User Guide

Z-MAP Plus
User Guide
Z-MAP Plus User Guide

2003 Landmark Graphics Corporation
Part No. 161332 October 2003

2003 Landmark Graphics Corporation
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Note
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Landmark Z-MAP Plus User Guide
Contents
Introduction
Overview ........................................................................................................... 1
User Guide Overview ...................................................................................... 2
Data Access Modes ......................................................................................... 3
Modeling and Mapping Capabilities .............................................................. 4

Modeling Features ..................................................................................... 4
Mapping Features ...................................................................................... 4
Mapping ............................................................................................................ 5
Creating a Basemap ................................................................................... 5
Making a Grid-Based Map ......................................................................... 5
Starting Z-MAP Plus ........................................................................................ 7
Starting Z-MAP Plus from OpenWorks .................................................... 7
Starting Z-MAP Plus from the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu ................. 10
Adding an Alias for the Start-up Command ............................................ 10
Getting Started
Overview ........................................................................................................... 11
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu .......................................................................... 12
X Windows Manager ........................................................................................ 13
Z-MAP Plus Windows ...................................................................................... 14

Z-MAP Plus Xterm Window ....................................................................... 14
Z-MAP Plus System Window ..................................................................... 15
R2003.12.0 Contents iii

Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Windows continued
Z-MAP Plus Main Window ......................................................................... 16
Z-MAP Plus Menu Map .................................................................................... 20
Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes ............................................................................... 21
Types of Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes .......................................................... 21
Common Features of Dialog Boxes ......................................................... 27
Conventions Used in This Guide ................................................................... 32
Z-MAP Plus Basics

Overview ........................................................................................................... 33
MFDs and ZGFs ............................................................................................... 34
Internal and External Files ........................................................................ 34
Master File Directory (MFD) ...................................................................... 35
Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs) ................................................................... 40
File and Picture Internal Organization ..................................................... 45
Directory Paths ................................................................................................ 46
Input File Formats ........................................................................................... 47
Data File Format ......................................................................................... 47
Format Groups ........................................................................................... 49
Managing Data ................................................................................................. 51
File Manager ............................................................................................... 51
File Utilities ................................................................................................. 51
To View a List of Files in an MFD or ZGF ................................................. 52
Field Utilities ............................................................................................... 52
Project Organization ....................................................................................... 53
Project Directory ........................................................................................ 53
R2003.12.0 Contents iv
Z-MAP PLus Basics: Project Organization continued
Managing Project Files .............................................................................. 56
Managing Internal Files ............................................................................. 57
Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks .......................................................................... 58
Overview of OpenWorks ............................................................................ 58
Using the Z-MAP Plus - OpenWorks Connection .................................... 60
Contour Map Workflow

Workflow Steps ................................................................................................ 64
1. Start Z-MAP Plus .................................................................................... 64
2. Set Directory Paths ................................................................................ 65
3. Attach a Master File ............................................................................... 65
4. Select the Data File ................................................................................ 66
5. Create a Grid ........................................................................................... 67
6. Attach a Graphics File (ZGF) ................................................................. 72
7. Create a Blank Basemap ....................................................................... 73
8. Draw the Map .......................................................................................... 84
9. Display Data ............................................................................................ 85
10. View the Contours ................................................................................ 85
11. Exit from Z-MAP Plus ........................................................................... 85
Getting More Information ................................................................................ 86
R2003.12.0 Contents v
More About Grids

Overview ........................................................................................................... 87
Gridding Overview ........................................................................................... 88
Grid Terminology ....................................................................................... 89
How Grids are Used in Z-MAP Plus .......................................................... 90
Gridding Methods ...................................................................................... 90
Gridding Basics ............................................................................................... 94
1. Interactive Problem Description ........................................................... 94

