CHAPTER-5: 3D SURVEY DESIGN

5.1 INTRODUCTION:
Three-dimensional (3-D) seismic surveys have become a major tool in the exploration and
exploitation of hydrocarbons. The first few 3-D surveys were acquired in the late 1970s. By
the mid-1980s the use of the 3D method was growing very fast and it was conducted first
time in India in Cambay Basin during 1986.
The aim of 3D survey design is to achieve the geophysical objective while minimizing the
cost and time of acquisition and processing. The parameter choice of 3D survey geometry
has also to satisfy operational constraints. Acquisition, processing and interpretation of
seismic data are inextricably related. No amount of clever processing can overcome some
deficiencies in acquisition. No magical insight by the interpretation can remedy some
acquisition and processing mistakes. There should not be any deficiencies in acquisition of
3D seismic survey. Survey design is most effective when processing and interpretation are
considered in the design. Emphasis in the pioneer stage of seismic exploration was
acquisition. Later, emphasis shifted to data processing and then to the interpretation. More
recently, it has been realized that acquisition is most important compartment of API of
hydrocarbon exploration especially 3D survey design and therefore renewed interest have
been created in 3D survey design. There are basically three approaches or methodology of
3D survey design:

Conventional Approach:
The general philosophy of designing of the 3D surveys in earlier days was to expand
lessons learned from 2D acquisition. Good sampling of offsets in a CMP gather was the
main criterion. Three-D designs programs were developed that concentrated mainly on
analysis of bin attributes i.e. effective fold, regularity of offsets and azimuth distribution
etc. This conventional approach to 3D survey design is limited by an incomplete
understanding of the differing properties of the most of common geometries especially
characteristics of pre-stack gather of these geometries.
Symmetric Sampling approach:
With the pre-stack imaging becoming routine processing steps, it is essential to address the
spatial sampling properties of pre-stack gather of 3D survey. The conventional approach
of 3D survey design did not address the sampling requirements for optimal pre-stack
imaging. It is essential to develop a good understanding of the continuous wavefield to be
sampled. In 3D acquisition, the pre-stack wavefield consists of five coordinate’s viz. one
temporal coordinate, time (t) and four spatial coordinates locations of source and receiver
(Xs, Ys, Xr and Yr). 3D survey design should ensure proper sampling of these five pre-
stack wavefield. In practice, not all four spatial coordinates of the pre-stack wavefield can
be properly sampled. Instead, it is possible to define three dimensional subsets of the 5-D
prestack wavefield which can be properly sampled. Maximizing the useful extent of each
minimal data set ensure a minimum of spatial discontinuities in the total data set.
Modeling Approach:
A 3D geometry may image poorly or may not image at all in geologically complex areas.
Therefore modeling approach is required in optimization of geometry in these areas. The

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 34

energy returning from a reflector does not necessarily originate from that point on the
reflector that is halfway between sources and receiver. Migration corrects traces from their
CMP position to the correct position. But it is important what fold is achieved after
migration in each part of the target. 3D ray tracing is essential in areas (Salt domes, faults,
steeply dipping layers and lateral velocity discontinuities). The impact of varying fold,
offset and azimuth distributions should be rigorously evaluated. Modeling may lead the
designer to a different strategy for the surface layout than do the flat- layer assumptions.
Source and receiver spacing may be reduced/ increased in certain areas of seismic survey
to assure coverage.

5.2 DEFINITION OF GEOMETRICAL TERMS:

1. Target or Target Horizons/Zones or zone of interest:
A 3D seismic survey is designed for the main zone of interest (Primary Target or Zone).
This zone will determine the parameters for 3D seismic survey eg. Fold, Bin size, offset
range etc.
Secondary targets/zones may have significant impact on the 3D design as well. For
example: shallow secondary targets may require very short near offsets or deeper regional
objectives may dictate the far offset of the survey be substantially greater than required for
primary targets.
Primary/ secondary targets may be indicated by their geological/local name but their
depth, two- way time, dip, thickness and average velocity should be available before 3D
survey designing.
2. In line and Cross-line direction:
3D survey is carried out to sample (spatially) the target horizons in two mutually
perpendicular directions. Sampling interval in both the directions may be equal or
sampling in one direction may be smaller than the sampling in the other direction. The
fine sampling is done, in general, in dip direction and coarser in perpendicular to it. The
direction of fine sampling is inline direction and the cables are laid out in this direction.
Thus the direction of increasing channels (or the direction of cables laying) is in-line
direction and the direction perpendicular to it is cross line direction.
3. Bin, Bin interval and Bin size:
Bin is a small rectangular/ square area of a target. All midpoints falling in this area are
assumed to belong to a bin and all these traces are CMP stacked and determine the fold of
that bin. Bin size in in-line direction (BSX) and bin size in cross line direction (BSY)
corresponds to the dimension of this area in respective direction. Hence bin size (or cell
size) refers to size of Bin in data processing.
Bin interval in inline direction (BIX) and in cross line (BIY) direction correspond to
sampling interval (distance between successive bins) in respective direction while
acquiring data. In general, in land survey, bin size is kept equal to Bin interval while
processing the data however sometimes it is necessary to interpolate the traces (especially
in cross line direction) to carry out certain processes more effectively. In such cases bin size
is smaller than bin interval. In case of flexi binning in offshore survey, bin size may be
larger than bin interval.
However Bin size is frequently used to refer to Bin interval.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 35

