Technology

To ensure the highest possible accuracy rate when drilling for oil, Texaco's geoscientists make geological calculations of the earth's density and subsurface using seismic waves much like those used to measure earthquake activity. These calculations are then entered into a Silicon Graphics® workstation where a combination of third-party and proprietary software is used to calculate and transform the data into 3D representations of the geology below the surface. After doing so, geologists are able to visually digest the data in its most intuitive form and make intelligent decisions about where and how deeply to drill. Texaco employs 3D visualization technology using volume-rendering and shading techniques not only to extract the most important information, but to reveal otherwise hidden subtleties in 3D seismic data. Animation and color is also used to enhance pattern recognition.