2. Grid Initialization .................................................................................... 95
3. Post Processing ..................................................................................... 99
Point Gridding Plus Workflow ........................................................................ 102
1. Create a Basemap .................................................................................. 102
2. Select Input Data, Field, and Faults ...................................................... 103
3. Enter Output File Names and Locations .............................................. 104
4. Select a Gridding Algorithm .................................................................. 104
5. Determine and Set the Final Grid Increment (GINCF) ......................... 104
6. Determine and Set the Search Radius ................................................. 109
7. Determine and Set the Number of Refinements .................................. 112
8. Smooth the grid ...................................................................................... 116
9. Apply Point Gridding Plus ..................................................................... 116
More Gridding Parameters ............................................................................. 117
Extrapolation Distance .............................................................................. 117
Advanced Tab Parameters ........................................................................ 117
Gridding Normal Faults ................................................................................... 125
Fault Terminology ...................................................................................... 127
R2003.12.0 Contents vi
More About Grids: Gridding Normal Faults continued
Gridding with Opaque Faults .................................................................... 128
Gridding with Non-Opaque Centerline Faults (Throw Gridding) ........... 130
Control Grids ................................................................................................... 137
Description of a Control Grid .................................................................... 137
Setting Control Grid Usage ....................................................................... 140
Using Data Hulls .............................................................................................. 141
Description of Data Hulls .......................................................................... 141

Purpose and Use of a Data Hull ................................................................ 142
Creating and Storing the Data Hull ........................................................... 143
Summary of Gridding Parameters ................................................................. 146
Basic Tab Gridding Parameters ................................................................ 146
Advanced Tab Parameters ........................................................................ 147
Suggestions for Non-Default Gridding .................................................... 148
How To
Overview ........................................................................................................... 151
Display Coordinates on a Map ....................................................................... 152
Measure Distances on a Map ......................................................................... 153
Adjust the Colors in a Picture ........................................................................ 154
Understanding the Z-MAP Plus Color Table ............................................ 154
Change Color of a Feature on My Map ..................................................... 155
Change the Background Color ................................................................. 158
Disable Automatic Picture Display ................................................................ 159
View the Contents of a Data File .................................................................... 160
R2003.12.0 Contents vii

How To continued
Edit a Data File ................................................................................................. 163
Edit ASCII Files ........................................................................................... 163
Edit Fields ................................................................................................... 163
Edit Fields ................................................................................................... 164
Edit a Picture and Regrid ................................................................................ 169
Prepare to Work in Edit/Create Data ........................................................ 169
Understanding Editor Buffers ................................................................... 170

Edit a Picture .............................................................................................. 172
View Maps in the ZGF Picture Viewer ............................................................ 182
Displaying the ZGF Picture Viewer Window ............................................ 183
Loading ZGFs ............................................................................................. 184
Overlaying Picture Features ..................................................................... 186
Saving Pictures as CGM Files ................................................................... 188
Change the AOI of a Grid or Picture .............................................................. 191
Change the AOI of a Picture ...................................................................... 191
Change the AOI by Resampling a Grid .................................................... 194
Summary ..................................................................................................... 197
Create an Isopach Map ................................................................................... 198
Using Data Operations .............................................................................. 199
Using Grid Operations ............................................................................... 200
Exchange Data with SeisWorks ..................................................................... 201
Open SeisWorks Horizons as Grids ......................................................... 201
Save Grids as Horizons ............................................................................. 202
Make Z-MAP Plus Data Available in StratWorks ........................................... 203
Create a Fault File ............................................................................................ 204
R2003.12.0 Contents viii

How To continued
Print a Picture .................................................................................................. 209
Overlay Maps ................................................................................................... 212
Create a Trend Form Grid ............................................................................... 216
Viewing the Results ................................................................................... 219
Recommendations ..................................................................................... 219
Post Specific Seismic Lines and Shot Points ............................................... 220
Appendix A. Glossary
Z-MAP Plus Glossary ...................................................................................... 225
Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer

Overview of Editing Color Tables .................................................................. 241
Using the Color Editor .................................................................................... 242
Color Modes ............................................................................................... 243
Displaying Color Assignments ...................................................................... 245
Editing Colors .................................................................................................. 246
Copying Colors ................................................................................................ 247
Interpolating Color Ranges ............................................................................ 249
Modes for Interpolating Color Ranges ..................................................... 249
Steps for Interpolating Colors .................................................................. 250
Working with Color Table Files ...................................................................... 252
Default Color Table File ............................................................................. 252
Loading Color Tables ................................................................................ 252
Saving Color Tables ................................................................................... 253
R2003.12.0 Contents ix
Appendix C. Unix Primer

Overview ........................................................................................................... 255
cat Command ................................................................................................... 256
cd Command .................................................................................................... 257
chmod Command ............................................................................................ 258
cp Command .................................................................................................... 260
df Command ..................................................................................................... 261
ls Command ..................................................................................................... 262
mkdir Command .............................................................................................. 263
more Command ............................................................................................... 264
pwd Command ................................................................................................. 265
rm Command ................................................................................................... 266
Appendix D. Unix Files

Default Unix Files ............................................................................................ 267
Log Files ..................................................................................................... 268
Appendix E. Applications and Utilities Menu Options

Applications Menu ........................................................................................... 270
Utilities Menu ................................................................................................... 271
System Menu ................................................................................................... 272
Help Menu ........................................................................................................ 272
Index .................................................................................................................... 273
R2003.12.0 Contents x
Introduction
Overview
This section contains the following topics:

User Guide Overview
A summary of the contents of the guide.
Data Access Modes
A description of running Z-MAP Plus in standalone mode or with
OpenWorks.
Modeling and Mapping Capabilities
A comprehensive list of the available features.
Mapping
A high-level introduction to the types of maps you can make and
the steps each map type requires.
Starting Z-MAP Plus
How to start a Z-MAP Plus session in both modes: standalone and
connected to OpenWorks.
R2003.12.0 Introduction 1
User Guide Overview
Z-MAP Plus is an advanced software system for interpretive modeling

and mapping in petroleum exploration and production. This guide gives
you the basic information you need to understand and use program. The
following sections help you understand Z-MAP Plus.
Getting Started on page 11 describes the basic windows and
shows how to use the different types of dialog boxes you encounter
in Z-MAP Plus.
Z-MAP Plus Basics on page 33 describes the logic and basic
principles you need to work effectively with Z-MAP Plus
including MFDs, ZGFs, and data management and project
organization tips.
Contour Map Workflow on page 63 walks you through the most
commonly used steps for creating a contour map in Z-MAP Plus.
More About Grids on page 87 has more detail about the way the
program produces grids and how to adjust grids by using
parameters.
How To on page 151 covers step-by-step procedures for some of
the most common Z-MAP Plus tasks.
Appendixes contain useful information, including some basic
Unix commands, a glossary, and tables that describe the Unix files
the program creates automatically.
Two other valuable resources for new users are Landmark training
classes and the online documentation supplied with Z-MAP Plus. Once
you have a good understanding of the basics, these tools can help you
harness the enormous power of the program.
R2003.12.0 Introduction: User Guide Overview 2

Data Access Modes
Z-MAP Plus builds maps based on data stored in ASCII files. These
data files store the x,y coordinate locations of each point, as well as
other information called attributes. Attributes can contain information
such as point depth, zone thickness, oil/water contact depth, and almost
anything else that can be stored mathematically. Attribute fields are
also known as Z fields. The source data files must contain x,y fields and
at least one Z field, but the data can have many Z fields.
You can run Z-MAP Plus in either standalone or OpenWorks mode.
The two modes determine the location for storing files you create and
determine how you gain access the input data you use to create maps.
Standalone Mode
If you run Z-MAP Plus in standalone mode, you have access to data
stored on your local computer or network, but not to data managed
through OpenWorks. To share information with others, you must save
the data so the files are accessible to other users.
OpenWorks Mode
Landmarks data management system is called OpenWorks. If you run
Z-MAP Plus as an OpenWorks application, you can share data
generated in other Landmark applications, such as SeisWorks,
StratWorks, or PetroWorks. OpenWorks also enables you to share files
you create in Z-MAP Plus with other applications.
OpenWorks contains hundreds of tables of information. You can save
much of your Z-MAP Plus work to OpenWorks, such as grid, contour,
fault, and data files. This connection is described in more detail in
Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks on page 58.
R2003.12.0 Introduction: Data Access Modes 3