4. Group Interval & Receiver line interval: (GI & RLI)
The distance between two consecutive channels along the receiver lines is group interval
(GI). This is to be kept twice of the required bin interval in in-line direction. The line
joining the different groups forms the receiver line. The separation/distance between two
consecutive receiver lines is receiver line interval (RLI). Receiver lines are generally laid in
the direction of closer sampling of the target (Figure:1)
GI=2*BIX (if shot line interval is not less than GI)
5. Shot interval & Shot line interval: (SI & SLI)
Shot interval (SI) is the distance between two consecutive shot points in cross line
direction. This is to be kept twice of the required bin interval in cross line direction. The
line joining the different shot points is shot line. The shooter (In general) moves along shot
line. The separation/distance between two consecutive shot line in in-line direction is shot
line interval (SLI).
In some cases of 3 D geometry, the distance between consecutive shots in cross-line
direction is not same for all the pair of shot points then minimum value of it is taken as SI.
SI=2*BIY (if RLI is not less than SI)
6. Active channels per line:
It is the number of channels of a receiver line recorded simultaneously for any shot.
Usually number of active channels is same in all the lines.
7. Number of active receiver lines:
It is the number of receiver lines recorded simultaneously for a shot.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 36

8. Total active channels:
It is the total number of live channels recorded simultaneously for any shot and is equal to
product of number of lines and active channels per line(if it is same for all the receiver lines).
9. Spread:
A spread is a group of receiver lines each line having a group of receivers that are
recorded (live) for any shot point. The spread usually forms a rectangle of several parallel
receiver lines. The aspect ratio of spread is width of spread in cross line direction divided
by length in in-line direction. The ratio of cross line width of spread to inline length of
spread is called aspect ratio of the spread.
10. Salvo & shots per salvo:
A group of shot points recorded with same set of receiver lines and with same set of (or
almost same set of) receivers is referred to as salvo. Thus the active spread for all the shots
of a salvo is (or almost) same. Shots per salvo are number of shot points in a salvo. Salvo
length may be defined as product of number of shots per salvo and shot interval.
11. Spread Roll Along:
It is the distance by which spread is advanced in in-line direction to record next shot line.
Distance by which spread is rolled along is, in generally, equal to shot line interval.
12. Swath:
A group of shot points covering whole width of survey area and having same set of
receiver lines along with the shot lines forms a swath.
If all the shot points of a swath have same spread for all the shot point of swath, it is
termed as patch.
13. Swath Roll Over:
It is the distance by which spread is advanced in cross line direction to record next swath
for covering whole of the survey area.
14. Unit Template:
The salvo (or salvos) and corresponding spread is called unit template. The template
moves around the survey and occupies different positions.
Unit template= Patch + associated salvo/salvos
15. Inline offset & Cross-line offset:
The maximum distance between any shot and receiver pair of a unit template in in-line
direction is the in-line offset. The maximum distance between any shot and receiver pair of
a unit template in cross-line direction is cross-line offset.
16. Aspect ratio:
The ratio of cross-line offset and inline offset obtained with the geometry i.e.:
Aspect Ratio=Crossline offset/Inline offset
Aspect ratio of a patch is defined as the ratio of cross-line and inline dimensions of patch.
17. Spread Type:
Depending upon relative position of salvo within spread, it may be of three type. Spread
may be End-On Spread or Symmetrical Split Spread or Asymmetrical Split Spread.
18. Geometry Type:
This term indicates the distribution of receiver lines with respect to shot lines. Geometry
may be Parallel, Orthogonal, Brick, Slant, Areal, Zigzag etc. depending upon orientation of
shot and receiver lines.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 37

19. Slant Angle:
In case of slant or zigzag geometry the angle made by shot line with respect to receiver
line is slant angle.
20. Spread Near Offset:
This is minimum distance from a shot to nearest live channel on the surface. This is equal
to ‘smallest minimum offset’.
21. Spread Far Offset:
This is the maximum distance from a shot to farthest live channel on the surface. This is
equal to ‘largest maximum offset’.
22. Near offsets:
The presence of traces having smaller offset in a bin is important for mapping shallower
target. The group of traces having relatively (qualitatively) lesser offset is called near
offsets.
23. Middle offsets:
The presence of traces having medium offset in a bin is important for linking of near and
far offsets. The group of traces having relatively intermediate offset is called middle
offsets.
24. Far offsets:
The presence of traces having larger offset in a bin is important for velocity analysis and
multiples suppression. The group of traces having relatively larger offset is called far
offsets.

