An Interactive 5-Day Training Course
Mapping & Depth Conversion Using MS Excel
Depth Conversion and Mapping in Excel
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Duration
5 Days
Price
$ 2,000
Starting From
09 Aug 2027
Home Geology and Geoscience Mapping & Depth Conversion Using MS Excel
Mapping & Depth Conversion Using MS Excel
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Mapping & Depth Conversion Using MS Excel - GG-MAP-EXCEL-PEA27
| Code | Date | Time | Duration | Location | Currency | Early Bird Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG-MAP-EXCEL-PEA27 | 09 - 13 Aug 2027 | 10 AM CST | 4 Hours Per Day |
Online |
USD |
2000 |
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Mapping & Depth Conversion Using MS Excel
This training covers mapping and depth conversion calculations built in MS Excel. It works through well and seismic data preparation, time depth relationships, velocity model construction, depth conversion methods, well tie and residual correction, uncertainty in depth conversion, gridding and contouring arithmetic, area depth and volume calculation, closure and spill analysis and the auditing of depth conversion work.
Description
Depth conversion turns a seismic interpretation in time into a structural map in depth, and the velocity model used does more to determine the resulting volume than almost any other single input. The methods are arithmetically simple and the choices within them are consequential: which velocity function, how many layers, how the well residuals are treated and what uncertainty is carried. Building the conversion in a spreadsheet exposes all of it.
This training builds depth conversion from the data upwards. Well and seismic data preparation is established first, covering the assembly of time and depth pairs and the corrections required. Time depth relationships follow, covering checkshot and vertical seismic profile data and their processing. Velocity model construction is then developed, covering average, interval and instantaneous velocity approaches and the layer cake method. Depth conversion methods follow, covering the common functions and their behaviour. Well tie and residual correction are then addressed in detail. Uncertainty in depth conversion follows. Gridding and contouring arithmetic are then developed. Area depth and volume calculation follow. Closure and spill analysis are addressed. The training closes with auditing.
The residual correction can hide a wrong velocity model. After depth converting, the well depths rarely match exactly, and the usual response is to grid the residuals and apply them as a correction so that the wells tie perfectly. This works and it conceals the problem: a velocity model that is systematically wrong produces large residuals, and gridding them forces a tie at the wells while leaving the depths between wells, which is where the prospect is, as wrong as before. Examining the magnitude and the spatial pattern of the residuals before correcting them is the diagnostic step.
Depth conversion uncertainty translates directly into volume uncertainty and is frequently unquantified. An uncertainty of twenty metres in the depth of a structure with low relief changes the area within closure substantially, and in a flat structure it can change the volume by a factor. Running the conversion with alternative velocity models, or with a perturbed velocity field, gives a range of depth maps and therefore a range of volumes, and that range is usually wider than the range quoted from reservoir parameter uncertainty alone.
Area depth curves are the most useful intermediate product. Measuring the area enclosed by each depth contour and tabulating it gives a curve from which the gross rock volume for any contact depth follows by integration, with no further mapping. This makes the sensitivity of volume to contact depth immediate, identifies the spill point from the shape of the curve, and allows the whole volumetric calculation to be performed and re-performed in a spreadsheet as the contact assumption changes.
Finally, a layer cake velocity model is usually adequate and its limits should be known. Dividing the overburden into layers, each with a velocity that may vary laterally, and converting layer by layer handles most settings well. It breaks down where velocity varies strongly within a layer, where there is significant lateral velocity change such as across salt or a reef, and where overpressure causes a velocity inversion. Recognising those situations, rather than applying the method everywhere, is the practical skill.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Prepare and quality control well and seismic time depth data
- Process checkshot and vertical seismic profile data
- Construct velocity models including layer cake approaches
- Apply depth conversion methods and select between them
- Perform well tie and assess residuals before correcting them
- Diagnose a systematically wrong velocity model from its residuals
- Quantify depth conversion uncertainty and its volume consequence
- Perform gridding and contouring arithmetic
- Construct area depth curves and calculate gross rock volume
- Analyse closure and spill and audit depth conversion work
The training builds depth conversions in spreadsheets from real well and seismic data. Participants construct velocity models by several methods and compare the resulting depth maps and volumes, examine residual patterns to diagnose model problems, and quantify the volume range from depth uncertainty. Area depth curves are built and used for volumetric sensitivity.
