by Steven J. Seni, Deborah A. Salazar and Thomas A. Tremblay

Bureau of Economic Geology
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA Read-Me Files Co-authors:

Thomas A. Tremblay, Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin
Task: Integration of Gulf of Mexico GIS and Field Data

David Marin, Scott Edwards, Chee Yu, and others listed in the Acknowledgments
U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
Task: Integration of Federal Gulf of Mexico GIS and Field Data

Thomas A. Tremblay, Suhas Bodwadkar, and Naresh Sen,
Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin
Allan Standen, IT Corporation, and Bruce A. Desselle
Task: Compilation of Texas State Field Data

Brian J. Harder and Chacko J. John, Basin Research Institute,
Center for Coastal, Energy, & Environmental Resources, Louisiana State University
Task: Compilation of Louisiana State Field Data

Ralph L. Kugler, Robert M. Mink, Geological Survey of Alabama, and Ernest A. Mancini, currently with The University of Alabama
Task: Compilation of Alabama State GIS and Field Data

Note: This Web site contains the full Read-Me file for the Atlas of Northern Gulf of Mexico Gas and Oil Reservoirs: GIS and Tabular Data and offers links to downloadable data.  Please read the Introduction and System Requirements section before attempting to download the files.

CONTENTS

Sponsor Information
Introduction
Gulf Atlas Images from ArcView 1.0
System Requirements
Overview of Play Methodology
Digital Data
Downloading Instructions
File and Directory Inventory
Tabular Attribute Data
Attribute Definitions
Abbreviations
Record Description by File
Downloading the ArcView 1.0 Data Viewer
How to Import GIS Data in ArcView 1.0
Using Gulf Atlas Data
GIS Data Documentation
Field Outlines
Play Outlines
Viewing a File
Zooming in for a Closer Look
Viewing Tabular Information
Selecting Features
Printing a Map
How to Import Data in GeoGraphix 7.7
Using Gulf Atlas Data in GeoGraphix 7.7 Viewing Data in GeoGraphix 7.7
Zooming in for a Closer Look
Changing Entity Characteristics
Additional Items
How to Order a Copy of the Gulf Atlas Disclaimer
Acknowledgments
Trademarks
Further Information
References

SPONSOR INFORMATION

This research was supported by the Gas Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy (Morgantown Energy Technology Center and Bartlesville Project Office), and the U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service.  Data were compiled and organized by The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology; the U.S. Department of Interior Minerals Management Service; the Geological Survey of Alabama; and the Louisiana State University Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environment Resources, Basin Research Institute.  For contributions by other individuals and organizations, please see Acknowledgments.

INTRODUCTION

The goal of the Atlas of Northern Gulf of Mexico Gas and Oil Reservoirs (Gulf Atlas) is to produce two large-format folios that describe plays of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The data in these atlases are summarized and organized by a geographic information system (GIS) linking map graphics and tabular data together in a digital environment. This interim report provides preliminary digital data from the atlas series including (1) attribute data of reservoir pools, fields, and plays and (2) GIS files of the boundaries of fields and plays. The goal of this report is to make a part of the digital files from the Gulf Atlas available to the public in a GIS format that is the same as what we are using in the folios. Various engineering and production data on each play are averaged or summed and represented by a single record. Similarly, production and reserve data are listed on each field as a single record. These data sets are aggregated subsets of data from upcoming Gulf Atlas folios.

The Gulf Atlas folios will be published in late 1996 and 1997 and will include a complete text, illustrations, and complete digital files of engineering and geologic data on reservoirs, pools, fields, and plays. Integrating text, graphics, digital data, and GIS files at a fundamental level will enhance the utility of the complete Gulf Atlas folio. The final form of the atlas folio has not been determined, although publication of the atlas folio as a CD-ROM is being considered.

GULF ATLAS IMAGES FROM ARCVIEW 1.0

The text that follows (1) explains play methodology briefly, (2) provides a data dictionary and metadata overview of the GIS files, (3) gives directions on how to download a spatial data-viewer program from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), (4) shows how to import GIS data into the viewer program, and (5) presents a discussion of ways to use these files. An address and telephone number for ordering your own copy of the Gulf Atlas are included in How to Order a Copy of the Gulf Atlas.

Three figures are provided to illustrate the results of viewing and analyzing data from the Gulf Atlas using ArcView 1.0. Figure 1 illustrates a view of the entire Gulf of Mexico in which data layers, such as Lease Areas, Shoreline, Upper Pleistocene Plays, State/Federal Boundary Federal Fields, and State Fields, are selected. In Figure 2 an Upper Pleistocene aggradational play is selected, and a field from that play, WC533, is highlighted. The tables show some of the attributes of the field and play. Figure 3 reveals the results of a simple analysis in which Federal fields are distinguished on the basis of cumulative gas production. These figures are saved from screen images.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Forty Atlas data files are available for analysis individually or as a group. The files are formatted to run on a PC utilizing Windows 3.1 or higher. Two types of files are present (1) tabular data files and (2) GIS data files. The tabular files are formatted in Excel 5.0 and tab-delimited ASCII. The GIS files are formatted in ArcInfo .e00 and GeoGraphix .cdf. The user needs a GIS application program to view the GIS files. Instructions are provided to download a public-access GIS application, ArcView1, from the Internet. The uncompressed size of that file is 12 Mb.