5.3 BIN ATTRIBUTES:

1. Nominal fold of coverage:

Nominal fold of coverage is the number of field traces that contribute to one stack trace i.e.
the number of midpoints per CMP bin. In 3D survey, it is multiplication of inline fold and
cross line fold.
Inline fold may be obtained from the formula:
Inline fold=( Total channels per line)*(Group Interval)/(2*Shotline interval)
Cross line fold may be obtained from the formula: (In regular Geometry)
Cross line fold=(Number of receiver line)*(Salvo Length)/(2*Swath Roll Over)

2. Unique Fold of coverage:

All the offsets of a bin may vary from one trace to another. The number of traces in a bin
having offset difference (between two consecutive traces) more than a predefined value
(tolerance) is equal to unique fold of coverage. The tolerance value may be defined equal to
BIX, GI or geometrical mean of BIX and BIY or its double. Thus unique fold of coverage
changes with the definition of tolerance therefore value of tolerance taken should be same
while comparing this attribute of different geometries.
3. Minimum offset: (Xmin)
This is the minimum value of offset in a bin and it may vary from one bin to another. The
smallest value of minimum offset is called smallest minimum offset or minimum

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 38

minimum offset and the maximum value is called largest minimum offset (LMO) or
maximum minimum offset.
4. Maximum offset: (Xmax)
This is the maximum value of offset in a bin and it may vary from bin to bin. The smallest
value of maximum offset is called smallest minimum offset or minimum maximum offset
and the maximum value is called largest maximum offset or maximum maximum offset.
5. Azimuth:
The angle of the line from source to receiver of a trace with inline direction (receiver line)
is the azimuth of that trace. The azimuths of different traces within a bin may vary and
also from bin to bin.
6. Offset distribution:
Sampling of the different offset within a bin is an offset sampling. It should be regular and
non-redundant. Offset distribution is offset sampling of different bins or variation of offset
sampling from one bin to another. This is generally represented by a bar
diagram/histogram with both the axis having offset called stick diagram.
7. Azimuth distribution:
Sampling of the different azimuth within a bin is an azimuth sampling. Azimuth
distribution is azimuth sampling of different bins or variation of azimuth sampling from
one bin to another. This is represented by a spider diagram.
8. Rose diagram:
Rose diagram represents offset and azimuth distribution graphically of all traces of survey
area.
9. Offset density:
Offset density shows number (or percentage) of traces versus offset range for all the traces
of the survey area.
10. Azimuth density:
Azimuth density shows number (or percentage) of traces versus azimuth range for all the
traces of the survey area.
11. Shot density:
This is the number of shots within a unit area (Sq. Km.) for covering the area with given
number of active channels, fold and bin size. This shows the efficiency of the geometry
and the same formula may be used to calculate the area of coverage in Sq. Km.

Shot density= (Fold*1,000,000)/(Number of channels*BIX*BIY)

12. Foldage at Shallow level:
The nominal fold of coverage is theoretical and actual number of traces to be stacked may
vary due to muting depending upon depth of target. Assuming muting distance equal to
depth of shallow targets, number of traces available for stack after muting is foldage at
shallow level.
13. Foladge at Middle level:
Fold of coverage may also be analyzed for intermediate target (by assuming muting
distance equal to depth of middle targets), number of traces available for stack after
muting is foldage at middle level.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 39

14. Foldage at Deeper level:
Assuming muting distance equal to depth of deeper targets, number of traces available for
stack for deeper target after muting is foldage at deeper level.

5.4 CLASSES OF GEOMETRY:

3D seismic surveys can be acquired using a number of different acquisition geometries.
The most important geometries are areal geometry, parallel geometry, orthogonal
geometry, slant geometry, zig-zag geometry, brick geometry, and random geometry. The
aim of the 3D geometries is to sampling of all four spatial coordinates and to achieve an
areal coverage. This requires that each shot should be recorded by a dense areal grid of
receivers and that the shot points should also occupy a dense areal grid. Nobody can
afford this full sampling of 5D pre-stack wavefield. A wide variety of geometries has been
devised based on a sparser sampling of shots and/or receivers and can be classified into
two groups:

A. Areal Geometries: The receivers listening to each shot occupy a dense grid but shots
are sampled in only a coarse areal grid or vice versa.

B. Line Geometries: The receivers listening to each shot are densely sampled along
parallel receiver lines, whereas the shots are densely sampled along parallel shot lines.
Depending on the orientation of the shot lines with respect to the receiver lines, the line
geometries can be subdivided into parallel, orthogonal, slant, or zig-zag geometries.
Brick geometry is the variation of orthogonal geometry to improve the offset
distribution. Random geometries are characterized by the absence of regularity in the
shot and receiver positions. Random geometries are only used when the obstacles
prelude a regular layout of shots and receivers.

1. Areal Geometry:
Shot points and receiver points occupy a dense areal grid in this geometry (Fig.2a). Areal
Geometries are used for smaller area on Land. Areal Geometry provides full wave
sampling but are expensive. Areal geometries with a very coarse grid of receiver stations
and a dense grid of shots are becoming more popular in marine data acquisition. eg. OBC,
vertical hydrophones.

2. Parallel Geometry:
Parallel Geometry is basically an extension of 2D geometry. Orientation of Shot lines is
parallel to receiver lines in parallel geometry (Fig.2b). Parallel geometry provides narrow
azimuth and better stack response due to regular offset distribution. AVO analysis is
easier and potential for resolution is better. Processing of data acquired with parallel
geometry is straight forward but data acquisition is expensive and it requires greater field
efforts. It is used mainly for marine data acquisition and was also used in the earlier 3D
survey on Land.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 40

3. Orthogonal Geometry:
The orthogonal geometry is the geometry of choice for land data acquisition. Orientation
of shot lines is orthogonal to receiver lines (Fig.2c). Offset distribution of orthogonal may
deteriorates but azimuth distribution is better in comparison to parallel or slant geometry.
Orthogonal Geometry is easy for the Land crew and footprints in shallower horizons may
be minimized by proper designing.

