Geotag-Based Subterranean Data Management for Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas exploration, existing methods struggle to efficiently utilize large datasets and institutional knowledge, often leading to loss or inefficient use of valuable information due to ad hoc storage and lack of accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of geotags associated with three-dimensional locations in a subterranean domain, linked with metadata describing the location and its features, allowing for the identification and association of analogs within a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static map pins are used to represent location data, then accessibility to location information is improved, but the data rapidly becomes obsolete and loses value over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static map pins into dynamic, time-stamped geotags that automatically update when new data becomes available. Each geotag contains temporal information and can be refreshed to reflect current conditions, ensuring the data remains current while maintaining ease of access through the same intuitive map interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of location markers from static coordinates to dynamic geotags that include time stamps, data freshness indicators, and update mechanisms. This allows the same location marker to convey both historical and current information states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc storage methods are used for institutional knowledge, then storage flexibility is improved, but data accessibility and retrieval efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments institutional knowledge into discrete, standardized geotag objects with defined metadata schemas. Each geotag is an independent, self-contained unit that can be stored flexibly in database structures while maintaining standardized access patterns through uniform query interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The geotag system creates a universal data structure that serves multiple functions: storage, retrieval, comparison, and analysis. The standardized format enables the same storage mechanism to support diverse query types and analytical operations across different datasets.
3Quantity of substance
If large datasets are stored in traditional databases, then data capacity is improved, but search and retrieval efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts key identifying features and metadata from large datasets and stores them as searchable geotag properties. This allows the system to index and search based on extracted characteristics rather than scanning entire datasets, dramatically improving retrieval efficiency while maintaining capacity for large volumes of data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw data into structured geotags with standardized parameters and metadata fields. This parameterization enables efficient indexing, filtering, and comparison operations that scale with data volume, maintaining search efficiency even as data capacity increases.
4Measurement precision
If explorers manually compare geological information, then analysis depth is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated comparison algorithms that provide feedback to explorers by identifying analogous geotags and highlighting key similarities and differences. This automated preliminary analysis preserves the depth of human expert evaluation while dramatically reducing the time required to prepare and initial comparison of geological datasets.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining first data representing a subterranean domain, and creating a geotag associated with a three-dimensional location of interest in the subterranean domain and a feature at the location of interest. The geotag is further associated with second data that describes the location of interest in the subterranean domain. The method also includes generating metadata describing a portion of the first data, the second data, or both, storing the geotag in a database including a plurality of geotags. The method may also include searching for an analog to the geotag.