Modeling and Mapping Capabilities
The modeling and mapping capabilities of Z-MAP Plus demonstrate its

growing interpretative value.
Modeling Features
Modeling features include:
gridding algorithms for surface modeling
Point Gridding Plus and fault macros for fault modeling
contouring
surface and data operations
cross sections
shaded relief displays
reservoir characterization tools such as contour-to-grid, water
saturation, and volumetrics
Optional geophysical operations include:

seismic mistie reduction
migration/reverse migration
time-to-depth conversion.
Mapping Features
Mapping features include the following elements:
map borders with x,y or lat/long coordinates, labels, and grid tics
English or metric units
extensive selection of map projections
posting of vertical and deviated wells
posting of seismic data with trackline, line name, shotpoint
number, and Z value
map annotation for title block, north arrow, scale, and color bars
utilities to overlay maps, assemble maps into a single display, and
copy maps
R2003.12.0 Introduction: Modeling and Mapping Capabilities 4

Mapping
You can use Z-MAP Plus to create many types of maps. This overview
covers the basic steps for creating a map. In this context, maps can be
divided into two categories: Basemaps and Grid-based maps.
Creating a Basemap
Basemaps display geographic and cultural features (culture) and other
posted information, such as seismic lines, well names and locations,
and color-filled leases. You typically use basemaps as background
maps to define the project area scope and provide geographic
orientation. You can use the basemap as a backdrop for adding other
specialized items, such as color-filled contours of grids, well top picks,
and other geological information. In Z-MAP Plus, basemaps are
displayed and stored as pictures.
Creating a basemap involves three basic steps, although each step can
have many parts. The basic steps are:
1. Attach the data you want mapped (MFD).
2. Create a blank basemap. As you crete the basemap, you also define
the maps area of interest (AOI) and scale type.
3. Add features to the map.
Making a Grid-Based Map

Grid-based maps model surfaces. Gridding is the most widely used
interpretive function in Z-MAP Plus. You can generate, refine, and edit
grids. Grids are required for the following Z-MAP Plus functions:
Generating map contours
Producing perspective (3D) displays
Drawing grid profiles (cross sections)
Performing grid operations, such as subtracting two surfaces to
calculate thickness
Volumetrics
Back interpolation (the ability to query the grid at any location and
determine a reasonable value)
R2003.12.0 Introduction: Mapping 5

Grids are used to achieve an even distribution of points based on

randomly distributed control points. You can use any of a number of
gridding methods to achieve the optimum results (such as point, trend,
line, or contour).
The general steps for creating grid-based maps are:
1. Import the source data for gridding. Data can be stored in master
files (MFDs) as data type files (DATA), other grid files (GRID
files), or contour files (CNTR files).
2. Create a grid, based on the specified input data.
3. Create a blank basemap.
4. Optional: Add features to the basemap.
5. View the map (as a contour map) or cross section.
Getting More Information

For more information, see the following topics:
For detailed instructions about creating a grid-based contour map,
see the section Contour Map Workflow, starting on page 63.
For information about refining and editing grids, see the section
More About Grids, starting on page 87.
For detailed descriptions of all the options, see the Z-MAP Plus
Reference Guide.
For information about adding basemap features, see the
browser-based help (accessible by clicking the Help button in the
Basemap Features dialog box).
R2003.12.0 Introduction: Mapping 6

