Imagine the cost of installing a drilling platform in the wrong location. It is possible, and could happen, when the wrong mapping reference system is used.
The problem is that coordinates describe location accurately only when the Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) to which they are referenced have been appropriately identified. This is not as simple as it sounds.
The surface of the earth is irregular and is therefore difficult to calculate on directly. Surveyors and other specialists use numerous models, which may have several variations in position or orientation relative to the earth, for their calculations. To help specialists choose the right system the OGP Geomatics Committee has created a database of these CRSs to regulate and minimise the risk of applying the incorrect systems or component parameters.
This database is now improved by the addition of a series of standard map ‘shapes’, or ‘polygons’, which can be used to accurately match Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) to geographic locations. This data project allows for better decision-making by greatly reducing the risk of inappropriate CRS usage.
Previously, specialists had to rely on a simplified geographic bounding box data (rectangle shown in red with the image). This has now been supplemented by a more detailed spatial visualisation (shown in yellow), which more precisely describes the boundary of where the specific Coordinate Reference System applies. It shows, for example, where the land is within the red bounding box. If data relating to onshore is required this is achieved by specifying data within the yellow ‘polygon’ shape, ignoring the marine area and other onshore areas that fall within the bounding box.
“We anticipate that the polygon data will be used through the mapping capability of GIS applications and web sites offering a map front end for searching the European Petroleum Survey Group (EPSG) Dataset," said Roger Lott, chairman of OGP's Geodesy Subcommittee, the committee responsible for the EPSG Geodetic Parameter Dataset.
The EPSG Geodetic Parameter Dataset is a database which allows for:
The polygon data is available for download from the OGP Geomatics website here, in SHP format and from the EPSG online registry at www.epsg-registry.org in GML format.
The full article is available here.
The new Guidelines result from an extensive review and update of previously published work by UKOOA (now Oil & Gas UK). They describe oilfield good practice for conducting geophysical and hydrographic site surveys of proposed offshore drilling locations. The document also covers the use of exploration 3D seismic data to enhance, or to replace, acquisition of a site survey.
The full article is available here.
The Seabed Survey Data Model is an industry template/standard for how seabed survey data can be delivered to, and then managed by, oil and gas companies. The aim of the data model is to:
The full article is available here.
The use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for positioning is critical to the success of a wide variety of oil and gas-related surveying and positioning projects. The new Guidelines, which are an extensive review and update of previously published work by UKOOA (now Oil & Gas UK), reflect the pervasive nature of the technology and the fact that GNSS is no longer specifically for the offshore industry. Though titled for use in GNSS surveying and positioning-related activities for the oil and gas industry, it could also be applicable to similar operations in the service of renewable energy, telecommunications and engineering projects both offshore and onshore. These guidelines were co-produced by OGP and the International Association of Marine Contractors (IMCA).
The full article is available here.
OGP's Surveying & Positioning Committee has a new name. It is now the Geomatics Committee. The switch in nomenclature was agreed at the Committee's October meeting in Houston. It reflects the trend among professional surveying institutions and academia of the use of the word 'geomatics' to describe the discipline of acquiring, processing, managing, visualising and analysing geo-information. According to Chair Richard Wylde, 'The Committee agreed that the term more accurately reflects the broader focus of activity within our membership than had been the case when the group was originally formed. To align with this, and to ensure continued industry and stakeholder recognition and understanding of their remit, we unanimously voted to change our Committee's name,' Richard says. Their decision has since been endorsed by OGP's Management Committee. Geomatics is defined as a geoscientific discipline. It encompasses the expertise of on- and offshore surveying, geodesy, mapping, positioning, navigation, cartography, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial data management.
19 October 2010
The ability of the current P1/90 and P2/94 navigation data exchange formats to address the needs of developments in seismic acquisition and processing technologies now falls short of requirements. A proliferation of variations of these formats has resulted such that they are no longer a standard. OGP therefore announced it was undertaking a review, through parallel discussions with SEG covering the deprecation of their SEG P1 format, of the existing formats to produce a common standard meeting modern requirements. Work to this effect commenced in 2009 by a task force consisting of industry representatives and is set to deliver a revised set of positioning data exchange formats during 2011.
Information on the current status of this work can be downloaded here.
©OGP 2009
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