The Role of Spatial Integration in Play Analysis

What are the key decisions in the exploration process, and how do you make them? Peter Rose (2001) suggested that “The most difficult and critical decision in petroleum exploration is not which prospect to drill, but instead, which new play to enter”. We would argue that this is even more so the case in today’s climate of decreasing reserves replacement rates, renewed focus on exploration and increased competition for quality assets. We would also propose that the next most critical decision is what acreage to pursue after the play has been identified and analysed.