured information in a natural for an explorationist mapping environment. BHP Billiton Petroleum (BHP B) implemented ArcGIS 8.x for desktop mapping with ArcIMS services prepared for the set of the base maps. BHP B had chosen key word based association of map objects and the documents using Spatial Search Engine application released by Geodynamic Solutions Inc. in February 2003. Publication of sophisticated maps using .mxd documents and SDE layers and management of layers and the maps requires planning and dedication. In this presentation, challenges of BHP B web mapping and map based document searches and lessons learned during this implementation will be discussed.

The A2Z Bridge between Arc & Z-MAP Plus: A surface modeling engine for ArcGIS user.
Mark Franke, ISA Americas

View the entire presentation. [PDF–2.9 MB, 16 pages]

ArcGIS is setting the standard for desktop mapping, while Landmark's Z-MAP Plus still represents the 'top of the line' surface modeling tool. Many users of ArcGIS, however, are not familiar with UNIX and can be intimidated by the learning curve of the Z-MAP system. In an effort to provide users with the power of Z-MAP's surface modeling engine, ISA Americas, in partnership with SCM, Inc has created a system to connect these two applications.

The A2Z Bridge operates as either an extension to ArcMap or as a stand alone application on the PC. It communicates with a UNIX server and allows an ArcGIS user to select data, either on UNIX or his PC network and specify 'data centric' parameters for gridding and contouring. A remote UNIX process is initiated that performs gridding and contouring functions using Z-MAP's scripting language (ZCL), and returns to the user's PC a Shapefile and grid file.

This presentation will focus on the architecture of the system and the technical challenges that had to be overcome to complete the project, along with discussion of deployment issues and where the product development can go in the future.

Managing/Publishing Large Data Inventories in ArcIMS
Veer Surapaneni, Tobin International

Companies need a spatial view of their business that provides access to their business information and applications. A Geo-Business information solution based on Esri’s ArcIMS technology can combine complicated and incompatible geographic and business information technologies and makes them accessible across the entire enterprise. Such a solution brings together and simplifies the functions of data integration, management, administration, visualization, analysis and decision support.

In this session we will discuss lessons learned deploying ArcIMS solutions that include technology considerations, open architecture, performance, volume handling and access to all data storage solutions.

National Spatial Reference Sys. Surveying and GIS in the National Control Framework
Ronnie Taylor, NOAA

This presentation discusses the National Spatial Reference System content, Metadata, different types of Horizontal and Vertical Datums, etc. We also discuss what a Geodetic Control Network is and how it is the foundation for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Local and network accuracies and how they do not use distance dependent expression like the parts per million will be discussed. As GPS has advanced a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)have been established throughout the United States and the ON-line Positioning User Service which provide GPS users faster and easier access to the National Spatial Reference System. The Geodetic Control is the foundation that all GIS systems should be built on in order to have continuity through all layers of the GIS.

Blended maps from Distributed Multi-Source data with Esri's Image Fusion
Darcy Vaughn, Petroweb

As uses for Maps continue to increase, tremendous value can be realized by displaying diverse dataset in context. Despite many significant efforts to create a single data repository for ad hoc queries, data continues to prolifigate in more and more data silos. Esri’s tools provide a way to locate, configure, and create Dynamic Maps which combine visual data layers from distributed data sources into an integrated map. Obvious advantages include:

• development and maintenance of specialized data sets
• a parallel architecture whose performance is not impacted by the addition of data sources
• increased access to current data
• enhanced usability because of improved data availability
• reduced costs

Utilizing the Esri architecture, and in particular Esri’s Image Fusion, a new generation of integrated mapping applications is dramatically changing the cost and capability of spatial-enabled applications.

GIS-based solutions for data analysis and project data management-recent advances and experiences
Karen Blohm and Viv Harvey, Robertson Research

View the entire presentation. [PDF–2.32 MB 25 pages]

As a leading provider of petroleum geoscience GIS datasets, Robertson is committed to GIS technology and its successful uptake throughout the industry. To help us achieve this objective, Robertson conducted extensive market research of a wide sample of E&P companies in 2002. Robertson confirmed that GIS usage is currently very variable despite industry acknowledgement that GIS is becoming a mainstream tool and, for a number of organisations, it has been declared a core competence. All to often GIS usage stops at a portal implementation and being an explorationists viewing mechanism or presentation tool for prepared regional data sets. It is Robertson’s belief that relatively little geological spatial analysis and value added data creation is being undertaken using GIS software.