4. Slant Geometry:
Slanted geometry is modification of orthogonal geometry and is an improvement over
Brick geometry because the shot lines are no longer discontinuous. Parallel shot lines are
at angle to parallel receiver lines (Fig.2d). Receiver lines are closely spaced than shot line.
Slant geometry provides narrow azimuths but better offset distribution. Slant geometry
may have geometry effects in pre-stack- migrated amplitudes.

5. Zig-Zag Geometry:
Zigzag geometry is most efficient in open areas such as deserts. Two families of widely
spaced parallel shot lines make an angle of ±45 with widely spaced parallel lines (Fig.2e).
Stack response of Zigzag geometry is better than Brick or Orthogonal geometries.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 41

6. Brick Geometry:
This is the variation of orthogonal geometry in an attempt to improve offset distribution.
Shot lines are break into parts to obtain better offset distribution (Fig.2f). Spatial continuity
of the brick geometry is very poor.

5.5 3D SURVEY GEOMETRY DESIGN CONCEPTS

1. Coordinate systems:
In a 2D seismic data acquisition, each shot with coordinate Xs is recorded by a receiver
spread with receiver coordinates Xr. The collection of all common shot gathers forms the
prestack data set. This can also be described by midpoint Xm and shot to receiver offset
Xo. These variables are illustrated in figure 3a, b, and c. The two pairs of spatial
coordinates are related by:

Xm=(Xs+Xr)/2 Xs=Xm+Xo/2

and

Xo=Xs-Xr Xr=Xm-Xo/2

O Xr Xm Xs

Xo
Figure 3 (a): The Four spatial coordinate systems

Xs Xo

Xr Xm

t t

Figure 3 (b): Shot/receiver coordinate Systems Figure 3 (c): Midpoint/offset coordinate Systems

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 42

By taking a example of 12 channels End On 2D spread with shooting on each pickets, a
prestack seismic data set in the two coordinates systems is shown in Figure 4a and 4b.
In figure 4a the traces are described in terms of their shot and receiver coordinates. This
is called surface diagram or surface stacking chart. Figure 4b shows traces in terms of
their midpoint and offset coordinates. This is called subsurface diagram or subsurface.
By keeping one of the spatial coordinate constant, four different subsets can be selected
from the seismic data set. These subsets are tabulated in table: 1 and also indicated in
figure 4a and 4b. All traces of a common shot gathers are represented by a horizontal
line (Xs=constant; shown in the figure are traces recorded for shot point S-7 at picket
19) in the shot/receiver coordinates system and by an oblique line (For Xs to be
constant in midpoint/offset coordinate system, if Xm increases Xo has to be decrease)
in the midpoint/offset coordinate system. All the traces of the Common receiver
gathers are represented by vertical line ( Xr=Constant; Traces recorded by receiver at
picket 12) in the Shot/receiver coordinate system and a oblique line (For Xr to be
constant in midpoint/offset coordinate system, if Xm increases Xo also has to be
increase) in the midpoint/offset coordinate system. All the traces of common offset are
represented by an oblique line (For Xo to be constant in shot/receiver coordinate
system, if Xs increases Xr has to be increase) in shot/receiver coordinate system and by
a horizontal line ( Xo=Constant; Offset equal to 7*GI) in the midpoint/offset coordinate
system. All the traces of common midpoint are represented by an oblique line (For Xm
to be constant in shot/receiver coordinate system, if Xs increases Xr has to be decrease)
in shot/receiver coordinate system and by a vertical line( Xm=Constant; for midpoint
15.5) in the midpoint/offset coordinate system.

Table1: Four different subsets in Shot/receiver and Midpoint/Offset coordinate system

SN Subsets Shot/receiver Coordinate Midpoint/Offset Coordinate
system system
Formula Graphical Formula Graphical
1 Common shot Xs=C Horizontal Xs=Xm+Xo/2=C Oblique
line line(-30)
2. Common Xr=C Vertical Xr=Xm-Xo/2=C Oblique
receiver line line(+30)
3. Common Xo=Xs-Xr=C Oblique Xo=C Horizontal
offset line (+45) line
4. Common Xm=(Xs+Xr)/2=C Oblique Xm=C Vertical
midpoints line(-45) line

Subsurface diagram or subsurface stacking chart is helpful while processing the data.
Shot/midpoint coordinate system instead of midpoint/offset coordinate system along
with shot/receiver coordinate system more suitable while designing the geometry on
paper. Figure 5a shows various data subsets in Shot/midpoint coordinate system as well
as in shot/receiver coordinate system. This diagram is modified by putting the value of
offset in terms of group interval instead of putting a symbol or a dot (figure 5b & table 2).