We provide GIS data in two formats: ArcInfo data exchange format and GeoGraphix format. Results of our informal survey of potential Gulf Atlas users suggest that these are the two most common software programs used by individuals and companies that work with similar data. Although descriptions of downloading and using data in ArcView or GeoGraphix aim at PC installations, most concepts are similar and easily adapted to a UNIX environment. We synthesized the data at the Bureau of Economic Geology on a UNIX platform using ArcInfo as the primary GIS software. In addition, tabular files of reservoir-pool data that are associated with the GIS data were developed in a PC-Access data base; they are provided in both Excel and tab-delimited ASCII formats.

OVERVIEW OF PLAY METHODOLOGY

A play is a group of reservoirs genetically related by depositional origin, structural style or trap type, source rocks, and seals. Plays are determined on the basis of correlation of chronozones, identification of structural and depositional styles, construction of composite type logs of fields, organization of geological data (such as maps and cross sections of type reservoirs), and compilation of geologic and reservoir attribute data on all reservoirs. Retrogradational, aggradational, progradational, and submarine-fan depositional styles are key determinants of plays because they can predict reservoir quality and distribution. Structural style determines trapping mechanism. Play boundaries enclose fields that contain sandstone-body reservoirs in that play and exclude fields that do not. A play may comprise one or many fields.

Play analysis begins with the correlation of reservoir strata and compilation of reservoir attributes. Initially fields and reservoirs must be correlated within a regional structural-stratigraphic framework. Chronozones provide a temporal framework for grouping reservoirs by age in the Gulf. In the absence of formations, chronozones are typically defined on the basis of biostratigraphic zones. In order to correlate reservoirs within strata of the same age, we employ a Minerals Management Service (MMS)-based chronostratigraphic synthesis of the Gulf according to biostratigraphic zones. Major flooding surfaces and their biostratigraphically rich faunal assemblages are important reference horizons for this chronostratigraphic subdivision.

Sixteen chronozones have been identified in the Gulf of Mexico for the Gulf Atlas. From oldest to youngest the chronozones and their abbreviations are:

Note: Numbering scheme reflects additional chronozone horizons from Reed and others (1987) that are grouped (starred) in the presentation. For example, the MM4 chronozone includes all chronozones between LM4 and MM4.

Further information on the methodology of the Gulf Atlas and findings of related research topics is available in Seni and others (1994) , Hunt and Burgess (1995),Lore and Batchelder (1995), Peterson and Cooke (1995) , and Seni and others (1995).

DIGITAL DATA

Two classes of digital data are available for downloading: (1) tabular attribute data and (2) GIS/graphic data. The tabular data comprise digital files of (1) field-production data, (2) play-average attribute data, and (3) reservoir pool-attribute data (all in Excel and tab-delimited ASCII formats). GIS data comprise digital files of play boundaries, field boundaries, State-Federal boundary, area boundaries, and the shoreline (all in ArcInfo .e00 and GeoGraphix.cdf format). The reservoir pool-attribute data file is only in .xls and ASCII format. Whereas all data files from Texas are current through December 31, 1993, data files from Louisiana, Alabama, and Federal waters are current through December 31, 1994. The data files are grouped in 11 directories and are typically viewed on a PC by means of a Windows 3.1 operating system.

Downloading Instructions

To download the data files, click on the highlighted filename(s) listed by directory below. Certain files, such as those with the ".txt", ".cdf" and ".e00" extensions, will display on your browser as text files. To complete the downloading process for these files, click File on your browser menu bar, then select Save As..., and use the dialog box to specify where the file is to be stored. Note: some files, such as "gulfat.av" and "gulfat.gpf", may try to display as ASCII although they are not stored in that format. Ignore the unusual appearance of your display screen and use the Save As... command as instructed.

The remaining files (".exe", ".zip" and ".xls" extensions) are binary files and will not first display on your screen; the dialog box will simply appear. Use this to specify the location where you want the file downloaded.

After downloading the file(s) you want, you must import them into the appropriate application. See the instructions below for importing the ArcView and Geographix data files into your application software.

Note on ASCII versions of Excel files

We have included the tab-delimited ASCII text versions of the Excel files (fld_sum.txt, play_sum.txt, and pool_sum.txt) in Directory 1; download these files instead of the files in Directory 2 and 3 if you do not have Excel or compatible software. Instructions for importing these files depend upon your individual applications and platforms.

File and Directory Inventory

Directory 1

• fld_sum.txt = Field Summary Data (ASCII)
• pool_sum.txt = Pool Summary Data (ASCII)
• play_sum.txt = Play Summary Data (ASCII)

Directory 2

• fld_sum.xls = Field Summary Data (Excel)
• play_sum.xls = Play Summary Data (Excel)

Directory 3

• pool_sum.xls = Pool Summary Data (Excel)

Directory 4

• gulfat.av = ArcView Template of the Gulf Atlas
• lm.e00 = Lower Miocene Plays (ArcView)
• lp.e00=Lower Pliocene Plays (ArcView)
• lpl.e00 = Lower Pleistocene Plays (ArcView)
• mes.e00 = Mesozoic Plays (ArcView)
• mm.e00 = Middle Miocene Plays (ArcView)
• mpl.e00 = Middle Pleistocene Plays (ArcView)
• ol.e00 = Oligocene Plays (ArcView)
• um.e00 = Upper Miocene Plays (ArcView)
• up.e00 = Upper Pliocene Plays (ArcView)
• upl.e00 = Upper Pleistocene Plays (ArcView)

Directory 5

• fedline.e00 = State-Federal Boundary(ArcView)
• areadd.e00 = Lease Area Boundaries (ArcView)
• shoredd.e00 = Shoreline (ArcView)

