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Applications of satellite imagery to seismic survey design

WesternGeco, Gatwick, U.K.

Martin Insley

Infoterra, Leicester, U.K.

Corresponding author: laake1@gatwick.westerngeco.slb.com

The first 20% of the full text of this article appears below.

Satellite imagery provides high-resolution information about the earth surface that can improve logistical, data quality, and safety aspects of surface seismic survey design.

Parameters obtainable from satellite imagery include the digital terrain model, information about infrastructure and land cover, and lithologic and elastic parameters of the surface. When calibrated with surface seismic QC information, satellite imagery can benefit planning of logistical support and estimating seismic data quality—key ingredients in the survey design process.

Seismic survey design seeks an acquisition geometry that is optimized for the geophysical goal, meets safety/environmental requirements, and is economically viable. The key parameters for defining the optimum survey geometry are usually derived from illumination studies that determine ideal source and receiver locations. This ideal geometry, however, can rarely be applied in a cost-effective way due to logistic and data quality restrictions. Usually, a compromise is made between the ideal geophysical geometry and the restrictions imposed by various nongeophysical factors.

	Interpretation of satellite imagery for seismic survey design

 
The digital elevation model (DEM) forms the basis for the satellite imagery-assisted survey design. It delivers the topography of the survey area and the surface gradient, which have direct implications on operational safety. The DEM topographic grid is the basis for all satellite-derived design parameters, and also provides the starting model for elevation static corrections.

High-resolution visible light images provide information about infrastructure, vegetation, and land use that helps determine accessibility for vehicles and people. Merging this information with lithologically interpreted infrared and radar data reveals characteristics of the surface. Hard . . . [Full Text of this Article]