Optimization of Management Decision Making in the Allocation of Licensing Areas

Abstract
This article addresses the challenge of creating a unified approach to the allocation of licensing areas in Russia—a problem compounded by regional differences in data availability and geological study. In order to designate licensing areas for oil and gas exploration effectively, several conditions must be met: the variation in area sizes should not exceed a twofold difference; each designated area should ideally not mix structurally diverse facies zones; and all areas must be economically equivalent. The paper outlines the difficulties in calculating areas, reconciling maps of varying scales, and accurately quantifying oil and gas resources. By employing Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, the authors demonstrate how these challenges can be overcome—improving evaluation accuracy, reducing subjectivity, and significantly lowering the time and labor required for analysis. The article details the development of a GIS framework using the Timan-Pechora oil and gas province as a case study, including steps for identifying oil and gas accumulation zones, performing quantitative resource evaluations, and conducting geoeconomic assessments. This integrated approach facilitates more informed management decisions in the allocation of licensing areas and supports strategic planning in oil and gas exploration.