Starting Z-MAP Plus
Once Z-MAP Plus is properly installed and configured, you can start it
by using any of the following interfaces:
OpenWorks Command Menu
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu
an xterm window
This topic describes each approach. Determining which approach is
right for you depends on how your environment is defined. For
complete installation instructions, see the Z-MAP Plus Installation and
Configuration Guide.
Meaning of the Term <install_dir>

In the following discussion, <install_dir> refers to the pathname to your
Z-MAP Plus installation. For example, if you install Z-MAP Plus in the directory
/home/user/ZMAPPlus, <install_dir> indicates your unique pathname /home/user.
In this example, the full pathname to the ZMAPPlus start-up script is
/home/user/ZMAPPlus/sh/ZMAPPlus.
Starting Z-MAP Plus from OpenWorks

Your home directory contains a launcher.dat filecopied during your
account setup from the $OWHOME/templates/launcher.dat file. To
start the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu from the OpenWorks Command
Menu, your OpenWorks launcher.dat file must contain the following
entry:
"ZMAPPlus/PowerView"
"ZMAPPlus 2>$HOME/run/zmap.err 1>&2 &"
R2003.12.0 Introduction: Starting Z-MAP Plus 7

If you enter the startow command in an xterrm window, the

OpenWorks Command Menu appears (if OpenWorks is properly
installed and set up).
To display the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu, select Applications

Z-MAP Plus / PowerView from the OpenWorks Command Menu.
The Z-MAP Plus Command Menu is a convenient means of access to
the applications and utilities in the Z-MAP Plus suite.
If you have not already specified a project and interpreter for the current
OpenWorks session, dialog boxes appear and prompt you to specify
these settings.

Interpreters have the access privileges assigned to them by the project

creator. Some interpreters have only read access for project files. Other
interpreters have write access, and can change the contents of project
files.
Once you select a project and interpreter, the Z-MAP Plus Command
Menu reflects these settings, as shown in the following example:
Name of the Name of the Current

OpenWorks database OpenWorks project interpreter
Select Z-MAP Plus or a related application from the Applications

menu in the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu.
Getting Information from Your System Administrator

Consult your system administrator if you need specific instructions for starting
Z-MAP Plus on your network. If you are not on a network, see the Z-MAP Plus
Installation and Configuration Guide for instructions about installing the software.

Starting Z-MAP Plus from the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu

If you operate in an X Windows environment, but do not use
OpenWorks, you can display the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu and
start Z-MAP Plus from an xterm window.
To display the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu from an xterm window,
enter the following command, where <install_dir> is the path to the
Z-MAP Plus installation directory:
<install_dir>/ZMAPPlus/sh/ZMAPPlus
The Z-MAP Plus Command Menu appears. Select Z-MAP Plus or a
related application from the Applications menu.
If you experience difficulty starting Z-MAP Plus

Delete the MappingLauncher.dat file from your home directory.
Delete the .mapinit file from your home directory.
Verify correct path to <install_dir>/ZMAPPlus/sh.
Verify that the lmgrd and licsrv LAM processes are active.
Verify that the appropriate Z-MAP Plus features are included in
the license.dat file (ZMAPPLUS, ZCL, and at least one of the
following: ZFULL, ZSEIS, or ZENG).
Adding an Alias for the Start-up Command

To make the start-up commands easier to remember and use, add them
as aliases to your .cshrc file.
Add the following line to your .cshrc file. (The change takes effect the
next time you log into your Unix account.)
alias ZMAPPlus <install_dir>/ZMAPPlus/sh/ZMAPPlus
You can now display the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu by entering:
ZMAPPlus

Getting Started
Overview
This section overviews the interface elements you use in Z-MAP Plus.
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu outlines the major menu options on
the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu.
X Windows Manager introduces the X Windows window manager
that provides the shell and icons for Z-MAP Plus windows and dialog
boxes on a Sun or SGI system.
Z-MAP Plus Windows describes the function of all three
Z-MAP Plus windows: the xterm window, the Z-MAP Plus System
Window, and the Z-MAP Plus window.
Z-MAP Plus Menu Map presents a graphic map of the options in the
Z-MAP Plus menus.
Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes shows you how to select options and use
the parameter dialog boxes to customize commands.
Conventions Used in This Guide illustrates the text highlighting
conventions you will see as you work with this guide.
Although this is basic information, it saves you time to become familiar
with the tools.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started 11


