Nicole Richter (University of Bergen) described ‘Safari1,’ a geological outcrop analog database for reservoir modelers. Her Virtual Outcrop Geology group does 3D spatial data collection using Lidar, hyper-spectral imaging and photography. Processing allows, for instance, dolomites and limestones to be distinguished on point cloud data. Another project, EUSA, the empirical understanding of sedimentary architecture, is collecting large volumes of spatial geological outcrop data to study internal architecture. 19 oil companies are involved through the FORCE consortium.
Brian Autio showed how ARC GIS server underpins BP’s crisis response effort. Previously, BP used Microsoft Virtual Earth, now Bing Maps, but was confronted with limitations in programmability. BP, with help from Infosys, has now migrated to an ARC GIS Server with a Microsoft Silverlight client. Maps now include live data from external sources including Impact Weather, Spatial on Demand, Horizon Marine and ESRI’s data appliance. These feed into BP’s MXD data layer, the ARC GIS Sserver and out to the BP intranet. The GIS portal integrates with BP’s ‘RUOK?’ crisis management application, an employee database for the Gulf of Mexico region, constantly updated with employee location and status.
Geoff Price unveiled Chevron Pipeline Co.’s pipeline route optimizer, GISPro, a tool for ‘early phase’ route optimization for pipelines. GISPro derives slopes from a digital elevation model and integrates business rules for social, construction and environmental aspects. A ‘least cost’ path is computed from the discreet cost surface and build scenarios. Interesting examples included the San Andres fault area integrating geohazards, vegetation population densities and rainfall.
Another pipeline GIS presentation came from Scott Byron (ExxonMobil) who has been working on risk-based pipeline route optimization for the Persian Gulf region. A similar approach to Chevron’s was used to identify 36 risk factors, both on and offshore. These were categorized according to probability of occurrence and potential impact. Risk evaluation was performed using the Brown and Peterson method2 and other methods. The IGAT4 oil pipeline route crosses the Zagros Mountains in an active earthquake area, costing $1 billion.
Christoph Smolka showed how a ‘COTS3’ web application, SynerGis’ WebOffice has simplified GIS integration for OMV. ArcGIS Server is a powerful tool but requires much customization. OMV opted to use a COTS application as a front end to ArcGIS. A spinoff was a hassle free migration from ArcIMS. Also WebOffice filled various lacunae in ArcGIS such as missing coordinate systems. OMV E&P WebGIS provides drill rig route planning, highlights facilities and HSE relevant sites along with street maps.
1 links/1004_9.
2 links/1004_10 and 11.
3 Common off-the-shelf.
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