Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis - Petroleum GIS

White Paper on Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis for Petroleum GIS SectorExploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) is a group of techniques used to describe and visualize spatial distributions, to highlight patterns affecting the distribution of observations and to identify outlier values. Each interpolation technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the characteristics of the input dataset. ESDA techniques provide the GIS user with guidance on how to decide which interpolation method to use when gridding and contouring data.The techniques in Exprodatâs white paper were first presented at ESRIâs 2009 Petroleum User Group (PUG) Conference (www.esri.com/events/pug/) in Houston, Texas. By publishing the white paper Exprodat are now able to share the full results of their research with the wider oil and gas GIS community. Exprodatâs Managing Director, Gareth Smith, says, âGeoscientists are commonly faced with the problem of selecting the most appropriate gridding algorithm when generating grids. Often, theyâll just select the defaults provided in their E&P mapping tools without understanding the implications of their choices. Our research in this area shows that GIS, when used alongside traditional mapping packages, provides powerful tools for evaluating data in order to make these key decisions correctly.ââChoosing an interpolation method for the type of phenomenon the geoscientist is trying to model, and one that fits the distribution of the data in hand, should not just be a matter of luck - they need to understand the spatial behavior of the phenomenon they are investigating, and need to answer to some critical questions before attempting to apply any interpolation technique. This can help produce defendable results that reflect a deep understanding of the way the phenomenon of interest varies spatially. It also helps us to quantify the uncertainty in the modeling.âIn this paper Exprodat focuses on the use of ESDA techniques available in ESRIâs ArcGIS platform and on guiding the user in choosing a suitable interpolation method among the many available in ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst.ArcGIS is a scalable family of software products comprising a complete geographic information system (GIS) built on industry standards. ArcGIS is used for the creation, management, integration, analysis, display, and dissemination of spatial data. Visualization, editing, and analysis, along with advanced data management, distinguish the ArcGIS software family as the leading GIS software. Much more than a specialized offering for a small niche of specialists, ArcGIS is designed as a scalable system that can be deployed in every organization, from an individual desktop to a globally distributed network of people. ArcGIS extensions such as ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst extend the functional capabilities of the ArcGIS Desktop products, which include ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo. GIS users worldwide can use ArcGIS and extensions to maximize the potential benefits of geographic information and address specific GIS application requirements.For additional information on Exprodatâs Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis paper for the Petroleum GIS sector contact Jules Cullen or visit www.exprodat.com.

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