From data gathering to resources assessment: A holistic view of petroleum geology

To integrate geological data to obtain an interpretation of the geology and natural resources of an area, we need a methodology that provides a holistic approach, addressing all basic issues in geological relations as well as uncertainties that arise with the evolution of basic geological knowledge of an area.In spite of the major role played by geoinformatics—the application of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to solve geological problems—we do not yet have a properly designed method for organizing geological data, including raw data, conceptual models, modeling results, and geological integration. Such a rapid method should provide for updating of existing interpretations based on new data or new theories.A systematic view of data integration and interpretation is important in petroleum exploration and petroleum engineering. We point out the more striking tools already available but of restricted use and some of the possible solutions for known problems that still require research and development.