Challenge
Hydrocarbon exploration is an expensive, high-risk
operation that involves searching for hydrocarbon deposits
like oil and gas beneath the earth's surface. Though visible
surface features can provide evidence of hydrocarbon
generation, most exploration methods depend on highly
sophisticated technology to detect and determine the
presence of these deposits deep within the earth.
Through the support of the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA), VIASAT was tasked
with developing an integrated approach to hydrocarbon
exploration for the southern part of New York. In order to
complete the assignment, VIASAT needed to develop a
model that could structurally analyze surface and subsurface
data and target promising areas for exploration. This data
would then be used to optimize the planning of costly
seismic surveys – a process by which sound waves are used
to create a profile of an area's substructure. Once a seismic
survey is completed and a prospect identified, exploration
wells are drilled to conclusively determine the presence or
absence of oil or gas.
VIASAT uncovers new patterns in the
earth's surface
In early 2000, there was a significant natural gas discovery in New York that led
to a boom in hydrocarbon exploration. Shortly after this discovery, VIASAT GEO
Technologies, a natural resources consulting firm was commissioned to help target
hydrocarbon reservoirs. They leveraged Esri's ArcGIS 3D Analyst to structurally analyze
surface and subsurface data and target promising areas for exploration. As a result, they
were able to create new structural maps that can be used to increase the success rate of
costly drilling activities both in New York and across the province of Québec.
1 Esri Canada | Natural resources consulting firm increases drilling success rates with ArcGIS technology
