3D OBC Survey Design Based on Sampling of OVTs

The goal of our study is to design OBC surveys based on uniform trace distributions within OVTs having a specific inline and xline offset range. Each OVT has its own respective offset and azimuth distribution; therefore, by using the OVT gather as a diagnostic, we can choose a survey design which properly acquires desired offsets and azimuths. The subsequent use of the OVT gather in processing then allows the efficient and effective preservation of this offset and azimuth information.

In this paper, we propose a workflow enabling the design of OBC surveys on the basis of OVT sampling, considering reciprocity. Reciprocity can improve survey efficiency by sharing traces between reciprocal tiles to fill in gaps related to the acquisition geometry. Our methodology can deal with various geophysical parameters such as fold, offset and azimuth by changing appropriate variables in the set of proposed equations.

We also aim to analyse a great number of survey geometries quickly and efficiently. In this respect, a total of 1,085 survey designs were simulated and used for productivity analysis to find efficient OBC survey designs that still satisfy predefined geophysical objectives based on OVT sampling.