SERVICES
As mentioned previously, with Postplot, we add value to the seismic positioning QC services we offer, by including a unique set of software tools, consultants with significant professional and academic training, extensive experience, value for money and flexibility in adapting to emerging needs.
It is our firm belief that every seismic survey needs some form of independent positioning quality control. Of course, it is in our interests to say that. However, the largest driver of that belief is in what we have seen over decades of checking the output of seismic contractors.
A positioning QC is an insurance policy against the degradation of the quality of very expensive seismic data due to large positioning errors.
Many seismic contracts do not include positioning quality control. It is therefore evident that many clients think that significant positioning errors will either not slip through the procedures or not affect their final data adversely. We know that they do slip through, because we have caught so many on every type of survey we have QC’d. Poor positioning and errors in position degrade the clarity and resolution of the final seismic data, so it is important that these errors are caught before leaving the crew.
This means that including some form of positioning quality control not only ensures contractor compliance with the positioning components of the contract, but also add quality to the final product for a relatively small outlay.
Of course, we realise that everything has a budget, and often positioning quality control is seen as low-hanging fruit when trimming expenses. That is why we offer a range of services that will meet a range of budgets, but will all add value to your final product:
ON SITE QC
This is the traditional QC service with a consultant on crew alternating with a back-to-back on a regular rotation with a small overlap to handover. This is of course, the most comprehensive solution and includes field observation as well as positioning data QC. If your project needs field observations such as line clearance supervision or scouting to check line positioning, this solution is the most appropriate. Some clients just feel more comfortable with a positioning consultant available on crew should personal presence be required.
This solution covers all necessities but doesn’t necessarily add to the quality control of the positioning data. The most important requirements for quality of data are consultant training and experience, and the correct software tools to be able to interrogate the data.
Postplot is very happy to supply this solution.
DAILY REMOTE QC
With this solution, Postplot will QC all aspects of position data from raw data acquisition through to final data shipments. We have already performed this service on a number of crews with no difficulty, including those with large amounts of daily data.
Of course, this does not include any field supervision. However, this is a much more affordable solution than having a consultant full time on crew. The savings are considerable. Firstly, the actual consultant rate is lower. It would depend on the estimated workload for each project, but would always be lower than an onsite daily rate. In other savings, there are no airfares, hotels, transfers, visa costs, medicals, local taxes and of course, accommodation costs for the consultant.
We offer the same thorough QC of the daily positioning data, as well as comprehensive daily reports. We would be available each day in agreed hours for voice/video consultation with the other client representatives, and will always be available via email within less than 24 hours.
Final shipment data will be QC’d at the completion of swaths, zippers or lines as the case may be. All final positioning data will be checked against cumulative daily data in our database, as well as for formatting, header and cross file validity. A summary report will be produced for each data shipment.
Postplot will offer a service level agreement to guarantee the timely processing and reporting of daily data. This would normally be returned within 12 to 24 hours, depending on time zones, complexity of data, and whether any queries and follow up is required. Shipment reports can sometimes go back and forth for up to a week as problems are detected and sent back to crew for correction. However, these will always be completed in a timely manner with a report following a day or two after final approval of the data.
The daily and shipment reports would be included in the daily rate. If a final report is required, this can be included as extra days.
TURNKEY REMOTE QC
This solution is similar to Daily Remote QC but does not include daily raw data QC. Data QC would be performed after each data shipment is prepared. This would be billed per line, swath or zipper depending on the granularity of data shipments.
This is an even more affordable solution than daily, and guarantees a set cost for the project, no matter how long it takes, provided the project parameters don’t change.
This solution doesn’t include checks and reprocessing of daily raw data but does include checks of final data against preplots and digital elevation model if available. Intersection checks are also performed. Final data files will also be checked for correct formatting and headers, and SPS X files will be checked for consistency against R and S files.
There would be a timeframe guarantee on delivery of data reports.
SOFTWARE ONLY
Available soon…
If you have your trusted consultants that you normally use, but would like to equip them with a comprehensive software suite that will provide them with the tools necessary to thoroughly QC your positioning data, we can supply Postplot on a daily basis.
We would include 365-day support by email and voice or video support during certain daily windows. We would provide help with running the software and setting up projects. We are also happy to add new functionality on request, with very fast response if adaption to a new data format or equipment configuration is required to continue work.
We would also help with suggested workflows and reporting formats.
As mentioned elsewhere, we are in the process of writing a new version of most of the software. This software service will become available on launch of this new version. The new version will have much easier project setup for the user (which can be quite complicated). It will also have comprehensive help and user guides and easier licensing authentication.
STARTUP AUDIT
We can visit your crew on startup and check that the contractor’s equipment, systems and procedures are appropriate for the project and meet with contract specifications. This would include a detailed report of course.
This could be done at a fixed cost or a fixed daily rate with a variable number of days if needed.
A startup audit combined with one of our remote QC services might offer a good cost benefit ratio.
CONTRACT AUDIT
One of the problems we almost always face is a lack of authority to enforce good practices because they haven’t been required in the contract. In these circumstances, we have to rely on the contractor’s willingness to comply with our request. We don’t always agree on what is necessary and what is not.
We can check the positioning sections of your contract and make suggestions for inclusions or amendments that will ensure better data quality control.
PRE-PROJECT SCOUTING
Sometimes it is difficult to know what can be achieved in a new area just from satellite imagery. With our extensive experience with many types of survey, and our navigation skills, we are well qualified to undertake scouting in new acquisition areas to determine what can be achieved.
CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS
We are happy to work through any reputable agency. We recognise that some clients have a restricted list of suppliers/agencies that they will employ, and we can comply with that arrangement. In this case, please contact your preferred agency or Postplot directly.
We would also consider contracting directly with the client if that is preferred. Please contact us directly if you would like to discuss this.