Towards a new revision of the SEG-D format standard

Abstract

Bob Firth, Troika International, explains the issues involved in updating the industry standard format for seismic field data and reports on progress so far. For several years now there has been talk of the need for a new revision of the SEG-D standard for seismic field data. The last revision of the standard, Rev 2, was published in 1996, and in the intervening decade there have been significant developments in acquisition and computer technologies, and a new revision would bring the standard into line with current industry techniques and practices. At the SEG convention in Denver in 2004, the SEG Technical Standards Committee decided to revive the SEGD Format Subcommittee, with Jill Lewis of Troika International volunteering to chair the subcommittee and provide the necessary energy to drive it forward. Since then there has been considerable behind-the-scenes activity to ascertain what should be contained in the new revision, culminating in meetings of interested parties at the EAGE in Madrid and the SEG in Houston in November.