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 43

Table 2: Four different subsets in Shot/receiver and Midpoint/Offset coordinate
system
SN Subsets Shot/receiver Coordinate Shot/Midpoint Coordinate
system system
Formula Graphica Formula Graphica
l l
1 Common Xs=C Horizont Xs=C Horizont
shot al line al line
2. Common Xr=C Vertical Xr=2Xm-Xs=C Oblique
receiver line line(+60)
3. Common Xo=Xs-Xr=C Oblique Xo=2(Xs-Xm)=C Oblique
offset line(+45) line(+45)
4. Common Xm=(Xs+Xr)/2=C Oblique Xm=C Vertical
midpoints line (-45) line

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 44

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 45
2. 2D stack diagram:
Figure 5b shows an example of 12 channels End-on recording with shooting at each
pickets in shot/receiver and shot/midpoint coordinate system. Note that 6-fold coverage
is achieved and offset sampling is regular for all the CDP points without any duplication
(redundant offsets). However, offset distribution is not same for adjoining CDP point but
type of offset distribution of CDP points are there. One type of offset distribution is 2, 4,
6, 8, 10 &12 while other type is 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11. The number of types increases as shot
interval increases from each picket to alternate as shown in figure 6.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 46

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 47
Figure 7a shows an example of 12 channels split spread recording with shooting at
each picket in shot/receiver coordinate system and shot/midpoint coordinate system.
Note that duplication of offset is there. This is inherent drawback of split spread (as far
as offset distribution is concerned) while shooting at the pickets and can be overcome
with shooting in between the pickets as shown in the next example. Figure 7b shows an
example of 12 channels split spread recording with shooting in between the each
picket. Note that duplication of offsets in all the CDP points is not there now.

5.6 3D SURVEY DESIGN:

The different software of 3D survey design helps in designing and analysis of the
geometries that have been conceptualized in your mind and in computing and display
different bin attributes for analysis of the geometry. Depending upon the objective and
target characteristics, 3D survey geometry is to conceive by the geophysicists itself.
This may be modified depending upon analysis of the geometry with the help of
software. Some of the attributes of the geometry may not sufficient to the extent you
have imagined originally. Therefore you have to modify some parameters and
analyzed again with the help of software. This may take many iterations for arriving at
final solution to the problem. Operational and cost constraints may complicate the
issue further and you have to design some more geometry for optimization. It may also
happen that you may have to design and analyzed number geometries for a given
problem. Before designing and analyzing the geometry following exercises will be
helpful in short listing the geometries for testing with software. Also these exercises
will be helpful for understanding the basics of 3D survey design and sharpen you for
quick solution with software for a given problem.
It has been assumed that following parameters are already had been decided for a
given problem from the study and analysis of previous geophysical, geological & well
data and processing & interpretation reports of the area:
1. Bin size to be used for coverage
2. Nominal fold of coverage
3. Minimum offset to be obtained so that shallowest horizons may be imaged
4. Maximum offset to be obtained for deepest target of horizon
5. Migration aperture for extending the full fold area
6. Record length for recording the data

1. Guidelines:
1. Bin interval is half of the group interval and shot interval
2. Total foldage is equal to inline fold multiply by cross line fold
3. Single line roll geometry has better spatial continuity while multi-line roll
geometries are efficient in field.
4. For orthogonal geometry, cross aspect ratio of spread should be more than 0.5
5. Shot in between the pickets gives more non-redundant fold in symmetrical split
spread geometry.
6. Receiver line interval and Shot line interval decides the largest minimum offset

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 48

 7. Cross line fold is half of the number of active lines if salvos length is equal to
swath roll distance
8. Cross line fold equal to number of active lines can be achieved if salvos length is
kept twice of the swath roll over distance.
9. In orthogonal geometry, offsetting shot in cross line direction with respect to
receiver line increases non-redundant foldage.

2. Sequence:
1. Group interval and shot interval twice of bin size
2. Xmax decides the maximum far offset of the geometry
3. Xmin decides the near offset of the geometry
4. Number of channels per line may be calculated from (Far offset-Near offset)/GI
5. Number of active lines may be decided from available channels/No of channels
per line
6. Type of spread (EOS,SSS or ASS) may decided from available channels and
objective.
7. Receiver line interval and type of geometry may be decided keeping in mind the
objective and available resources.
8. Shot line interval from inline fold requirement and number of channels per line
9. Swath roll over and No of shots per template from cross line fold of coverage.
10. Different combination of number of line, receiver line interval and swath roll
over and no. of shots per salvos may be tried to arrive at reasonable good
solution.

3. Fold Analysis:

A. Inline:
In line stack diagram of 3D survey is similar to 2D stack diagram. The figure 6a shows
12 channels per line end on orthogonal geometry survey with spread roll over (shot
line interval) equal to twice of group interval. For doing in line analysis of fold of
coverage and offset, inline stack diagram in shot/midpoint coordinates system are
shown in this figure. Three fold inline fold is achieved in this case as seen from the
stack diagram and also may be computed from the above formula (Formula is similar
to2D):
Inline fold= (No of channels per line* group interval)/(2*Shot line interval)
The inline offset sampling of traces can be seen from source-midpoint stack
diagram from the figure 6a. Four types of offset sampling (4,8,12; 3,7,11; 2,6,10 & 1,5,9)
of the bins are evident from the figure and these sampling are repeated after each four
bins along inline.