To help clients maximise GIS usage, Robertson tackled the above problem from a data management, technology and geological usage perspective. By effectively marrying data portal and geological regional analysis disciplines, GIS toolkits and database solutions that embrace associated workflow requirements have become for client organisations, their “explorationists workstation”. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the elements of the “explorationists workstation” and show how collectively they can be used to create a geological product that is the cornerstone of an organisations exploration strategy.

From a geological perspective, an exploration strategy developed from first principles will be rooted in a series of ranked and risked play fairway maps comprising reservoir, hydrocarbon source and migration, seal and trapping elements. These maps are then overlain on a backdrop of licensing, well and seismic data from which opportunities are identified and prospects developed. The “explorationists workstation” allows all the necessary elements to be quickly assembled, analysed and displayed prior to incorporation into the prospect identification and economic modelling stages of the new venture life cycle.

The main elements of the “explorationists workstation” are

• Data Collection
• Data Management
• Data Creation
• Data Analysis

Integration of GPS info GIS, ChevronTexaxo Nigeria Experience
Emmanuel Ajayi, ChevronTexaco

Transformation of geo-spatial data from one coordinate system to another is a frequent requirement when integrating data from different sources into one application process. In ChevronTexaco Nigeria, we were faced with problems of having different types of survey information which are based on different origins (reference datum). In view of this problem, the Survey unit (now GIS_Survey group) decided to look at a way of harmonizing the datum shift parameter problems within ChevronTexaco Nigeria using GPS technology. GIS technology was adopted for use by ChevronTexaco Nigeria in 1995. Although a large portion of the GIS cost is related to data capture, ChevronTexaco Nigeria decided to use GPS technology to capture both spatial and attribute information of all offshore facilities (which include 653-oil wells, jacket orientation, helicopter landing etc.) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria.

GIS_Survey group sourced for fund through our major stakeholders to purchase survey grade GPS receivers (LEICA GPS System 500) from Leica in 2002 and with the use of SKI-Pro software, all the facilities location data were collected in a ready to use format with GIS software (ArcGIS).

ChevronTexaco Nigeria has found GPS to be a powerful, cost-effective data gathering tool. It is easily integrated into GIS and supports its ability to represent information that allows for intelligent decision making. With the success recorded so far, it is believe that the same resources will be deployed to cover the organizational activities in land and swamp operation and even in the deep offshore area.

Optimizing Imagery for ArcGIS and ArcIMS
Blair Shaman, Tobin International

Raster datasets contain a wealth of information, but can often load too slowly to be used effectively. In this session, we explore the pros and cons of using different image types, and focus on SDE as a solution for serving up raster imagery. Loading considerations and sizing requirements will be discussed in an effort to help you make informed decisions. Different loading parameters, such as compression types and pyramid algorithms will also be considered.

This session will be appropriate for those of you who use aerial photography and/or satellite imagery in GIS and are hoping to get more out of it, or for those of you who do not use imagery but are hoping to learn how to serve it up effectively.

Creating a distributed national database for carbon sequestration
Jeremy Bartley, Kansas Geol. Survey

Geological surveys and other research institutions are major repositories of geological, geophysical, natural resource, and environmental data. Five state geological surveys have been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a distributed GIS database for geologic sequestration of green house gases. This effort will be expanded to create a GIS database linking together seven partnerships encompassing 33 states. A distributed national database will allow the user to nationally or locally evaluate the geographic distribution, physical characteristics, and economic parameters of potential CO2 sources and geologic sequestration sites while giving each partnership complete control over its own tabular data, spatial data, and metadata.

The regional partnerships will publish their spatial data through ArcIMS or Open Geospatial Consortium’s Web Mapping Service (OGC-WMS) to a map portal. This portal serves as a central metadata repository that contains server connection information and detailed metadata about the data layers. A series of ArcIMS requests (ArcXML) are generated based on client input to the map portal. The requests are then submitted to the regional ArcIMS servers to create an image of the data. The portal captures, georeferences, and merges the images from each server to create a final image to send back to the client.

