EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This course provides a comprehensive and practical foundation in seismic data acquisition design as a critical component of subsurface exploration and development. It explains how well-designed acquisition parameters directly influence seismic image quality and interpretational reliability. Participants gain a structured understanding of survey objectives, geometric design, and operational constraints. The course emphasizes the relationship between target geology, acquisition geometry, and data resolution. Strong focus is placed on balancing technical quality with cost, safety, and environmental considerations. Learners develop the ability to evaluate and optimize acquisition designs for different geological settings. The program integrates theoretical principles with industry-standard design workflows. Learning progresses from fundamental concepts to advanced design decision-making. By the end of the course, participants can confidently design, review, and justify seismic acquisition programs.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this course is to develop strong technical competence in seismic data acquisition design. Effective seismic interpretation begins with a well-defined acquisition design aligned with exploration or development objectives. This course outlines the full scope of design activities from target definition to final survey specifications. Participants learn how acquisition choices affect resolution, illumination, and uncertainty. The course covers both land and marine acquisition environments. Emphasis is placed on geometry design, sampling theory, and operational feasibility. The scope includes technical, logistical, and safety-related considerations. Integration with processing and interpretation requirements is reinforced throughout. This course prepares participants to make informed, defensible acquisition design decisions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will achieve the following objectives by the Seismic Data Acquisition Design course:

• Understand the physical principles governing seismic wave propagation and recording.
• Define clear acquisition objectives based on geological and reservoir targets.
• Analyze acquisition geometry parameters and their impact on subsurface illumination.
• Evaluate spatial sampling requirements to avoid aliasing and loss of resolution.
• Design land and marine surveys suitable for different structural and stratigraphic settings.
• Assess trade-offs between data quality, operational risk, and project cost.
• Apply design validation techniques to reduce uncertainty before field execution.
• Integrate acquisition design with processing and interpretation workflows.
• Communicate acquisition design rationale clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Seismic Data Acquisition Design program targets a professional audience seeking to improve knowledge and skills:

• Geophysicists responsible for survey planning and design.
• Exploration professionals involved in seismic decision-making.
• Field supervisors reviewing acquisition specifications.
• Processing specialists interfacing with acquisition teams.
• Project managers overseeing seismic investments.
• Technical staff transitioning into seismic design roles.
• Professionals seeking structured design methodologies.

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1: Fundamentals of Seismic Acquisition Design

• Role of acquisition design in the seismic value chain.
• Seismic resolution and imaging fundamentals.
• Wave propagation and frequency content.
• Relationship between targets and survey objectives.
• Vertical and horizontal resolution concepts.
• Design constraints imposed by geology.
• Overview of design workflows and terminology.

Day 2: Geometry and Sampling Design

• Acquisition geometry concepts and definitions.
• Source and receiver spacing strategies.
• Fold, offset, and azimuth distribution.
• Sampling theory and spatial aliasing.
• Illumination and coverage analysis.
• Geometry optimization techniques.
• Sensitivity analysis of design parameters.

Day 3: Land Seismic Design Considerations

• Land environments and surface constraints.
• Source and receiver selection criteria.
• Array design and noise suppression.
• Terrain, access, and environmental factors.
• Operational safety and logistics.
• Cost drivers in land survey design.
• Design validation for land acquisition.

Day 4: Marine Seismic Design Considerations

• Marine acquisition configurations.
• Streamer length, spacing, and depth.
• Source array design and bandwidth control.
• Azimuthal coverage and illumination.
• Environmental and regulatory constraints.
• Operational risks and mitigation.
• Quality assurance in marine design.

Day 5: Integrated Design and Quality Assurance

• End-to-end design workflow integration.
• Design verification before field execution.
• Interface between acquisition and processing.
• Risk assessment and contingency planning.
• Cost optimization and value assessment.
• Documentation and design justification.
• Review and consolidation of key concepts.

COURSE DURATION

This course is available in different durations: 1 week (intensive training), 2 weeks (moderate pace with additional practice sessions), or 3 weeks (a comprehensive learning experience). The course can be attended in person or online, depending on the trainee's preference.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

This course is delivered by expert trainers worldwide, bringing global experience and best practices. Trainers combine strong theoretical foundations with extensive field and project experience. Their approach emphasizes practical design judgment and structured decision-making. Participants benefit from continuous professional guidance throughout the course.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1- Who should attend this course?

Professionals involved in seismic survey planning, design, and technical evaluation.

2- What are the key benefits of this training?

Improved ability to design optimized seismic surveys that meet technical and business objectives.

3—Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes, upon successful completion, all participants will receive a professional certification.

4- What language is the course delivered in?

English and Arabic.

5- Can I attend online?

Yes, you can attend in person, online, or in-house at your company.

CONCLUSION

This course delivers a structured and industry-aligned approach to seismic acquisition design. It strengthens technical judgment and reduces design-related uncertainty. Participants gain confidence in balancing quality, cost, and operational constraints. The course supports better seismic imaging and project outcomes. It represents a valuable advancement for geoscience and exploration professionals.