B. Cross line:
Cross line stack diagram of 3D survey is shown in figure 8a. The number of active lines
in this example is four and swath roll over is equal to twice of receiver line interval (i.e.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 49

two line roll geometry). The cross line fold obtained is two as can be seen from diagram
and it can also be calculated from the formula:
Cross line fold= (No of active line*Salvo length)/ (2*Swath roll over)

The cross line offset sampling of traces can be seen from right hand side of the figure.
At the CDP lines 4, 6 and 8 the repetition of cross line offset is seen. Bins of these CDP
lines have more (almost 50% in this case) redundant fold of coverage. This redundancy
can be minimized by not keeping the shot points at the receiver lines as shown in
figure 8b.

C. Total Fold:
Total fold is equal to six (3 inline multiply by 2 cross line) in this case. As already
discussed, four types of offsets sampling (at P-11.0, P-11.5, P-12.0 & P-12.5) are
obtained along inline. Similarly eight types of offsets sampling (at CDP points L-2.5 to
L-6.0) are obtained along cross line. Hence a total of 32 types of offsets sampling is
obtained. This offset distribution is periodically repeated in whole of the area. Table 3
shows these total 32 types of offset sampling by taking GI and SI 40 mts each.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 50

Table 3: Offset Sampling (6 Fold data) for the Geometry shown in figure 5.
SN Lines Points P-11.0 P-11.5 P-12.0 P-12.5
Offset 4 8 12 3 7 11 2 6 10 1 5 9
1 L-2.5 -3 200 342 495 170 305 456 144 268 418 126 233 379
1 165 322 482 126 283 442 89 243 402 57 204 362
2 L-3.0 4 226 358 506 200 322 468 179 288 431 165 256 394
0 160 320 480 120 280 440 80 240 400 40 200 360
3 L-3.5 -1 165 322 482 126 283 442 89 243 402 57 204 362
3 200 342 495 170 305 456 144 268 418 126 233 379
4 L-4.0 -2 179 330 487 144 291 447 113 253 408 89 215 369
2 179 330 487 144 291 447 113 253 408 89 215 369
5 L-4.5 1 165 322 482 126 283 442 89 243 402 57 204 362
5 256 377 520 233 344 483 215 312 447 204 283 412
6 L-5.0 0 160 320 480 120 280 440 80 240 400 40 200 360
4 226 358 506 200 322 468 179 288 431 165 256 394
7 L-5.5 3 200 342 495 170 305 456 144 268 418 126 233 379
-1 165 322 482 126 283 442 89 243 402 57 204 362
8 L-6.0 2 179 330 487 144 291 447 113 253 408 89 215 369
-2 179 330 487 144 291 447 113 253 408 89 215 369

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 51

5.7 3D SURVEY GEOMETRY ANALYSIS BY GEOLAND:
Geoland consists of main window and five application widows namely: Layout,
Shooting, Surveying, Export and Import. The main window is displayed after starting
Geoland. It is used to define a prospect and run the Layout, Shooting, Surveying,
Export and Import applications. The look of the window is shown in figure 9a and
menu in Appendix-I. The display of prospect in Layout, Shooting, Surveying, Import
and Export applications windows is similar (shown in figure 9b,c,d,e,f).The menu of
each window is shown in appendix II to VI. Any change in one window automatically
updates the other window. Any window can be open but while layout or shooting
windows are open, surveying can not be opened. Similarly while the surveying
window is open, layout or shooting window can not be opened.

Seismic points and non- seismic objects:

Seismic points are used to define source and receiver location Seismic points are of two
type Source points (SP) or receiver points (RP). Non-seismic objects are used to define
exclusion zones. Non- seismic objects may be of point, line or surface type.
Numbering and Location:
Seismic point identifier:
Numbering of a seismic point is defined by the following parameters:
 Type: SP or RP
 Swath Number

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 52

  Line Number
 Point Number
 Index
These parameters represent its name or its identification. Once a seismic point is
created, its identification cannot be changed. These parameters insure that a given
seismic point is unique. All the five parameters of two seismic points cannot be same
and remains valid throughout the prospect.
Seismic point Location:
The location of seismic point may be defined by either of two of the following
1. I-grid and J-grid number
2. X, Y and Z coordinates (theoretical or real)
Location of seismic point can be changed/moved and the program updates (X, Y) point
coordinates and (I, J) grid numbers but keeps original numbering ( line and point
numbers).
Similarly, using the real coordinates provided by surveying, the program updates (X,Y)
point coordinates and (I, J) grid numbers accordingly, but keeps original line and point
numbers.
Seismic point status:
Seismic points have different statuses and are represented by a colour during
display. Receiver points are represented by a square and source points are represented
by a cross.
Following table 4 shows the color and status of seismic points.
Table 4: Seismic point status
STATUS COLOR
Theoretical Yellow
Uncancelled (points created in the Layout window)
Surveyed Red
Interpolated (points from data imported in the
Invalidated surveying windows)
Validated Green
(surveyed points validated in the
surveying window)
Used(shot) Blue
Cancelled Magneta
(specified in the Layout window)
Coordinate status of seismic point:
Theoretic : All seismic points have theoretical coordinates
Waiting for validation : Points on which sets of coordinates have been imported
but none have yet been validated.
Valid : A point with one imported set of coordinates which you
have validated
Invalidated : A set of coordinates which were previously set to the Valid
status and that have been invalidated.