Directory 6

• fedflds.e00 = Federal Fields (part 1) (ArcView)

Directory 7

• fedflds.e01 = Federal Fields (part 2) (ArcView)
• fedflds.e02 = Federal Fields (part 3) (ArcView)

Directory 8

• statefd.e00 = State Fields (Texas, Louisiana, Alabama) (ArcView)

Directory 9

• area.cdf = Lease Area Boundaries (GeoGraphix)
• fedline.cdf = State-Federal Boundary (GeoGraphix)
• gulfat.gpf = Presentation View of Data for GeoGraphix
• statefd.cdf = State Field Boundaries (GeoGraphix)

Directory 10

• lm.cdf = Lower Miocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• lp.cdf = Lower Pliocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• lpl.cdf = Lower Pleistocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• mes.cdf = Mesozoic Plays (GeoGraphix)
• mm.cdf = Middle Miocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• mpl.cdf = Middle Pleistocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• ol.cdf = Oligocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• um.cdf = Upper Miocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• up.cdf = Upper Pliocene Plays (GeoGraphix)
• upl.cdf = Upper Pleistocene Plays(GeoGraphix)
• shore.cdf = Shoreline (GeoGraphix)

Directory 11

• fedfld.zip = Federal Field Boundaries (GeoGraphix)
• pkzip.exe = Compression Program
• pkunzip.exe = Decompression Program

TABULAR ATTRIBUTE DATA

The following text describes tabular attribute data by (1) defining the parameters that comprise reservoir pool, field, and play data files, (2) identifying the variable, definition, type, units, decimals, and column width of each record and file, and (3) providing instructions on downloading the files.

Separate reservoir pool, field, and play data files include the same source data that have been variously grouped, summed, and averaged for the convenience of the reader. Pools are aggregations of all sandstone-body reservoirs in a field that occur within the same play--the pool name is the same as the field name. Although records of individual sandstone-body reservoirs are not in this data set, they will be included in the final atlas folios. Because of differences in sources and completeness of data, averaging methods used in this study varied according to source and type of data. Pool values of reservoir attributes have been either summed or weight-averaged, or they have been reported from a dominant reservoir if attributes could not be summed or averaged. If an attribute is a characteristic or a process (that is, a trap or drive mechanism), the dominant characteristic has been listed. Discovery date is the discovery year of the first sandstone-body reservoir discovered.

The value of the following attributes is the weighted average of all similar values from sandstone-body reservoirs in that pool: reservoir depth, water depth, porosity, permeability, temperature, pressure, water saturation, gas gravity, API gravity, gas-oil ratio, condensate yield, gas-recovery efficiency, and oil-recovery efficiency. All Federal pools are weighted by reservoir bulk volume of individual sandstone-body reservoirs. If the reservoir contains both oil and gas, then gas is converted to barrels of oil equivalent (5,620 cf gas = 1 bbl oil), and summed with the oil. Using the same methodology as that used in Federal pools, we weighted Texas State gas pools by original producible gas in place of individual sandstone-body reservoirs. This averaging emphasizes the attribute values of reservoirs having the most original oil or gas in place. Reservoirs in State waters of Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana that do not have original-producible oil-in-place or original-producible-gas-in-place values have attributes that are weighted by cumulative production. Gas is converted to barrels of oil equivalent (5,620 cf gas = 1 bbl oil) and summed with the oil. All Louisiana and Alabama reservoirs and all oil reservoirs in Texas State waters are averaged this way. Such averaging emphasizes attribute values of reservoirs having the greatest cumulative production.

The value of the following attributes is the sum of all sandstone-body reservoirs in that pool: cumulative oil and condensate production, cumulative gas production, oil reserves, and gas reserves. Pool area and thickness of reservoirs in the Federal OCS are derived from total reservoir productive volumes that are typically calculated on the basis of volumetric analysis. Pool area is the area of the sandstone-body reservoir having the largest area. Pool thickness is derived by dividing total reservoir bulk volume by pool area. The area of reservoirs in State waters of Texas and Alabama is planimetered from reservoir area maps where available. The thickness is weight averaged, and the areas of the reservoirs are summed.

Not all pools in a play had enough data for determining original producible in-place gas or oil. However, all pools did have cumulative production statistics. Therefore, play-average statistics were weight averaged on the basis of cumulative production. Field statistics reported herein are cumulative production and reserves of all pools in that field.

Attribute Definitions

Play--Play name is derived from a combination of chronozone abbreviation (abbreviations listed in next section), depositional style abbreviation, and number of plays and subplays within chronozone and depositional style.

Play Code--Unique numeric play code based on combination of chronozone, depositional style, and number. The numeric code for the chronozone, depositional style, and play number is listed in the Abbreviations section. Play Code should be used in place of Play for computerized queries of play attributes; the alpha-numeric style of play names may cause sorting problems in some data bases.

Field--Name of field and pool. Names of Federal fields are from the Minerals Management Service (MMS), names of fields in Texas State waters are from the Railroad Commission of Texas Annual Report, names of fields in Alabama State waters are from the State Oil and Gas Board, and names of fields in the Louisiana State waters are from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation. A single field may have reservoirs and pools in multiple plays. Field/pool names are not unique, including aliases and homonyms. Although all fields in Federal waters are uniquely named by Area and lease block number, they may be known under separate aliases, such as those listed in the EIA Field Code master list (Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration, 1994).

