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The Digital Revolution: Archive, Organize and Deliver
Traditionally, public oil and gas databases
in the Appalachian basin have contained various parameters
associated with site specific well locations, including
tops, thicknesses, treated intervals, initial well test and
pressure and production histories. More recently, individual
reservoir data were compiled on a field scale for oil (TORIS)
and gas fields (Gas Atlas). Recent effort compiled a variety
of other data types (stratigraphy, structure, seismic,
petrology, geochemistry and gas production) for the
Trenton-Black River trend.
Basin-wide databases created during recent
research projects include: digital maps, cross sections and
other illustrations that were either works in progress or
finished versions in reports and slides used for
presentations. References from the literature and lab data
generated during the projects also are included in this "new
generation-style" database, one that captures in digital
form all aspects of previous work as well as this new
information (as an example, see page 7—12-CD set of DOE's
unconventional gas research data).
In a recent Appalachian Region workshop,
those involved in developing and delivering data described
the "digital" systems and resources available for their
state. These offerings are dynamic, so an update like this
has great value for those operating in the region.
Speakers representing the Pennsylvania
Geologic Survey (PGS) described and demo'd (1) the WIS (Well
Information System) and (2) PA*IRIS (Pennsylvania Internet
Record Imaging System). WIS originally was for internal use
only, but evolved into a system that can be used by visitors
to the PGS offices. Survey personnel help the visitors log
on to find information on individual wells. PA*IRIS was
developed to enable industry to access well records from
their offices. Essentially, the PGS scanned everything in
their files and put it into this system. An expensive
software system is required to view the information, so the
PGS charges each subscriber a one-time $5,000 fee, plus $500
for annual maintenance.
Originally PA*IRIS included scanned location
plats, the completion record (drillers' log) and perhaps a
plugging affidavit, but it has evolved since '99 to link to
WIS, so more detailed information on an individual well can
be accessed. |
This includes
interpreted information, such as log tops picked by staff
geologists, plus lists of available logs, lists of "canned"
reports with data in spreadsheets and a production module
that allows the user to gather production data. ArcReader
allows users to view tiff images of oil and gas base maps.
The PGS is planning several new products
that will become part of PA*IRIS. This includes 7.5 minute
topo maps with well locations, the ability to view several
layers, download capability, interactive tools, etc. They
plan 10-15 interactive layers that can be turned on or off,
with print capability.
Staff from the Ohio Geologic Survey
described and demo'd POGO, the Production of Oil & Gas in
Ohio database that is updated annually; the digital map
series; bedrock geology, on CD or online; and the
interactive map series. Most of the time was spent
describing the interactive map series, which includes the
oil and gas maps in combination with topographic maps,
aerial photos, roads and streams, etc. A print layout
feature with scaling options allows you to create a PDF.
Searches can be made on many parameters, but
most begin with the state permit number. Ohio has one file,
one folder per well in their system, whereas Pennsylvania
has separate files for the plats, well record, plugging
record, etc. The Ohio system allows a user to cut and paste
well data and create their own shape files. They also have a
query string option, allowing a user multiple choices to add
to the query string before the search is executed and the
data are assembled in a table or on a map.
In New York there is ESOGIS (Empire State
Oil & Gas Information System). Early punch card and tape
systems eventually evolved into the online system of today.
Their goal in NY was to make all subsurface data and
information, including all of their reservoir studies,
available online. This includes slides of numerous talks
presenting results of research. To use the site, one first
must create an account, then log in. Creating an account
allows one to create different project files and then to add
data to these files. There is no limit to the number of
wells that you can download, but there is a one minute time
limit on the downloads. A project manager feature allows one
to create a project, add wells, tailor the data, display and
download the data. Scanned images of well records, logs,
etc. are available, as are production data. There is also a
virtual core library, where one can look at core photos or
core images. NYSERDA reports are also available there.
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Subscriptions range from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on
which of five levels one chooses.
Staff from the West Virginia Geologic Survey
(WVGS) described their (1) oil and gas database and (2) a
current project to assemble from a variety of sources all
data on five tight gas plays and deliver the data online.
Current online services include "pipeline," a subscription
service that allows users to access data on individual
wells; production summaries, where queries can be made by
well, by county or by years; e-logs, as scanned images in
tiff files; focused datasets, mainly from project work, like
Trenton-Black River, coal bed methane, etc; and the IMS
site, which is hosted by the WVGS. The idea in the
DOE-supported Log Scan project is to find every piece of
data on five tight gas plays in two states, organize the
data into a database and delivery it to users online. This
data is currently widely scattered among offices and even
within offices.
Demonstrating their commitment to the
digital world, the Kentucky Geologic Survey has taken a bold
step of closing their oil and gas record room (open by
appointment only) and replaced it with a system that can
display everything in that room on a user's computer. To do
this, the user needs to download and install a free web
browser plug in. No fees are required and no subscription
service is necessary.
Those looking for data should not forget Google. Its
searches not only lead one to the resources within
geological surveys and state agencies, but there can be
other sources. When one finds a resource of value, bookmark
it and it's easy to go there again. 
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Appalachian
Region