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Not Valid : If there is more than one imported set of coordinates per
point, after validation one set, the others are set to the status
Not Valid
Non seismic objects:
There are 14 predefined NSO of three different types (Point, Line and
Surface/polyline). We may also create our own NSO of any of three types or may
import from a file.
Exclusion Zones:
Exclusion zones are the restricted areas for source, receiver or both. For creating an
exclusion zone with respect to a point or line or surface type of NSO, the perimeter of
the exclusion zone is defined by a distance around the NSO. The source or receiver
points inside this perimeter can be set to the cancelled status.
Prospect grids:
A grid serves as means of reference. It is designed so that seismic points can easily be
located on a grid using grid numbering. Defining a receiver grid and a source grid is
mandatory. Each grid has the same definition menu.
Xo and Yo: defines the origin point coordinates of the grid
DX and DY: the distance on the I axis & J axis respectively between two grid points
Io and Jo: defines numbering of the grid origin
DI and DJ: the grid points interval (increment of grid number of grid points on I axis
and J axis)
Bearing: the angle of I axis with respect to north ( in degrees, minutes & seconds or gr)
Grid angle: defines the angle of the J-axis relative to I axis measured in clockwise
direction ( in dd, mm, ss or 100 gr , 300 gr or other (0,200,400 gr are not acceptable)).
Defining bearing and Grid angle are explained in figure 10.
Lateral DY: defines the perpendicular distance between two lines parallel to the I axis
in case of a non-orthogonal grid. On entering this, program automatically updates the
DY field.
Defining the receiver and source grid:
Define the receiver grid according to group interval, shot interval, starting picket
number, starting line number, bearing of receiver line and direction of increasing line
number of your prospect. Group interval decides the grid distance (DX) and Shot
interval decides (DY). The coordinates of a corner point (which has lowest picket
number and line number) are the grid point origin (Xo and Yo). The lowest picket
number and lowest line number is grid numbering of origin (Io and Jo). The increment
in picket number and line number decides the grid points interval (DI and DJ). The in-
line direction and cross-line direction determines the bearing and grid angle. Four
theoretical cases are shown in the figure: 10 and actual case may be in between of these
cases ( as shown in first box of figure 10). The grid may be defined non orthogonal (I
axis not perpendicular to J axis) according to requirement ( For example: slant or
zigzag geometry) but it is easy to work on orthogonal axes of grids even in slant and
zigzag geometry.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 54

Figure 10: Prospect Grids

Similarly Source grid can also be defined. Source grid and receiver grid may be defined
parallel or perpendicular to each other according to requirement (for example in
orthogonal geometry). However it is easy to work on parallel grids.
Source at or in between the pickets option may be selected according to the
requirement of the geometry.
Survey description language (SDL):
SDL code generates automatically design prospects with repetitive source and receiver.
Basic SDL concepts include:
 Salvo – a repetition of points at a grid interval
 Line – a repetition of salvos at a grid interval
 Swath- a repetition of lines at a grid interval
 Survey- a repetition of swaths at a grid interval
Basic structure:
Prospect polygon and prospect grid definitions are important for SDL. The basic
structure of language is:
GEOMETRY
SP source geometry description
RP receiver geometry description
Numbering
SP line numbering
point numbering
RP line numbering
point numbering

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Source geometry description:
1. Define a salvo with repetition of source point.
a. Number of Shot points (*n), and
b. Relative distance (in terms of grid interval) between two adjoining Shot
point (i, j)
2. Define source line with repetition of salvos.
a. Number of salvos (*n), and
b. Relative distance (in terms of grid interval) between two adjoining salvos
(i, j)
3. Define swath with repetition of line
a. Number of source line (*n) or up to the boundary of polygon (**).
b. Relative distance (in terms of grid interval) between two adjoining line
i.e. Spread roll over (i, j)
4. Define survey with repetition of swath.
a. Number of swath (*n) or up to the boundary of polygon (**)
b. Relative distance (in terms of grid interval) between two swaths i.e.
Swath Roll over(i, j), and
c. Relative distance (in terms of grid interval) between grid origin and first
source point of first swath. (I, J)
Receiver geometry description: Similar approach can be made for receiver geometry
description.
More than one type of source/receiver salvos may be defined, if required, to define a
source line. Similarly, more than one type of source line may be defined, if required, to
define a swath.
SDL Numbering:
The same numbering concept applies to SP and RP numbers. There should not be two
source or receiver in a swath having same line number and point number. Line number
of source or receiver line (SP_LINE_NUMBER or RP_LINE_NUMBER) may be
assigned from any of following inbuilt variables.
 LINE_NUMBER: the sequential line number is assigned within a swath (For
example: 1, 2, 3, and so on…)
 I-LINE: the I-grid number of the first point of a line.
 J-LINE: the J-grid number of the first point of a line.
 X_LINE: the X coordinate of the first point of a line.
 Y-LINE: the Y coordinate of the first point of a line.
Point number of source point or receiver point (SP_NUMBER or RP_NUMBER) may be
assigned from any of following inbuilt variables:
 POINT_NUMBER: the sequential number inside a line.
 I_POINT: the I-grid number
 J_POINT: the J-grid number
 X_POINT: X point coordinate.
 Y_POINT: Y point coordinate.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 56