Field Code--Unique numeric code associated with each field. Field Code should be used in place of Field for computerized queries of field attributes because field/pool names will contain aliases and homonyms. Codes of fields in Federal and Alabama State waters are from the Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration (1994). Codes of fields in Texas State waters are from the Railroad Commission of Texas Field Codes. Codes of fields in Louisiana State waters are from the Louisiana Office of Conservation Field Codes.

Jurisdiction--Political entity having regulatory authority over field. Federal fields are managed by MMS, and State fields are regulated by respective State authorities: Railroad Commission of Texas, Alabama State Oil and Gas Board, and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation.

Lease Area--Offshore area names.

Hydrocarbon Type--O=oil, G=gas, B=both. In pools in Federal waters: hydrocarbon type is O when two-thirds or more of the total pool bulk volume (area ˇ pay thickness) is oil; hydrocarbon type is G when two-thirds or more of the total pool bulk volume (area ˇ pay thickness) is gas; hydrocarbon type is B when less than two-thirds total pool bulk volume is oil or gas. The hydrocarbon type of pools in Louisiana and Texas State waters is B when oil production and gas-well gas production is reported for the same reservoir. All pools in Alabama State waters are gas.

Discovery Year--The year first reservoir in pool was discovered.

Reservoir Depth (feet)--Weighted average of subsea reservoir depth of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Water Depth (feet)--Weighted average of water depth of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Trap Type--Dominant structural style of field:
A--Anticline
B--Faulted anticline
C--Rollover anticline into growth fault
D--Normal fault
E--Reverse fault
F--Turtle structure
G--Flank trap associated with salt or shale diapirs
H--Sediments overlying dome
I--Caprock
J--Updip facies change
K--Updip pinch-out
L--Permeability trap
M--Onlap sands
N--Angular unconformity
O--Patch reef
Q--Subsalt

Multiple letters--Combination

Drive Mechanism--Dominant mechanism according to pool bulk volume:
GC--Gas-cap expansion
GS--Gravity segregation
PD--Pressure depletion
SG--Solution gas
WD--Water drive
PAR--Partial water
UNK--Unknown
COM--Combination

Pay Thickness (feet)--In Federal pools, thickness is derived by dividing maximum reservoir area into total pool productive volume. In pools in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana State waters, pay thickness is Area-weighted in all sandstone-body reservoirs that have a known Area. In pools in Texas, pay thickness is derived from multiple sources, including type well logs, P-7 forms, perforated intervals, and company documents. The most conservative number was used where possible.

Area (acres)--Area of pools in Federal waters equaling area of single sandstone-body reservoir that has the largest area in a given pool. Area of pools in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana State waters equals the sum of areas in all reservoirs in the pool.

Porosity Average (percent)--Weighted average of porosity of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Permeability Average (millidarcys)--Weighted average of permeability of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Reservoir Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit)--Weighted average of temperature of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Reservoir Pressure (pounds per square inch)--Weighted average of bottom-hole pressure of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Water Saturation (percent)--Weighted average of water saturation of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

PI Gravity (API units)--Weighted average of API gravity of all sandstone-body oil reservoirs in pool.

Gas Gravity (ratio)--Weighted average of gas gravity of all sandstone-body gas reservoirs in pool.

Gas-Oil Ratio (Mcf/STB)--Recoverable solution gas of oil reservoirs divided by recoverable oil of oil reservoirs in reservoirs in Federal OCS in pool. Attribute applies to Federal oil pools and State gas pools.

Yield (STB/MMcf)--In Federal reservoir pools, recoverable condensate of gas reservoir pools divided by recoverable gas of gas reservoir pools. Attribute applies to Federal gas pools.

Cumulative Oil-Condensate Production--Sum of cumulative oil and condensate production of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Cumulative Gas Production--Sum of cumulative gas production of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Oil Reserves--Sum of cumulative oil and condensate reserves of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Gas Reserves--Sum of cumulative gas reserves of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool.

Oil-Recovery Efficiency--Ratio of recoverable oil and original in-place oil of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool. Oil-Recovery Efficiency applies only to the oil component of cumulative oil-condensate production.

Gas-Recovery Efficiency--Ratio of recoverable gas-well gas and original gas-well gas in place of all sandstone-body reservoirs in pool. Gas-Recovery Efficiency applies only to the gas-well gas component of cumulative gas production.

Record Description by File

The first line of each file is the header line.

Downloading the ArcView 1.0 Data Viewer

A public-domain GIS data-viewer program for PC's is available from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the manufacturer of ArcInfo, the computer program used by the Bureau of Economic Geology to construct the Gulf Atlas. This program can be downloaded without charge via the Internet. Macintosh and UNIX versions of ArcView can be purchased from ESRI. You may find it helpful to work with an experienced PC support person to download and configure the program and data files.

1. Create a directory on your computer's hard drive called c:\arcview 1.0 into which the program will be copied.
   
   
2. Use a browser program such as Netscape or Mosaic and go to ESRI's home page (http://www.esri.com). Under the Free icon, click on ArcView 1.0 and follow the directions for downloading. The ESRI home page has additional free GIS demo data files that you may find interesting.
   
   
3. Follow the directions for downloading a copy of ArcView to your computer's hard drive. The amount of space needed for this program is approximately 5.5 MB (compressed) and 12 MB (uncompressed). The time required to download the files depends on the speed of the connection.
   
   
4. After downloading, install the program (it comes with a self-extracting installation script) through the Windows Program Manager by selecting Run, or simply execute the program from DOS. The name of the executable file is c:\arcview1\av1usa.exe. The installation program will ask where you would like to load the program files on your computer's hard drive.
   
