Abstract
The Impending Obsolescence of Maps

Maps provide critical information and knowledge for modern society.  We regularly use maps to 
define land ownership, data coverage, drilling locations, pipeline routes, etc.  However, maps only 
become indispensable when there is more information available than we can hold in our head, or 
when we need to confirm artificial boundaries (for example, ownership). The innate ability of 
some explorationists to visualize complex three-dimensions relationships in their mindÕs eye drives 
their success.  This paper describes how computer earth models in combination with data mining 
tools and new visualization technologies are replacing maps and enabling widespread application 
of Wallace PrattÕs statement that "in the final analysis, oil is first found in the mind."  

Models presented in an immersive environment provide a new way to evaluate data traditionally 
studied as surfaces, cross-sections, and other types of maps. By improving the bandwidth to 
transfer digital information from computer storage to the mind, or at least by making digital data 
available for interactive access by the minds of decision makers, decisions are improved.  Displays 
move from the 2-D map plane to a true 3-D visualization using immersive environments to drive 
computer-controlled, human-scale stereo display and audio systems.  A regional example of 
identifying a new exploration concept is shown in Texas Railroad Commission District IV, 
derived by simply visualizing data from Richard NehringÕs database.  Residuum EnergyÕs data 
mining technology is used to show identification of leads, or undrilled compartments in the 
Williston Basin.  Chroma EnergyÕs pattern finding tools are used to demonstrate the extraction of 
reservoir rocks from a 3-D seismic survey.  Dick CoonÕs recent velocity interpretation work to 
define a dozen prospects offshore Padre Island is presented to show a non-spatial model.  With 
development of these types of complex models, and since 3-D displays help understanding, 
immersive environments are becoming common both inside and outside the petroleum industry.  
They are expected to become ubiquitous over the next decade. 

Rapid comprehension of complex spatial information can be achieved when data is evaluated 
simultaneously and proportionally to the sources of the data.  In the oil and gas industry, many 
models require N-dimensional data integration.  Multi-dimensional models render major 
improvements, beyond what can be derived from 2-D maps.  This is particularly true when data 
mining tools have been used to correlate and high-grade relevant data relationships.  Seeing and 
hearing spatial relationships between data types highlights inconsistencies, and the process of 
reconciling these differences greatly enhance understanding.  Since models have embedded 
knowledge and users can interact with a human scale model as if it were another individual, a 
visceral understanding of the data can be obtained simply by walking around the model in an 
immersive environment.  The conventional "map reader" can more easily replicate the 3 or more 
dimensional model in their mind and then show it to others, allowing better communication and 
better collaboration, either being in the same theater or being in different networked theaters 
separated by large distances.  As more data and information becomes available in every walk of 
life, understanding interrelationships requires adaptation of new methods to understand spatial 
complexity, which the conventional planar 2-D map can not encompass.



H. Roice Nelson, Jr.

H. Roice Nelson, Jr. likes to find things, particularly promoting exploration, exploitation, and 
production of hydrocarbons. His accomplishments in interactive seismic interpretation 
technologies have impacted how oil companies explore for and produce hydrocarbons. As a co-
founder of Landmark Graphics Corporation, HyperMedia Corporation, Continuum Resources 
International Corporation, and now Dynamic Resources Corporation, Roice has moved from 
developing new immersive interactive interpretation tools to using these technologies to explore 
for hydrocarbons.  He is the author of more than 140 professional papers and a 1983 book, New 
Technologies in Exploration Geophysics, which was later published in Chinese.  His professional 
activities include membership in: AAPG (visiting petroleum geologist, associate editor Geobyte  
(1985-1986), and member AAPG/SEG Geophysical Integration/Interpretation Committees); 
GSH; HGS; SEG (on the Research Committee for more than a decade, associate editor 
Geophysics (1989-1990), and Enterprise Award 1999); and instructor for a variety of domestic 
and international schools. Mr. Nelson earned  a B.S. in Geophysics from the University of Utah 
(1974) and an MBA from Southern Methodist University (1981).