New Features in iMOD for the

Dissemination of Geomodels at AGS

Kelsey MacCormack, Paulina Branscombe, Dan Palombi,

Peter Vermeulen, Andrew Beaton, and Kevin Parks

October 31, 2017

Overview

Brief Introduction to AER and AGS

Benefit of having a 3D single-source of geologic

truth – 3D Geological Framework Model

Using iMOD to share 3D geomodels

New features added to iMOD

Next steps

2

AER Overview

hydrocarbon resources over their

entire life cycle. This includes

allocating and conserving water

resources, managing public

lands, and protecting the

environment while providing

economic benefits for all

Albertans.

3

The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient,

orderly, and environmentally responsible development of

Alberta Geological Survey

AGS is responsible for describing the geology and resources in

the province and provides information and knowledge to help

resolve land use, environmental, public health, and safety

issues related to geosciences

4

Carol Crowfoot

Jil MacDonald

Manage and

Efficiently Evaluate

Well Data

450,000+ wells

(541,000 Km total

length)

13.5 x

Managing Data to Ensure Transparency

and Effective Integration of Information

From 2D Maps to 3D Models

2D Bedrock Geology 3D Geological Framework

6

Interactive 3D geological model Traditional map products

3D Provincial Geological Framework Model

7

The model covers 602,825 km2 and contains 32 geologic units

Google Maps Image

Model = 602,825 km2

Total Data Points used to build the model:

• 620,812

3D Geomodel Construction

All 2.5D surfaces and 3D

geomodels are built using

Petrel (Schlumberger)

8 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

under CC BY-NC

Petrel License cost

To build models: Base license = ~$65,000,

modules to do additional tasks (Total = ~$140,000)

Model complex structure and parameterize with a

variety of rock, hydrocarbon, or hydrological properties

Efficiently Share 3D Models

Duplication of efforts

Potential for inconsistencies

9

Efficient use of staff resources

Promotes consistency and

credibility

Solution: iMOD – 3D Viewer

Open-source

Allow visualization

of 3D models

Users can import

their own geospatial

data into our models

10

New Feature – Deviated Wells

Majority of new

wells drilled in

Alberta are

horizontal wells

Properly visualize

the wells within

specific subsurface

geologic units

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New Feature – Clipping Planes

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Multiple options for

clipping plane

direction

Clipping plane can

be capped

New Feature – Clipping Plane

13

Also provides

option to

selectively apply

clipping plane to

specific geologic

units or features

(wells).

New Feature – 3D Cross-section

Cross-section can be

drawn in 3D space

Can be visualized

with other 3D objects

Can be clipped (if

desired) by clipping

plane

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New Feature - Faults

15

-

Ability to add fault

planes in 3D within

the 3D model

Highlights areas of

structural complexity

within the model

area

New Feature – Exploded Model

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Model with no separation

Same model - exploded

Next Steps

17

Coming soon….

Query spatial data by geological

unit or depth

Additional well visualization

capabilities to highlight specific

well segment information

Thank You

kelsey.maccormack@aer.ca