   
5. Modify the c:\autoexec.bat file as indicated in the installation program in order to function properly.
   
   
6. The installation script will build a program group for the ArcView 1.0 programs and text files on your Windows Program Manager screen. Make sure that you can run the program by double clicking on the ArcView world icon.
   
   
7. Exit ArcView and prepare to import GIS data.

HOW TO IMPORT GIS DATA IN ARCVIEW 1.0

Once you have downloaded the program and installed it, the data files will need to be converted for use in ArcView. These files have a file name and an .e00 extension, which is the ArcInfo file-transfer format, and the files are in uncompressed ASCII.

1. Create a subdirectory on your computer's hard drive called c:\gulfat.
   
   Follow two steps to configure the GIS data to use the ArcView program: (1) copy the data to the hard drive and (2) import the data into a format readable by ArcView. During the first step, copy all data files you want into the subdirectory c:\gulfat. Refer to File and Directory Inventory herein to determine which files you are interested in. We have included a template file containing the data files that makes it faster and easier initially to open the GIS files for viewing. The view template file included with the files (gulfat.av) works on the premise that you will copy all GIS data files to your computer. One data file (fedflds) is split into three sections. Be sure to copy the fedflds.e00, fedflds.e01, and fedflds.e02 into the directory before trying to import it.
   
2. Exit windows temporarily to the DOS environment. At the DOS prompt, change to your data directory by typing cd c:\gulfat. Run the import utility included in the ArcView 1.0 program by typing in the following line for each data file:

c:\arcview1\bin\import areadd.e00 areadd
c:\arcview1\bin\import fedline.e00 fedline
c:\arcview1\bin\import shoredd.e00 shoredd
c:\arcview1\bin\import fedflds.e00 fedflds
c:\arcview1\bin\import statefd.e00 statefd
c:\arcview1\bin\import lm.e00 lm
c:\arcview1\bin\import lp.e00 lp
c:\arcview1\bin\import lpl.e00 lpl
c:\arcview1\bin\import mes.e00 mes
c:\arcview1\bin\import mm.e00 mm
c:\arcview1\bin\import mpl.e00 mpl
c:\arcview1\bin\import ol.e00 ol
c:\arcview1\bin\import um.e00 um
c:\arcview1\bin\import up.e00 up
c:\arcview1\bin\import upl.e00 upl


Note: If you loaded ArcView into a subdirectory under a name other than arcview1, substitute the correct path name to the bin subdirectory.

As the computer imports the data, it will display messages such as Skipping Section SIN, Skipping Section LOG, or ITEM CUMG in PAT, Format Change in INFO Reconvert. The messages are normal dialog. Other messages such as File Not Found will require your attention to correct. Once the program finishes importing your file, you will have the *.e00 files, as well as a new subdirectory under the file name containing the ArcView 1.0 data. If you want to conserve disk space, be sure to erase the .e00 files from your hard drive after they have been properly imported. Exit DOS back into the Windows environment.

USING GULF ATLAS DATA IN ARCVIEW 1.0

GIS Data Documentation

A geographic information system (GIS) provides a better way of viewing and exploring data by linking both graphic and tabular data into an "intelligent" map. By "intelligent" we mean that both the graphic and the table can be queried and can feed back information. For example, by double clicking on a data table, we may be able to locate a field in a graphic illustration. A GIS is also intelligent in that the graphic is generally displayed in real-world coordinates; that is, distances and areas portrayed on the map correspond to real-world locations and distances. If this is your first experience using GIS data, be sure to note that map data (like all types of data) have certain tolerances for accuracy (scale, degree of generalization) or other specific limitations. GIS metadata (data documentation) commonly include how the GIS data were constructed and list any special limitations.

Because the data used in this project were derived from a number of Federal and State sources, the quality and details of information presented in any particular file vary on the basis of its source. All the GIS data are presented here in latitude and longitude decimal degrees, NAD 27. It is inappropriate to use this projection of data that can be used for volume or area analysis. Volumetric measurements of fields and plays are presented in the data tables. To use the GIS files for accurate measurement, the graphics files would first need to be converted to a true cartographic projection.

All attribute data included in the ArcView files were summarized from tabular data files. The information attached to plays and fields represents the entire play or field, not the individual polygon. For example, each part of a play that has more than one polygon defining it has the same summarized production information attached to it. Adding information from more than one polygon to estimate the total play or field value is unnecessary. Attribute variables use a definition of terms the same as was presented in the previous section on tabular data.

We digitized all non-Federal data by referring to a 1:1,000,000-scale base map. Cultural data, including the shoreline, State-Federal boundary, and areas boundaries were provided by Energy Graphics ([713] 659-2201).

Field Outlines

Federal--We created Federal field outlines from MMS ArcInfo point coverages by enclosing all completion wells assigned to a particular field. Completions assigned to the same field were displayed on the graphics monitor and placed within a closed polygon. All completion-well locations contained within the polygon were deleted except for one, which serves as the polygon (gas-oil field) identification label. The unique identification code of the gas-oil field is the field item originally assigned to the single remaining completion well contained within the field outline. Some gas-oil fields are represented by multiple polygons. Note that some fields have an outer boundary and a separate inner boundary. A salt dome having a donut-shaped area of production surrounding an inner area devoid of production is an example of this type of field. The inner boundary of such fields is denoted by the -99999 null field character value.

Texas--Photocopied structure maps obtained from the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) gas-oil field files that were tablet digitized and RRC field numbers assigned to the user ID.

