New mapping platforms speed geophysical data access
Internet makes 3D views available
Charles Nguyen, Srivinas Jasti, Eric Theriault - TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co. is releasing internally a new company-wide mapping framework incorporating two platforms developed by the company’s information technology (IT) staff working in Houston and the corporate headquarters in Asker, Norway.
One platform allows external users to view TGS data via the Web using a 3D globe viewer, while a second enables internal users with little knowledge of dynamic mapping technology to create high-quality field maps on the Internet by reusing shared computer code.
The 3D global viewer for external users consists of a series of software tools to publish data in a way that makes it easy for non-technical customers to quickly access and view TGS data using Google Earth software. The reusable mapping platform for internal application developers blends ESRI’s new ArcGIS Server 9.2 software, Microsoft .NET Framework, and AJAX Web development techniques. The ESRI platform eventually may replace many Web-based mapping applications now used by TGS and customers. TGS’ previous mapping applications have similar functions but are independent and use different technologies. Eventually, the company’s IT staff will have fewer applications to support.
The new reusable mapping platforms will allow TGS to migrate to a single, unified mapping framework that shares code and data across applications. The platforms also can embed maps into existing applications and can make them more interactive and user-friendly, while providing more filtering capabilities, better printing and exporting faster performance, and better security.
The move is part of a global effort to provide both TGS employees and customers with easier access to the library of geosciences data maintained by TGS. Among other IT initiatives, TGS also is developing a new, secure Web-based operations portal for clients and a new external Website for clients.
Mapping is fundamental
Powerful, flexible mapping is fundamental to effective decision-making at many levels in oil and gas exploration and development because it can combine the key geophysical, geographic, logistical, and strategic data that define a prospect or project into a single, comprehensive visualization.
For a global provider of non-exclusive seismic data, well log information, and derivative analytical products and services such as TGS – which manages databases containing more than 1 petabyte of seismic data alone – mapping applications are crucial to link data libraries to employees and customers.
The mapping platforms will make TGS data more accessible to a wider audience and will allow users to map newly inputted data sooner. In addition to expanding the breadth of mapping functions, developers also have made the applications more user-friendly.
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Volume 68 Issue 7
July 2008
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