Organisations sending participants to this training will:
- Build velocity models with examined residuals
- Diagnose velocity model problems before correcting them
- Quantify depth conversion uncertainty in volume estimates
- Use area depth curves for volumetric sensitivity
- Select depth conversion methods appropriate to the setting
- Audit depth conversion work effectively
Participants will:
- Build velocity models and depth conversions
- Interpret residuals diagnostically
- Quantify depth uncertainty
- Construct area depth curves
- Calculate gross rock volume
- Audit depth conversion work
- Geoscientists performing depth conversion
- Seismic interpreters delivering depth maps
- Exploration geologists producing volume estimates
- Reservoir geologists working structural maps
- Technical staff reviewing depth conversions
- Graduate geoscientists in exploration teams
- Staff producing gross rock volume estimates
Module 1 - Data Preparation
- Well data assembly for depth conversion
- Marker depths and their references
- Seismic datum and reference levels
- Water depth and replacement velocity
- Kelly bushing and elevation corrections
- Deviation survey and true vertical depth
- Seismic time picks at wells
- Two way and one way time conventions
- Time depth pair tabulation
- Data quality checking
- Identifying inconsistent wells
- Documenting references and corrections
Module 2 - Time Depth Relationships
- Checkshot survey data
- Vertical seismic profile data
- Sonic log integration
- Sonic calibration to checkshots
- Drift curves and their interpretation
- Time depth curve construction
- Interval velocity calculation
- Average velocity calculation
- Instantaneous velocity concepts
- Smoothing and its effects
- Multiple well comparison
- Regional velocity trends
Module 3 - Velocity Model Construction
- Velocity model types
- Constant velocity models
- Average velocity to a horizon
- Layer cake interval velocity models
- Layer selection and its basis
- Lateral velocity variation within layers
- Velocity gridding
- Compaction based velocity functions
- Velocity against depth relationships
- Overpressure effects on velocity
- Salt and anomalous velocity bodies
- Model selection for the setting
Module 4 - Depth Conversion Methods
- Single layer conversion
- Layer by layer conversion
- Isochron and isopach conversion
- Velocity depth function methods
- V0 and k linear velocity functions
- Fitting velocity functions to well data
- Applying functions across a map
- Conversion arithmetic in a spreadsheet
- Handling faults in conversion
- Converting multiple horizons consistently
- Crossing horizons and their correction
- Method comparison on the same data
Module 5 - Well Tie and Residuals
- Residual calculation at wells
- Residual magnitude assessment
- Spatial pattern in residuals
- Random against systematic residuals
- Diagnosing velocity model error
- Revising the model against correcting residuals
- Residual gridding methods
- Correction application
- Extrapolation of corrections
- Effect of correction away from wells
- Blind well testing
- Documenting the tie and correction
Module 6 - Depth Uncertainty
- Uncertainty sources in depth conversion
- Time pick uncertainty
- Velocity model uncertainty
- Well tie uncertainty
- Uncertainty away from well control
- Alternative velocity models
- Multiple depth realisations
- Perturbing the velocity field
- Depth uncertainty mapping
- Volume sensitivity to depth
- Low relief structure sensitivity
- Reporting depth uncertainty
Module 7 - Gridding and Contouring
- Gridding concepts and arithmetic
- Grid node calculation
- Inverse distance weighting
- Linear and spline interpolation
- Search radius and neighbourhood
- Smoothing and its effects
- Honouring well control
- Fault handling in gridding
- Grid arithmetic and surface operations
- Contour generation from grids
- Contour interval selection
- Grid quality control
Module 8 - Volume, Closure and Auditing
- Area measurement by depth contour
- Area depth curve construction
- Gross rock volume by integration
- Trapezoidal and pyramidal methods
- Volume for alternative contact depths
- Volume sensitivity from the curve
- Closure identification
- Spill point determination
- Probability of closure failure
- Segment and compartment volumes
- Auditing a depth conversion
- Review checklist for depth and volume work
Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.
Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
All course bookings made through PEA are strictly non-refundable. By registering for a course, you acknowledge and accept that all fees are payable in full and are not subject to refund under any circumstances, including changes in personal or professional commitments or partial attendance.
PEA reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to course content, trainers, or schedules where necessary, without entitling delegates to a refund. Comprehensive details of each course — including objectives, target audience, and content — are clearly outlined before enrolment, and it is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure the course's suitability prior to booking.
For any inquiries related to cancellations or bookings, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you.