Louisiana--Tablet digitized from a computer-generated paper map depicting reservoir extent within a lease boundary. Polygons representing field outlines were then assigned field numbers.

Alabama--Tablet digitized from a computer-generated paper map depicting reservoir extent within a lease boundary.

Play Outlines

Files containing plays are aggregated by chronozone and are named accordingly (for example, lm = lower Miocene).

Federal--Digital MMS line files were converted to GIS format.

Texas--Plays were tablet digitized from BEG work maps.

Louisiana--Plays were tablet digitized from work maps.

Alabama--Plays were tablet digitized from photocopies of computer-generated maps.

Viewing a File

Viewing data in ArcView is easy. To start ArcView, double click on the ArcView 1.0 icon in the Windows program group, then double click on the world icon to start the program. A small window will appear containing the headings File, Window, and Help.

To view the data, open a preconfigured view template that references all data included in the demo (gulfat.av). Choose Open under the File pull-down menu. Set List Files of Type to Views, and use the central window to navigate to c:\gulfat. Double click on gulfat.av in the left window. The map of the Gulf offshore area should appear in a graphics window on the right, and all of the data files will be listed in a window on the left hand side. All windows can be resized and moved around for convenience.

Note: If you added the data into a subdirectory called something besides c:\gulfat, or if you are using ArcView 2.1, then you will need to configure your own view. Choose Add under the File pull-down menu, and use the submenu to navigate to the subdirectory containing the ArcView 1.0 data. Highlight the data files that were imported previously and then hit OK. Notice that the data-file names now appear in the ArcView 1.0 window. Each file is considered a "theme."

Next, open a New Display by clicking under the Window pull-down menu. A white window should appear. This window can be made larger or smaller by dragging the corners using the mouse or by clicking on the arrows in the upper right-hand corner. To view the data files, click on the small gray box to the left of the file name. This should cause a polygon to appear in the white window. These outlines are polygons of the given file.

All play files are displayed as line files, although the field files are first displayed in a polygon format. If you would rather see an outline version (arc) of the file, you can change display characteristics by changing file properties. First, click on the file name so that a gray box appears around it. This activates the file and allows changes to be made to the display characteristics. Next, click on the small triangle to the right of the file name and hold down to view menu choices. Select Properties. Next, click on the line option instead of the polygon and click on Apply. The polygon on the display screen should change to an outline rather than a solid-fill polygon. This dialog window also allows you to change the color and drawing symbol of features under the legend subheading. You can close the properties window by clicking and holding on the upper left corner bar of the window and choosing Close.

ArcView has a flexible viewing interface. You can easily change the drawing and shading colors of the polygons, as well as other display characteristics. Read the Introducing ArcView 1.0 file found in the ArcView Windows program group for a detailed discussion of ArcView commands and options. Double clicking on the question mark icon initiates a Help menu that you can use to read in general about the capabilities of ArcView or to search for help on specific topics. Portions of the manual can be printed out by means of the printer drivers configured through Windows. Some of the most routine activities that you will perform using ArcView follow.

Zooming in for a Closer Look

Six tool buttons above the map-viewing window help customize the view of your data. Double clicking the first button will zoom the view to include all data files. Be sure that the files that you wish to view are check-marked.

The second button will zoom to a view of a single data file. Highlight the file name in the gray window and then hit the second button. The view will center on that data file only. The third button allows you to zoom to the center of the display and allows for an incremental zoom. Hit it several times to zoom up close. The fourth button zooms out from the display. Hitting it several times will move the view back incrementally.

Additional tools are included on a separate toolbar. Choose Tools from the Window pull-down menu to activate them. These additional 12 tools allow you to measure areas or lengths, to adjust the center of view, and to query the identification of features. Note that area and length values depend on the cartographic projection of the data. The ArcView 1.0 Help menu provides an overview of each tool function. For additional detail, consult the Introducing ArcView 1.0 file in the Windows program group.

Viewing Tabular Information

Tables can give additional information about data and can be viewed two ways. First, to consult a table pertaining to an individual polygon, choose the i icon from the toolbar and click on the polygon you would like to identify. A small table should appear in the middle of the screen identifying the file, area, and perimeter of the polygon.

To view a table of information on an entire data file, highlight the theme's name in the gray ArcView 1.0 window. Move the cursor over the triangle to the right of the file's name and hold down the mouse button to display a pull-down menu. Choose the table option. A data table on all polygons associated with that file will appear.

The variable names used in GIS data tables correspond to the definitions detailed previously herein in Attribute Definitions. The records are summarized to present total production information by play or by field, regardless of whether a field includes more than one polygon.

Close the window by holding down the small bar in the upper left-hand corner of the window and choosing Close. Any windows left open will use computer memory.

Selecting Features

Features can be selected through either the graphic window or the data tables. The four central buttons on the tool bar are selection tools. In the left window highlight the data file that will be affected by selection. Now choose a selection tool and click and drag on a feature in the map window. When you have successfully selected a feature, it will appear in the selection color (or it will default to yellow).

Now open the table for the theme. Notice that the records of features selected in the map are also highlighted in yellow. The table includes five buttons to assist in selection and query. The first button selects all records, and the second clears all selected records. The third button toggles to unselected records. The fourth button allows you to write out a text file of information. The sixth button allows you to query the data on the basis of a logical expression. Click on the second button to clear the selected set. Now try constructing a query by clicking on the sixth button. Construct a logical query with one of the play or field files such as cumg> cumo (cumulative gas production greater than cumulative oil production) and see how many records are selected.

