CGG Embraces “GIS-Lite” Capabilities for Oil and Gas Arena

By George Demmy



From data on new drilling opportunities to monitoring exploration and collaborating with field workers, sharing timely and accurate location information is critical for the oil and gas industry.

Though, for many years, this critical business data intelligence ended up being used in a paper map or a static image in a PowerPoint slide. While GIS is a powerful platform for scientists, mapping professionals and cartographers, the reality is that not everyone who needs geospatial data is trained in GIS software.

However, TerraGo is seeing a shift where many progressive firms have found a way to increase the return on their GIS investments by using GeoPDFs to share free, interactive, lightweight GIS applications with people not trained in GIS, including decision-makers, analysts, scientists, engineers and field personnel.



Directions Magazine recently ran a feature article which discusses how CGG, a geosciences leader in the oil and gas sector, has leveraged these “GIS-Lite” solutions since 2007.

The organization has been compiling, analyzing and sharing geospatial data though the use of TerraGo GeoPDF and TerraGo Toolbar in its Multi-Physics business line, which provides expertise in potential fields and electromagnetics to complement seismic data in exploration workflows.

“ArcGIS is great, but not everyone has the software or the training to effectively use it,” said James Cokinos, GIS coordinator and geologist for Multi-Physics at CGG, in the article. “By complementing our ArcGIS work with TerraGo GeoPDFs, we are able to easily share our GIS information, along with lightweight GIS features like layer control, measurements and markup, while providing a forum for sharing feedback with everyone, whether they have ArcGIS or not. The nice thing for the end user is that it’s all accessed with free, universally available software in Adobe Reader.”

The article also highlights how, when CGG produces a GeoPDF, the company goes beyond just making a map to print. Cokinos and his team add various vector layers and customize the layers to help visualize and emphasize the most relevant information for its oil and gas customers.

CGG is a prime example of today’s organizations needing to leverage a blend of heavy and light geospatial capabilities. It will always need to use high-caliber GIS systems, mixed in with the use of lighter-weight systems for professionals not trained in GIS.

Be sure to read the full article here.




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