When you start Z-MAP Plus, the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu
appears, as shown in the following example.
The Z-MAP Plus Command Menu contains the following menus:

Applications Start applications in the Z-MAP Plus suite.
Utilities Start utilities for setting up or enhancing your work in
Z-MAP Plus applications.
System Display an xterm window, which you can use for
checking which directory you used to startZ-MAP Plus or
OpenWorks. This directory is known as the working directory or
project directory. You can also use the xterm window to execute
system commands.
Help Display the online guides, release notes, and
browser-based help.
If you select one of the online guides, a PDF document appears
automatically in an Adobe Acrobat Reader window.
If you select the HTML-based help, a help system appears in a
browser-based window. The HTML-based help covers the
newest parts of Z-MAP Plus. If you select the Help button or
menu option in one of the newer Z-MAP Plus windows (for
example, File Manager), an appropriate topic appears, from
which you can enter the overall help system.
The Z-MAP Plus Command Menu remains open until you select
Applications Exit to close it.
Importance of Exiting Properly

Always close applications by using the File Exit option. If you close application
windows by using the X-Windows Close option, serious problems can occur.
For brief descriptions of the options in the Applications and Utilities

menus, see the appendix starting on page 269.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Command Menu 12

X Windows Manager
Z-MAP Plus runs in an X Windows environment on Sun and SGI
workstations. X Windows provides the outer shell for Z-MAP Plus
windows and dialog boxes.You can resize and move windows. To learn
how to change the shape, size and placement of the window, move the
cursor around the window and observe the changes in the cursor.
Minimize button
Menu button
Maximize button
X Windows Buttons
The X Windows shell has three buttons (Menu, Maximize, and
Minimize), which you can use to perform some common window
operations.
Menu button
Use the Menu button to control the X Windows shell that surrounds
Z-MAP Plus windows and dialog boxes on Sun and SGI workstations.
This menu typically contains the following options: Restore, Move,
Size, Maximize, Minimize, Lower, Occupy Workspace, Occupy All
Workspaces, Unoccupy Workspace, and Close.
Never Use the X Windows Close Command to End a Session

The most important thing to remember about X Windows menu controls is never to
use the X Windows Close option to end a Z-MAP Plus session. If you use the
X Windows Close option, the Z-MAP Plus session continues to run, but you cannot
access it. Leaving a Z-MAP Plus session running prevents you from accessing
common files used each time you start Z-MAP Plus.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: X Windows Manager 13

X Windows Maximize Button

The X Windows Maximize button is in the upper right corner of a
X Windows shell (on a Sun or SGI system). Click the Maximize button
to expand the window to fill up the monitor screen. You can also
expand a window by double-clicking its title bar, then toggle back to
normal size by double-clicking again.
X Windows Minimize Button

The X Windows Minimize button is also in the upper right corner of a
X Windows shell that contains a window. Click the Minimize button to
reduce the window to an icon, like the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu
icon shown at left.
Z-MAP Plus Windows

If you start the Z-MAP Plus application, the following three windows
appear (in the order listed):
Z-MAP Plus xterm window
Z-MAP Plus window
Z-MAP Plus System Window
If you have a dual monitor system, prompts appear and ask you to
select a monitor for displaying the Z-MAP Plus window and
Z-MAP Plus System Window.
== Z-MAP Plus Main Window ==
Move the cursor to the desired screen

and press button 1 to select it.
Press button 2 to cancel
Prompt for Selecting a Display Monitor

Do not close any of the three primary windows during an ongoing
Z-MAP Plus session. You can iconify the windows by clicking the
X Windows Minimize icon, but do not close them.
Z-MAP Plus Xterm Window