A rudimentary statistical comparison can be made by means of a click on the variable heading in the table. Choose Statistics and a window will appear that summarizes descriptive statistics for both the selected set and the entire file.

This description touches only briefly on the capabilities of this program. For more information, consult the help menus and user guide.

Printing a Map

To print out a copy of the data files, display them in the white data-viewing window by clicking on or off the appropriate themes. Use the zoom tools to position the window display the way you would like it in the printout. Click on the camera icon at the top of the white data-viewing window. A printer menu will appear. Choose the appropriate printer on your system. Next, put an x in the layout box. A view of your print output will appear on the screen with options to change the illustration layout, edit the text title, add in comments, or change the text font. Click on OK when ready to continue.

The setup button allows you to configure printers or to change the orientation of the paper. You can also choose to print a file by typing in a file location, which could be useful for transferring copies of your output to a remote printer or to edit your illustration further in a different software program. See Introduction to ArcView 1.0 in the Windows program group for details about composing and printing maps.

HOW TO IMPORT DATA IN GEOGRAPHIX 7.7

A copy of the Gulf Atlas data is included in GeoGraphix format, which has a .cdf extension on the file name. You must already have a licensed copy of GeoGraphix to import and view these data. We created these files by converting from DXF format (output from ArcInfo) to CDF format using a converter program developed by WhiteStar Corporation (contact information is included at the end of this document). These files are in uncompressed ASCII (except for fedfld.zip, which is in a compressed form). You may find it helpful to work with an experienced PC support person to download and configure the data files.

1. Copy all data files that you need into a subdirectory called c:\gulfat onto your computer's hard drive. Consult File and Directory Inventory for file location.
2. If you wish to view the Federal field boundaries, uncompress that file by changing directory to c:\gulfat and typing pkunzip fedfld.zip at the DOS prompt.
3. Start the GeoGraphix program by double clicking on the icon and give your log-in ID and password. The GeoGraphix main program window should now be visible.
4. First, set up a new project by pulling down the project menu and choosing Select. A dialog window will appear asking for a project name and project-storage location. Enter Gulf Atlas for the project name. Enter the location where you copied the data (c:\gulfat). Check the latitude/longitude choice for projection, Clarke 1866 for the spheroid, and UTM (zone 14) for the display projection. Choose OK to close these windows.
5. The next step is to import the data. Double click on the LandNet icon in the main window to initiate its menu. Choose Import and ASCII Data under the file menu. An import window asking for descriptive parameters will appear on the screen. Choose GES CDF Cartographic Data Format for the conversion method, import as a Display Layer, and choose Any for hemisphere. Do not disable the backup mechanism. Type in the name and path of the data file you wish to import. For data coordinates, choose Geographic Latitude/Longitude.
6. Note: If a dialog box opens asking for Project Characteristics, choose the GES system defaults.
   
   Use the following Display Layer Names in the dialog box:
   
   

   area.cdf	Lease Area Boundaries
   fedline.cdf	State-Federal Boundary
   statefd.cdf	State Field Boundaries
   lm.cdf	Lower Miocene Plays
   lp.cdf	Lower Pliocene Plays
   lpl.cdf	Lower Pleistocene Plays
   mes.cdf	Mesozoic Plays
   mm.cdf	Middle Miocene Plays
   mpl.cdf	Middle Pleistocene Plays
   ol.cdf	Oligocene Plays
   um.cdf	Upper Miocene Plays
   up.cdf	Upper Pliocene Plays
   upl.cdf	Upper Pleistocene Plays
   shore.cdf	Shore
   fedflds.cdf	Federal Field Boundaries

7. A window should appear telling you that the data file was processed and is now complete. Click on OK to dismiss the window. Although the GeoGraphix program allows you to view the polygons of play and field boundaries, it does not include access to other tabular data-base information.

USING GULF ATLAS DATA IN GEOGRAPHIX 7.7

Viewing Data in GeoGraphix 7.7

Double click on Presentation in the main GeoGraphix program window. A drawing window will appear, and a preconfigured drawing will be included with the data files. Select Open under the file options and choose gulfat.gpf. This drawing file includes all layers of data included in this demo. The illustration should also have other map elements supplied by the GeoGraphix program, such as a scale bar and north arrow. The map also has latitude/longitude tics in the margins.

Zooming in for a Closer Look

In the Presentation window, pull down the View menu and choose Zoom. The cursor will have a small z attached to it. Click and hold down the mouse button to make a box around the area that you would like to zoom to. The illustration should immediately change to your new viewing area. Click the right mouse button to convert back to a normal cursor.

Changing Entity Characteristics

To change the appearance of lines or areas, open the LandNet window and the Presentation window simultaneously. Under the Layer pull-down menu choose Select. Highlight the name of the entity and choose OK. Next, pull down the Entity menu and choose Change Attributes. A new window will appear that has options for line width or line color. Make the desired changes and choose Apply. Next, pull down the View menu in the Presentation window and choose Redraw. The illustration should now be updated and have the new drawing characteristics. You will have to change the drawing color and line symbol for each of the data files you imported into GeoGraphix so that they draw using different symbols.

Additional Items

To print out a copy of the illustration, choose Print under the File menu in the Presentation window. It's a good idea to save your presentation in a file to return to later. Choose Save As under the File menu in the Presentation window, and enter a file name containing the .gpf extension. For additional help at any ti e, use the Help menus in the main program or Presentation window.

