Making maps and models of the subsurface is the mainstay for establishing funding and operations of oil and gas producers worldwide. Over the past hundred years these maps and models (including the processes, data types and machines used in generating them) have evolved to attempt better understanding of the subsurface. Although each of the major subsurface geoscience disciplines (geophysics, geology and engineering) has made a great deal of progress within their own areas of expertise it seems that no-one has been overlooking the problem at the 30,000 foot level. Most critical field development and drilling decisions are still made without integrating the data and the human interaction and interpretation of the data. Moreover, most 3-d models or 2-d maps will not include the latest information from the field as it takes too long to incorporate it or the associated specialists needed to assimilate data into the 3-d model or map have been seconded to a “more important” project. Finally, it is expected that due to the demographics of the Oil and Gas Industry that these same seasoned specialists will be on the endangered species list soon. As costs for field operations escalate, the industry will need to consider different ways and means to make 3-d models more quickly, while at the same time incorporating all of the field data from all disciplines (both old and new) in order to maximize the effectivity of their field operations.

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