An Interactive 5-Day Training Course
QA / QC Skills in Subsurface Mapping
Quality Control Skills for Subsurface Mapping
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Duration
5 Days
Price
$ 3,500
Starting From
11 Oct 2027
Home Geology and Geoscience QA / QC Skills in Subsurface Mapping
QA / QC Skills in Subsurface Mapping
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QA / QC Skills in Subsurface Mapping - GG-QAQC-PEA27
| Code | Date | Time | Duration | Location | Currency | Early Bird Fee Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG-QAQC-PEA27 | 11 - 15 Oct 2027 | 10 AM CST | 4 Hours Per Day |
Online |
USD |
3500 |
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QA / QC Skills in Subsurface Mapping
This training covers quality assurance and control in subsurface mapping. It works through error types and their frequency, input data checking, contour and surface rule checking, internal consistency between maps, cross section and section based checking, volume cross-checking, blind testing against withheld data, systematic checklists, diagnosing the cause of a detected error and the establishment of mapping quality standards.
Description
Mapping errors reach decisions because nobody looked for them. The errors themselves are mostly simple and detectable: a well picked on the wrong marker, a depth not converted to true vertical, a coordinate in the wrong projection, a contour pattern that violates basic rules, a thickness map inconsistent with the structure maps that bound it, or a volume that does not reconcile with an independent calculation. Each has a specific check that takes minutes.
This training covers those checks systematically. Error types and their frequency are established first, so that checking effort is directed where errors actually occur. Input data checking follows, covering the verification of the values being mapped before any mapping is done. Contour and surface rule checking is then developed. Internal consistency between maps follows, covering the relationships that must hold between structure, thickness and property maps. Cross section and section based checking is then addressed as the most effective single diagnostic. Volume cross-checking follows. Blind testing against withheld data is then developed. Systematic checklists follow. Diagnosing the cause of a detected error is addressed. The training closes with the establishment of standards.
A cross section through a map set finds errors that a map view hides. Drawing a section through several wells, with all the mapped horizons plotted at their mapped depths, immediately reveals horizons that cross, thicknesses that go negative, faults with inconsistent throws and well picks that do not match the surfaces. These are all visible in seconds in section view and essentially invisible in map view. Any map set that will be used for volumes should be checked this way, through several sections in different orientations.
Maps have to be consistent with each other and the arithmetic is simple. The thickness between two horizons must equal the difference between their depth maps, everywhere. Subtracting one structure map from the other and comparing against the independently contoured thickness map identifies every area where the three are inconsistent. The same check applies to net sand against gross thickness, and to net pay against net sand. Inconsistencies indicate an error in one of the three and they are routinely present.
Volume should be calculated twice by different methods. The volume from a gross rock volume grid multiplied by net to gross and porosity grids, and the volume from an area depth curve with average properties, should agree within a few per cent. When they do not, one of them contains an error, and the exercise of reconciling them finds it. Teams that calculate the volume once, in the modelling package, have no check on it at all, and volume errors of tens of per cent have survived to investment decisions.
Finally, checking is most effective when it is specified rather than left to diligence. A mapping deliverable with a defined checklist, signed by the mapper and the reviewer, with each check explicitly performed, catches more than a general instruction to check the work carefully. The checks are quick, the list is short and the discipline is what makes it work. Organisations that have such a list find fewer errors reaching decisions, which is the entire objective.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the error types that occur most frequently in mapping
- Check input data including picks, depths and coordinates
- Check contour patterns and surfaces against rules
- Verify internal consistency between structure, thickness and property maps
- Use cross sections to diagnose map set errors
- Cross-check volumes by independent methods
- Design and conduct blind tests against withheld data
- Apply systematic mapping checklists
- Diagnose the cause of a detected error
- Establish mapping quality standards for a team
The training works on map sets containing deliberately introduced errors of the types that occur in practice. Participants apply checks, find the errors and diagnose their causes, with the detection rate measured. Checklists are developed and tested against further error sets. Volume cross-checks are performed and discrepancies traced.
Organisations sending participants to this training will:
- Catch mapping errors before they reach decisions
- Verify consistency between map sets
- Cross-check volumes by independent methods
- Apply specified checklists rather than general diligence
- Reduce rework from late error discovery
- Establish mapping quality standards
Participants will:
- Check their own mapping systematically
- Diagnose map set inconsistencies
- Use sections as a diagnostic tool
- Cross-check volumes
- Apply mapping checklists
- Review others' maps effectively
- Geoscientists producing subsurface maps
- Technical staff reviewing maps and volumes
- Reservoir modellers checking input surfaces
- Petrophysicists producing property maps
- Subsurface team leaders setting standards
- Assurance staff reviewing mapping work
- Graduate geoscientists learning mapping discipline
Module 1 - Error Types and Frequency
- Error categories in mapping
- Data errors
- Pick and correlation errors
- Depth and datum errors
- Coordinate and projection errors
- Contouring and gridding errors
- Consistency errors between maps
- Calculation and volume errors
- Which errors occur most often
- Which errors are most consequential
- Errors that survive to decisions
- Directing checking effort
Module 2 - Input Data Checking
- Well header verification
- Coordinate and projection checking
- Position against known maps
- Elevation and datum verification
- Deviation survey checking
- True vertical depth conversion verification
- Marker pick consistency between wells
- Pick against log character checking
- Outlier identification in mapped values
- Duplicate and missing data
- Unit consistency
- Data checking before mapping
Module 3 - Contour and Surface Rules
- Contour crossing checks
- Contour branching checks
- Interval consistency checks
- Closure and edge behaviour
- Labelling and numbering checks
- Surface range checks against data
- Overshoot and undershoot detection
- Residual values at data points
- Unexpected minima and maxima
- Gradient plausibility
- Artefact recognition
- Visual inspection protocols
Module 4 - Internal Consistency
- Structure map difference against thickness map
- Subtraction checking method
- Negative thickness detection
- Horizon crossing detection
- Net against gross thickness consistency
- Net pay against net sand consistency
- Property map range consistency
- Fault throw consistency between horizons
- Fault polygon consistency
- Contact depth consistency across maps
- Multi-horizon structural consistency
- Resolving detected inconsistencies
Module 5 - Section Based Checking
- Section construction from maps
- Plotting mapped horizons in section
- Plotting well picks on the section
- Identifying horizon crossings
- Identifying pick mismatches
- Fault geometry in section
- Throw consistency in section
- Thickness behaviour in section
- Multiple section orientations
- Sections through areas of no control
- Section checking as routine practice
- Interpreting what a section reveals
Module 6 - Volume Cross-Checking
- Volume calculation methods
- Grid based volume calculation
- Area depth curve volume calculation
- Average property method
- Comparing independent calculations
- Acceptable discrepancy levels
- Diagnosing volume discrepancies
- Unit and conversion errors
- Net to gross application errors
- Contact and spill point errors
- Segment and total reconciliation
- Documenting the cross-check
Module 7 - Blind Testing
- Blind test design
- Withholding wells from mapping
- Predicting at withheld locations
- Recording predictions before revealing
- Error measurement at withheld wells
- Interpreting blind test results
- Systematic against random error
- Testing alternative maps
- Blind testing property maps
- Blind testing with new wells
- Using results to improve mapping
- Building a prediction performance record
Module 8 - Checklists and Standards
- Checklist construction
- Checks by map type
- Checks by project stage
- Sign-off and accountability
- Reviewer role and independence
- Error diagnosis procedures
- Root cause identification
- Correction and reissue process
- Version control of maps
- Mapping standards documentation
- Training and competence requirements
- Measuring error rates over time
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.
