Onshore seismic acquisition: out with the old, in with the new

The move from cable-based telemetry seismic acquisition systems with strings of wire-connected geophones to independent nodal, single sensor recording has been dramatic and is reflected by the plethora of nodal systems on offer and their increased use globally. With this shift in technology there has been some change in field methodologies. However, opportunity exists to be more creative in the approaches taken in acquisition and quality control of surface seismic nodal data and subsequent data processing. The use of automation is discussed along with challenging the linear approach typically taken in project execution, to the movement of some field-based support tasks to the town office and a new look at how to implement field quality control measures along with their related specifications. This paper therefore explores the seismic process from the planning stages, to the setting of quality control specifications and how automation can be implemented in field activities with examples given. The objective of this new collective approach is to reduce field exposure (personnel and time), to create a clear focus on critical field quality control parameters, and to ultimately drive down costs.