Preparing the Ground – Mapping Framework for Block 26 in Syria
Jon Stigant, Devon Energy Corp.

Devon Energy (through Ocean Energy) acquired Block 26 in Syria in mid 2003. Prior to signing for the block, a reconnaissance survey was conducted to establish the reliability of the geodetic framework and the recoverability of existing restricted production areas within the outline of the block. Following signature, a follow up project used ArcMap to provide GIS coordination of the establishment of new and refurbished geodetic control points, satellite identifiable points for more accurate image rectification and confirmation of critical well locations, in addition to mapping roads, railways and other significant features and structures. The paper will describe the project, the personnel and planning and the tools used for the work.

BAM! Instant Reality Inside ArcGIS
David Lorenzini, AirPhotoUSA

View the entire presentation. [PDF–7.6 MB, 12 pages]

With Cheap, Seamless Aerial Photo mosaics available for the entire country and ArcGIS plug-ins that allow blazing fast redraw for massive imagery datasets, you can now transform your GIS overnight, and extend use of painstakingly collected GIS data layers by using current, seamless imagery to get everyone on the same page...promoting faster, better decisions at every level of your organization with an affordable "reality" baselayer in your GIS.

Visualizing plate tectonic modeling and paleo-climate modeling in Esri products
Malcolm Ross, Landworks

View the entire presentation. [PDF–1.7 MB, 8 pages]

This paper will explore advanced visualization techniques made available with Esri ArcView 3.x, ArcGIS 8.x, and ArcGIS 9.x technologies. In particular, we will create and display plate tectonic and paleogeographic reconstructions in ArcView 3.x, and visualize the results in ArcGIS 8.x. Paleoclimate simulations will then be created and displayed in ArcGIS 8.x 3D Analyst. The paleoclimate simulation results will then be displayed in conjunction with climate sensitive lithofacies and source rock geochemistry from the Atlantic Ocean margins and global Petroleum System information from GeoMark Research in ArcGIS 9.x ArcGlobe. This advanced visualization tool will then be used to integrate the data with the simulation results, and allow us to present conclusions about the tectonic, paleoclimatic, and petroleum system evolution of the Atlantic region.

PipeView for ArcGIS: Editing Tools for the ArcGIS Pipeline Data Model (APDM)
Peter Veenstra, GE Energy

This presentation will demonstrate a series of tools designed to import and edit data stored in the APDM. The tools concentrate on aiding users creating, editing, maintaining, and verifying the quality/accuracy of features in the APDM. The toolkit also incorporates tools that browse and identify features by their location in a hierarchical pipeline system as well as maintain multiple forms of linear referencing. The presentation will focus on how PipeView for ArcGIS is designed specifically for the APDM in particular, the placement and editing of multiple linear referencing systems along the pipeline centerline.

Geographic Business Intelligence System solutions for the Petroleum Industry
Don Grady, IBI

Business Intelligence Systems and Geographic Information Systems both enrich data in unique ways. By combining the two systems in a dynamically integrated environment, users are able to achieve a more in depth analysis than is available in either system independently. Together, these systems deliver intuitive mapping capabilities with enterprise business intelligence to help users capitalize on real-time information with a geographic component. This session demonstrates a Geographic Business Intelligence System (GBIS) solution for the Petroleum industry. It will analyze well production, predict future sources of oil, gas and water, provide "what if" productivity analysis based on geographic areas, and monitor quality control information of equipment and services. Users will see how a GBIS gives them a new perspective of their environment and clearly illustrates energy problems and their solutions.

A GIS Study of Coalbed Methane in the US
Samuel Limerick, Energy Information Administration

Coalbed methane (CBM) field outlines for the US were constructed using ArcGIS 8.3 software and are displayed on a map with USGS coal basins and coalmine locations. Inset maps show details of the 11 most active CBM basins. Well data for the field outlines was obtained from 18 state geological or oil/gas agencies. Field outlines were constructed by buffering wells from each field with a radius based on their spacing, then unioning the buffers to make a single polygon record per field. A VBA program was used to automate the buffering process. View the map. The digital field outlines are available from the author.

