Studies of Offshore Petroleum Leases Using a Cartographic Data Base System

摘要

An innovative system combining techniques of computer graphics and data base management has been developed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory for the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The system is based on a CODASYL-type network data base management system. An interactive query language has been developed to allow standard data base retrievals as well as cartographic display of retrieval results. Map displays include both real-time display on a CRT terminal (such as a Tektronix 4014) and postprocessed full-color display on computer output microfilm. Since the system became operational early in 1978, it has been used in a number of ongoing studies for both the USGS and the Department of Energy (DOE). The primary application to date has been verification of the Lease, Production, and Revenue data (LPR) amassed by the USGS as part of its regulatory responsibility. Over 150 color-coded maps of offshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico have been produced for comparison with hand-drawn originals. This has proved to be an effective verification procedure, because differences between the maps are readily visible. Other current applications include provisions of both data and displays for statistical studies of bidding behavior of oil companies for both USGS and DOE projects. (ERA citation 04:052562)