BJV Design Inc.

05/29/2026

The final step of parameter selection in seismic survey design is to OPTIMIZE each of the 4 components that we discussed this week (Source Interval/Receiver Interval, Receiver Line Interval/Source Line Interval, Recording Patch, Source Type/Source Parameters). The PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION process is iterative in that it looks at how we can acquire the seismic program using the results of the 4-component analysis discussed this week as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible by MINIMIZING TIME IN THE FIELD and the ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT.

Any questions? Feel free to contact us anytime:
www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact

05/28/2026

When designing a seismic survey, the SOURCE TYPE is often determined by near-surface conditions, source type availability and geology. The most common source types are dynamite and vibroseis, with weight drops coming in a distant third place. The SOURCE PARAMETERS vary depending on the source type. For a dynamite source, parameters to be considered include: hole depth, charge size, and charge type. For a vibroseis source, many more parameters must be considered, including: vibe size, sweep length, sweep type, frequency range, and taper.

Analysis can be done to help determine the source parameters including: weathering layer thickness and velocity, target depth, and seismic wave attenuation in the area of interest.

05/27/2026

When designing a seismic survey, the RECEIVER LINE INTERVAL and SOURCE LINE INTERVAL are determined by signal to noise ratio and near offset requirements. Signal to noise ratio and near offset requirements include limited offset trace density, fold and S/N analysis.

The big question is how noisy is the data going to be? If required, near offset statistics for inversion are also calculated. This is dependent on the seismic survey objectives. If there is no intent to use the seismic program for inversion, a detailed understanding of the near offset statistics may not be required.

05/27/2026

Check out the CSEG interview with our President and CEO, Jason Schweigert

Jason's vast experience in design and modeling of complex seismic acquisition programs the world over has garnered him a reputation of being a widely trusted advisor on advanced acquisition methodologies that enhance data quality, operational efficiency, and return on investment. What experience gave him this reputation? Click below to find out more about Jason.

https://cseg.ca/an-interview-with-jason-schweigert/

05/26/2026

When designing a seismic survey, the RECORDING PATCH is determined by far offset requirements. Far offset requirements are determined by looking at processing mutes, usable offset to depth ratio, and if required, critical angles. This analysis is completed on existing datasets. Seismic survey objectives will dictate the importance of the analysis. For example, determining the critical angle of the target zone for a survey to be used for structural mapping will not likely be of value. A survey to be used for lithology determination will need a full understanding of the critical angles of the target zones.

05/25/2026

When designing a seismic survey, SOURCE INTERVAL and RECEIVER INTERVAL are determined by spatial sampling and resolution requirements. Spatial sampling and resolution requirements are determined by the maximum frequency of the earth’s response and required resolution. We must avoid aliasing of the maximum required frequency by using Nyquist Theorem which states that a signal must be sampled a minimum of twice per wavelength of the highest frequency component of the signal. But are 2 samples per wavelength enough? Are 2, 3 or 4 samples per wavelength required?

This is dependent on the seismic survey objectives. 2 samples may be enough for a survey required to image a simple structural surface, whereas a finer sample rate will be required to sample finer details of the wavelets which would be important to processes such as Pre Stack Inversion.

05/24/2026

Parameter selection in seismic survey design is a complex process. To successfully reach a company’s economic objectives, each parameter must be carefully examined and selected.

1.) The Receiver Interval and Source Interval are chosen based on spatial sampling requirements
2.) The Recording Patch is chosen based on far offset requirements
3.) The Source Line Spacing and Receiver Line Spacing are chosen based on signal to noise ratio and near offset requirements
4.) The Source Type and Source Parameters are chosen based on near surface conditions and the geology in the area of interest

The next step is to further examine each of these 4 components through a comprehensive PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION process in order to MINIMIZE TIME IN THE FIELD and MINIMIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Look for more posts next week where we dig deeper into the topic of PARAMETER SELECTION IN SEISMIC SURVEY DESIGN...

05/21/2026

Seismic Survey Design: The first step in acquiring seismic. Contact BJV to see how we can help on your next seismic project.
https://www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact/

05/20/2026

If you want to calculate the limited offset fold for a 3D seismic survey parameter set, please check out this calculator on our website:
https://bjv-3ddesign.com/client-tools/3d-fold-for-given-parameters

If you are looking to understand what 3D seismic survey parameter set options will produce a certain limited offset fold, please check out this calculator:
https://bjv-3ddesign.com/client-tools/3d-parameters-for-given-fold/

Both calculators will provide linear km of sources and receivers for an outline size of your choice.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
https://www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact/

05/18/2026

Wishing all our fellow Canadians a happy and relaxing Victoria Day!
Enjoy the long weekend! 🍁