Annual Report 2011 - PGS

Operations
Data Processing and
Technology
Data Processing
Geoscience & Engineering
PGS’ external data
processing market share
is approximately 10 percent,
an increase from about six
percent five years ago
Managing Growth
PGS has successfully recruited and trained
new geophysicists, significantly increased its
compute capacity and grown both its external
data-processing revenues and processing of its
own MultiClient data production.
The business unit Data Processing and
Technology consists of two entities: Data
Processing and Geoscience and Engineering.
Data Processing Department
PGS’ external data processing market share
is approximately 10 percent, an increase from
about six percent five years ago. Growth
is primarily attributable to proprietary
GeoStreamer processing, best-in-class imaging
tools and hyperBeam ® ultra-fast velocity model
building capabilities. With both processing
power and advanced software tools readily
available at PGS, the limiting factor for rapid
project turnaround has shifted to the number of
skilled geophysicists.
Data Processing focuses on delivering
geophysical solutions that offer significantly
improved imaging and characterization of
customers’ targets and PGS’ MultiClient data
sets. Strong sales performance has led to
historically high order reserves for external
customers and continues to drive significant
growth.
Data Processing has a number of state-of-the-art
imaging products that are attractive to clients.
These technologies include PGS hyperBeam,
which is an integration of PGS Beam migration
imaging technology and innovative holoSeis
visualization. Client feedback highlights the
way hyperBeam improves in-house workflows
at all stages, from exploration to production.
PGS hyperBeam allows customers to iterate
through geological scenarios quickly, enabling
them to make faster, more informed decisions
and reduce risk. High-end imaging technology
has boosted PGS data processing revenues
and generated higher-quality data and shorter
cycle times. Robust visualization capabilities
have enhanced customers’ target interpretation,
characterization and decision-making processes.
Dual-sensor GeoStreamer technology, which
eliminates the receiver ghost, has proved its
ability to reveal intricate geological conditions,
ranging from complex salt structures to
shallow carbonates and many other tough
seismic imaging challenges. The results have
been unequivocal: every GeoStreamer survey
acquired and processed by PGS has delivered
improved frequency bandwidth and data
quality. In short, GeoStreamer data is always
better than conventional streamer data.
Geoscience & Engineering Department
Geoscience and Engineering constitutes
PGS’ research and development (R&D)
department. Projects focus on a diverse range
of development and support functions for
marine seismic acquisition techniques and
data processing technology, including PGS’
towed EM technology and other innovative
technologies not yet commercialized. PGS has
large R&D departments in the United States,
United Kingdom and Norway, with additional
groups in the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia
and Singapore.
The objectives of PGS’ R&D activities are
to develop technologies and services that
sustain the Company’s position of leadership
in operational efficiency and that differentiate
34 PGS Annual Report 2011