When you start Z-MAP Plus, the xterm window appears first. The
Z-MAP Plus xterm window displays messages or program errors that
affect the operating system. The xterm window is rarely used in
Z-MAP Plus operations, so it is automatically iconified.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Windows 14

Z-MAP Plus System Window

The system window displays program output and diagnostic messages.
As you execute an operation in Z-MAP Plus, the system window
displays a report about the progress of the operation and actions taken
during execution. Some types of messages displayed in the system
window include:
Gridding and contour reports
File directories, listings, and statistics
Error messages
Example System Window Report

You often need to check the system window in order to verify that a
process is complete, because there may be no visual indicators in the
Z-MAP Plus window. The PROCESSING FINISHED PLEASE
CONTINUE message appears only in the system window.

Z-MAP Plus Main Window

The Z-MAP Plus window contains a menu bar at the top and a display
area in the center. Icons on the left side of the window are shortcuts to
common tasks. Icons at the top of the window are arranged in workflow
order from left to right.
The Z-MAP Plus window has three major components:
Main Menu located at the top of the window contains the options
shown in the following illustration. Click any one of these options to
display a drop-down menu or submenu. A right arrow indicates that
submenus (or cascading menus) are available. An ellipsis (...) indicates
that a dialog box appears when you select the option.
Arrow indicates submenu options
Ellipsis indicates parameter

dialog automatically appears
Menu Option Legend

The display area is primary working area for graphics. All pictures
appear in this area.
The status area is located at the bottom of the window. Watch this area
for reports of major parameter values and for prompts as you work.

Menu Bar
Workflow
Icons
Shortcut
Icons
Display Area
Status Area
The next topic is an overview of the icons. The following topic

describes the menu options.

Shortcut Icons
The left side of the Z-MAP Plus window has a number of shortcut
icons for commonly used functions. The shortcut icons are briefly
described here.
Zoom In If you click an icon, the display reacts

immediately. Most icon buttons are equivalent
Window to options on the View menu, but some icons
correspond to options on other menus, as
Zoom Out
shown at left and described below.
The Process Interrupt icon has no menu
Full Display equivalent. It interrupts an ongoing process,
such as a graphic display or gridding. The
Re-display icon is red when the action is available.
Edit menu operations:
Display List Color Table Display the current Color
Table and Edit Color Table dialog box,
Pan which you use to open, save, copy and edit
color tables.
Color Table Color Indices Display a list of graphic
elements and modify the associated colors
Color Indices or color table cells.
Raise System Undo Last Feature Immediately
Window removes the most recent feature added
Toggle Bkgrnd (such as text or contours), if no other
Color operation has been executed.
Process Redo Last Feature Restores the feature
Interrupt just deleted with Undo Last Feature, if no
Undo Last other operation was executed since
Feature deletion.
Redo Last Tools menu operations:
Feature
Raise System Window Displays the
system window in front.
Toggle Background Color Switches the
background color between black and white.

Workflow Icons
The icons in the workflow toolbar are shortcuts to some frequently used
functions. The icons are organized from left to right to roughly
approximate the order of use in a typical Z-MAP Plus workflow.
Basemap Point Save to
Attach ZGFs Picture Open Features Gridding Plus SeisWorks
View Zoom In
Attach
MFDs
View Window
View Zoom Out Open SeisWorks

Master File Directory File Manager Contouring Calculator
Data
View Full Display
Each icon has a menu option counterpart:
View Re-Display
Icon Name Corresponding Menu Option
Attach MFDs File Open MFD Open/Close

View Display List
Attach ZGFs File Open ZGF Open/Close
View Pan Master File Directory File Info Master File Directory
Picture Open File Open Picture Open

