An oil and gas exploration portfolio contains a multitude of data on potential hydrocarbon accumulations (leads and prospects). Major challenges in managing such a portfolio are that of ensuring data is kept up-to-date, a consistent evaluation with a clear audit trial is applied throughout and that data are available for the ongoing lead/prospect evaluation process. In Petroleum Development Oman’s frontier exploration, GIS-based (ArcGIS) portfolio management tools and processes have been introduced to address these challenges. These tools support the exploration workflow from initial play generation, through data acquisition (e.g. seismic) and onto identification of leads which can then be matured into drill ready prospects. Drill ready prospects can be tested for any potential hydrocarbon accumulations. Key datasets are now either stored and maintained via ArcGIS or made available within it. This includes play, lead and prospect, well, geophysical and geological data. The ability to now evergreen this data, together with the strength of GIS in integrating data, has played a key role in the successful adoption of the technology. Enhanced reporting and analysis is now possible which in turn assist in the quality assurance of the exploration portfolio and the generation of new opportunities. Key to the successful implementation of GIS tools has been the close cooperation between the geomatics discipline, the evaluation teams and the portfolio managers. This cooperation has ensured the tailoring and adoption of the tools to meet the objectives of the workflow. Having joint ownership has greatly facilitated the rapid development and subsequent deployment of these tools. The ultimate aim for all parties is that the GIS environment will be used as an effective data and knowledge management system throughout the exploration workflow.

An oil and gas exploration portfolio contains a multitude of data on potential hydrocarbon accumulations (leads and prospects). Major challenges in managing such a portfolio are that of ensuring data is kept up-to-date, a consistent evaluation with a clear audit trial is applied throughout and tha...