HOW TO ORDER A COPY OF THE GULF ATLAS

Use the Bureau's Online Order Form to send your request to:

Publications Sales Department
Bureau of Economic Geology
The University of Texas at Austin
University Station, Box X
Austin, Texas 78713-8924 USA

Or call (512) 471-7144 for further information.

Disclaimer

LEGAL NOTICE. This report was prepared by the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, as an account of work sponsored by the Gas Research Institute (GRI), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Mineral Management Service (MMS). Neither GRI, nor DOE, nor MMS, nor members of GRI, nor any person acting on behalf of any one of them:

1. makes any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in this report, or that the use of any apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report may not infringe privately owned rights; or
   
2. assumes any liability with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by the Gas Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy (Morgantown Energy Technology Center and Bartlesville Project Office), and the U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service. Data were compiled and organized by The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology ; the U.S. Department of Interior Minerals Management Service; the Geological Survey of Alabama; and Louisiana State University Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environment Resources. Although the Bureau of Economic Geology coordinated the project, it has required the input, expertise, and cooperation of many dedicated professionals. We gratefully acknowledge their efforts.

The following organizations also provided technical support and services by participating in a Technical Advisors Group: ARCO Oil and Gas Company, CNG Producing Company, Conoco Inc., Marathon Oil Company, ORYX Energy Company, Shell Offshore Inc., Exploration Assets, Texaco USA, and UNOCAL Corporation. We also thank Western Geophysical, Dynamic Graphics, and Energy Graphics for valuable data contributions. Cultural files for the Gulf of Mexico--shoreline, State-Federal boundary, and area boundaries--were supplied by Energy Graphics ([713]659-2201).

The following individuals and organizations were responsible for tasks associated with compiling and coordinating the data for Gulf of Mexico reservoirs:

Task: Integration of Gulf of Mexico GIS and Field Data
Thomas A. Tremblay, The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology-

Task: Integration of Federal Gulf of Mexico GIS and Field Data
David Marin, Scott Edwards, and Chee Yu, U.S. Department of Interior, Minerals Management Service

Task: Compilation of Texas State Field Data
Thomas A. Tremblay, Suhas Bodwadkar, and Naresh Sen, The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology
Allan Standen, IT Corporation, and Bruce A. Desselle

Task: Compilation of Louisiana State Field Data
Brian J. Harder and Chacko J. John, Louisiana State University Basin Research Institute Center for Coastal, Energy, & Environmental Resources

Task: Compilation of Alabama State GIS and Field Data
Ralph L. Kugler
Robert M. Mink, Geological Survey of Alabama, and Ernest A. Mancini, currently with The University of Alabama

Task: Compilation of Federal GIS and Field Data
U.S. Department of Interior, Minerals Management Service
Scientists: Curtis Adams, Randall Altobelli, Bill Ballard, Barbara Bascle, Eric Batchelder, Alton Bates, Richie Baud, Mike Bell, Taylor Blood, Ronald Brignac, Jeff Brooke, Robert Broome, Grant Burgess, Michael Celata, David Cooke, Scott Cranswick, Dennis Cratsley, Alfred Daigle, Terry Dempre, Bill Donoghue, Robert Edwards, Scott Edwards, John Haglund, Ed Helsing, Herbert Hooper, Jesse Hunt, Kung Huang, Doug Ivey, John Johnson, Terri Keller, Steve Kennedy, Abdul Khan, Clark Kinler, Ralph Klazynski, Gregory Klocek, Stacey Landry, Alfred LaPointe, Gay Larré, C. Leyendecker, Gary Lore, Doran Mann, David Marin, Glenn Masson, Robert McDonald, August Mitkevicius, Thomas Mount, Renny Nichols, Lesley Nixon, Edwin O'Neal, Donald Parman, Bruce Perry, Robert Peterson, Andrew Petty, Rex Poling, Courtney Reed, Robert Rocque, Kelley Shannon, Brian Shepard, Nancy Shepard, Peter Simon, Phil Smith, Ronald Spraitzar, Jerry Tranter, Steve Widdicombe, Jim Yenowine

Engineers: David Absher, Kristie Anglin, Sue Bacigalupi, Mounir Botros, Richard Desselles, Randall Fanning, Mike Lafleur, Brad Hunter, Eric Kazanis, Michael Melancon, Steve Patkowski, Mike Prendergast, Katherine Ross, Chris Schoennagel, Carol Crawford, Chee Yu


Technical Staff: Melanie Acosta, Bonnie Anton, Ronald Barthe, Ron Brinkman, Mike Dorner, Ron Heidenreich, Greg Horridge, Patrick Jackson, Ray H. Kansas, Russell Labadens, Allan Linker, Gerald Marchese, A. J. Martorana, Eloise Myers, Janice Ohlweiler, John Osgood, Beth Pastor, Lucille Pethke, Wayne Plaisance, Sherman Powell, Terry Rankin, Dawn Sanchez, Joe Souhlas, Lee Tilton, Linda Wallace

Trademarks

Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Access, the Microsoft Excel logo, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. GeoGraphix is a registered trademark of Landmark Corporation. ArcView, ArcView1, and ArcInfo are registered trademarks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Incorporated.

Further Information

Additional information about the software used in this project is available at the following Internet sites: Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (http://www.esri.com), Landmark (GeoGraphix) (http://www.lgc), and WhiteStar Corporation (http://www.whitestar.com).

This information may not be redistributed or sold without the written permission of the Minerals Management Service, the Gas Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Bureau of Economic Geology.