CBM past production (from the states), present proved reserves (EIA) and future resources (Potential Gas Committee) were classified by basin and displayed as chloropleth maps and pie charts. These display the decline in relative contribution of the San Juan & Black Warrior Basins, the ascent of the Powder River Basin, and the high potential of Alaska and several small basins. Specific emissions (annual gas emitted / coal produced) of the EPA’s 121 gassiest active coalmines were calculated and mapped. The most gassy coalmines are located in the Appalachian basin, while the Black Warrior Basin has the highest mean specific emissions.

Implementing a Data Management Plan
Rene Ramirez, Blue Sky Development

As each company implementing a GIS system reaches the point of enabling applications used to deliver or report the data in various formats to each different department, they begin to realize the importance of efficient data management. The Data Management Presentation is designed to outline a plan for effectively managing the various types of incoming data including CAD data, as well as the methods of delivering and distributing the data through out the lifecycle of the facilities, regardless of which implementation products are utilized. Just as each GIS systems value diminishes as the data stored in it gets further and further out of date, so to does that value increase if data is specified and formatted to ensure a consistent method of loading into the GIS system.

Overview of Afghanistan's Oil and Gas Industry and Potential
Craig Wandrey, USGS

The Afghanistan Ministry of Mines and Industry (MMI) and the US Geological Survey (USGS) have agreed to conduct a cooperative assessment of Afghanistan's oil and gas resources. In preparation for this assessment, the USGS participated in an energy survey in 2002. In 2003 another visit to Afghanistan was conducted by the USGS for training, data review, sample collection, and computer installation. The project is being funded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This presentation provides a look at the petroleum geology, infrastructure, and potential, along with an impression of the geography and people of Afghanistan.

Integrated management of inline inspection data for oil and gas pipelines with PODS & ArcSDE
Pawan Divakarla,Geofields

Inline surveys are delivered to pipeline operators in report formats that are unique to each vendor. Using software from the inspection vendor or popular spreadsheet applications, engineers search the data for pipeline defects. However, these software applications usually prove insufficient for complex procedures such as comparing the surveys to other information about the pipeline, integrating other vendors’ surveys, managing digs and repairs, tracking work performed, monitoring defect status, and projecting costs. Additionally, comparative analysis against historical data is nearly impossible. GeoFields Inline Explorer is a simple to use alternative to manual methods and supports all pipeline inspection surveys, regardless of tool type, run date, or vendor. Its map-based views give pipeline operators the ability to analyze survey data within the context of the entire pipeline asset database along with a wide variety of external information. Schematic views compare defects to critical data sets such as pipe segments that could affect HCAs, pipe infrastructure, and elevation profiles. Inline Explorer can manage and record inspection and repair activities, which are tracked directly with the defects. Using standard storage methods, the surveys are available in a consistent format, while retaining all the original details that the tool captured.

An Overview of the Contiguous Countrywide IFSAR Dataset for the U.S.
Alistair Strachan, Intermap Technologies

View the entire presenation. [PDF–6 MB, 23 pages]

There has long been a need by Remotely Sensed data users for continuous, accurate, large area datasets for consistent mapping, planning and feature analysis. To fulfill this need, in the fall of 2003, a private sector company quietly commenced a comprehensive national mapping program for the United States. This program will realize high-resolution imagery and high-performance elevation data for the conterminous U.S. and Hawaii (8 million Km²) in a multi-year program. The NEXTMap USA datasets will provide contiguous, consistent, and predictable image and elevation base-layer data for: GIS applications, data integration, visualization, feature extraction, route planning and design at national, regional, and local levels.

Of specific relevance to the Oil and Gas Industry is the ability to quickly acquire inexpensive hi-resolution data on an area-of-interest basis. These datasets will allow for quick, low-cost initial design for pipelines, as well as accurate spill assessment and cut and fill calculations.

The successful NEXTMap program has already produced national datasets for six countries, including the United Kingdom.

FME/ArcGIS 9 Data Interoperability Extention
SafeSoftware

View the entire presenation. [PDF–2.1 MB, 22 pages]

ArcGIS Schematics Workshop
Patrick Dolemieux, Product Manager, Esri

View the entire presenation. [PDF–2.1 MB, 43 pages]