Fold, fold without duplication and offset classes:
Geoland compute fold with different options.
1- In Simple fold calculation for each bin, the program uses all source- receiver
paths. Hence for calculation total fold, this option should be used.
2- In fold without duplication option, the program takes into account only a
single time multiple source-receiver paths within the specified offset tolerance
and azimuth tolerance values. Hence this option allows to eliminate
duplicated offsets
3- In fold with offset classes option, the program groups all offsets into classes.
These classes are defined by Minimum offset and offset increment values. Each
non-empty class contributes only a single time in the fold calculation.
Procedure for 3D survey geometry design:
Following are different steps for 3D survey design with Geoland.
1. Selection of dictionary
2. Creating/opening of prospects
3. Define Polygon
4. Define Prospect grids
5. Create/ Imports of seismic points
6. Define CDP grids
7. Creating and assigning of spread
8. Computation of fold, offset and azimuth and analysis
9. Display of Fold, Offset & Azimuth
10. Display offset and azimuth distribution
11. Outputting Files/Hardcopy/Plot/Capture

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 57

Procedure for Recovery planning:
Following are different steps to make a plan to recover fold loss due to skip of
shot points and non plantation of receiver points in inaccessible area.
1. Selection of dictionary
2. Creating/opening of prospects
3. Define Polygon
4. Define Prospect grids
5. Creating/import of seismic points
6. Defining/Importing NSO and importing of images
7. Defining exclusion zones
8. Applying exclusion
9. Computation of fold, offset and azimuth and analysis
10. Moving shots/receivers
11. Creating recovery swaths
12. Assigning spread
13. Re-computation of fold, offset and azimuth and analysis
Advance recovery planning may be carried out before acquiring of data around
logistically inaccessible area from the surveyed data. The foldage gap may be
calculated from theoretical seismic points and defining exclusion zones around
inaccessible area. However, if data is already acquired around the area then actual
acquired SPS data may be imported to assess the foldage gap and then suitable
recovery may be planned.
Procedure for 3D survey acquisition monitoring
Following are different steps to execute and monitor 3 D survey with Geoland.
Theoretical seismic points are created in the survey area according to the optimized
geometry. A report may be prepared for surveyor for staking of the pickets. The real
coordinates of seismic points provided by the surveyors may be imported to the
project. These coordinates may be validated by setting tolerance limit. Shooting
program (Operation Table) may be exported to the recorder for observing the shots.
The SPS data of observed shots may again be imported to the prospect for QC and
monitoring bin attributes and making necessary plan if required. The shots and
receiver attributes (like elevation, statics) may be imported to the Geoland so that the
final report may be created in SPS format for submission of data for the processing.
Different steps are:
1. Selection of Dictionary
2. Opening of prospects
3. Define Polygon
4. Define Prospect grids
5. Create/ Imports of seismic points
6. Report for surveyors
7. Import of Real coordinates
8. Validation
9. Report for observer

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 58

 10. Import of observed data
11. computation of fold, offset and azimuth and analysis
12. Necessary recovery planning
13. Final data to processing

5.8 3D SURVEY GEOMETRY ANALYSIS BY MESA:

MESA provides the user with a great deal of flexibility in 3D survey design and
analysis. MESA also provides much flexibility in shooting methods, bin attribute
analysis and statistics of bin.
Defining a survey:
A survey in MESA may be defined with three methods:
1. Direct layout and shooting:
Using source and receiver layout dialogs, different types of geometry (like
orthogonal, brick, zig-zag, slant etc) may be created. The surveys are created by
specifying information such as inline and crossline spacings, bearing, and survey size.
Several shooting options are available to define the source receiver template
relationship.
2. Unit Template:
Unit template may be defined in unit template window with the help of
number, spacings and line spacings of receiver as well as source. This unit template is
then repeated throughout the design area to define and shoot the survey. This method
is good for creating orthogonal, brick, slant and swath surveys.
3. Importing ASCII files:
ASCII files containing coordinates and source or receiver numbers can be
imported directly into MESA. Examples of these files are SPS, UKOOA and SEG-P1.

Once the initial design parameters have been set for the survey, aerial and
satellite imagery, scanned topographic maps, contour displays and/or files containing
cultural information ( .dxf files ) can be used to modify the design to take into account
physical and cultural obstacles.
Exclusion zones which exclude sources, receivers, and/or midpoint information
can be defined as circular, linear or polygonal zones. These zones can be defined
graphically, manually entering coordinates or by importing coordinates from ASCII
file. The survey can be designed around them (recovery planning) by relocating source
and receiver, creating extra receivers/sources to fill the gap using mouse or key. A
snap to grid function may also be used to ensure that source and receiver moves
maintain the group interval.

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 59

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 60
Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 61
Fig. 18a:
Zigzag
Geometry:
SDL with
one
SP_LINE

Chapter 5: 3D Survey Design 62