Bezier curves and representation of reservoir extent maps

The final products/maps of any synergistic geo-scientific interpretation project of an E&P company are stored as CGM (Computer Graphics Meta) files. These include (1) time and depth maps at various levels and (2) maps of sand extent and thickness in established or development fields used for reserve estimates. Normally, CGM files for maps of former type are generated in various interpretation workstations whereas files of the latter type are produced by computer graphics software packages like CorelDraw. However, the nature of representation of different cultural and geological features in these output CGM files varies widely. In particular, it has been found that the sand extent and contour maps are not represented by polyline elements or polygons but a series of “control points” out of which the actual shapes are to be reconstructed as Bezier Curves. Deciphering and reconstruction of Bezier curves are keys to creating a corporate database of reserve estimate maps.