Edit Color Table
File Manager File Manager
Edit Color Indices Basemap Features Features Basemap
Tools Point Gridding Plus Modeling Point Gridding Plus
System Window
Raise Contouring Features Contouring Contour
Tools
Calculator Operations Calculator
System Switches
Open SeisWorks Data File Open SeisWorks
No menu equivalent
Edit Save to SeisWorks File Save As SeisWorks File
Graphics Editor
Undo Last Feature
Edit
Graphics Editor
Redo Last Deleted
Feature

Z-MAP Plus Menu Map

The following illustration shows the menus from the Z-MAP Plus
menu bar expanded.
Some Options Appear Dimmed

Initially, some of the options on the Main Menu appear dimmed to indicate that the
option is not available. Most of these options control the graphics display. They are
inactive until you open or create a graphics file and display a picture.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Menu Map 20

Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes

When you select an option from the menu bar, a dialog box appears and
enables you to specify parameters for the option. This topic explains
how to use the many types of dialog boxes.
Types of Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes

This topic covers the various types of dialog boxes that appear in
Z-MAP Plus:
tabbed dialog boxes
menu options
parameter
list
ordered selection
Read this topic carefully to understand how the interface works.
Tabbed Dialog Boxes

As of the release of Z-MAP Plus 2001, the most frequently used dialog
boxes were redesigned to make it easier to use some of the most
complex features. Directory Paths is an example of a tabbed dialog
box:
Tabbed dialog boxes enable you to control how a process is carried out
by grouping the parameters that control the process on different pages
with tab titles across the top. To use a tabbed dialog, click the name of a
tab and that group of parameters jumps to the foreground. Required
field labels appear in red, italic font on Tabbed dialog boxes:
Red denotes
required field
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes 21

Each of the tabbed dialog boxes is covered in depth in the

browser-based help system. You will also find definitions for the many
buttons in the help system. Use the Help Help option to display
interactive help for the tabbed dialog boxes.
Menu Options Dialog Boxes

You use the menu structure (Main Menu options along with subsequent
drop-down and cascade menu options) to define which task you want to
perform.
When you have finished selecting what you want to do from the menu
structure, a Menu Options dialog box generally appears. These dialog
boxes provide options for defining how Z-MAP Plus accomplishes a
task.
The Volumetrics dialog box used to set
up a volumetric calculation.
Highlighted Buttons are Required Selections

Anytime you see a highlighted button with the option name in italics on a red field,
this means that there are no defaults for this option. You must select the button and
set the required parameters.
In general, you should work from top to bottom on a menu options

dialog box. As you click each button, additional dialog boxes appear so
you can set the related parameters.
To close the menu options dialog box without executing the process,
click the Save button.

Using Parameter Dialog Boxes

Parameter dialog boxes come in all sizes and contain a variety of buttons
and/or fields. You use these buttons and fields to set parameters for the
task you perform.
Parameter Settings Saved Between Sessions

Parameter settings are saved in the LASPRM.ZCL and LASPRM.ZCL2 file in the
directory you used to start Z-MAP Plus. In most dialog boxes, the Save button saves
the current parameter values without executing the command.
The Parameter dialog

box used to define
general posting
parameters.
If you display a parameter dialog box, but do not want to execute the
command:
To save parameter settings, click the Save button. This closes the
parameter dialog box and saves your settings without applying
them.
If you changed settings, but do not want to save them, click the
Unlock Parameters button (if available) to reset the values to
their original settings. Next, use the Save button to close the
parameter dialog box.

Using List Dialog Boxes

List dialog boxes contain lists of information; such as data, operations,
or files. Z-MAP Plus uses two kinds of List dialog boxes:
Single List These boxes have a Cancel button, but no OK
button. You select one item from the list and the box closes
automatically.
Multiple List These boxes have both an OK and a Cancel
button. You select one or more items from the list by highlighting
the item. This type of dialog box remains open until you click OK.
Processes utilizing the direct OpenWorks connection may contain a list
of available OpenWorks grids, pointsets, or faults.
Single List with an OpenWorks connection.
Multiple List without OpenWorks.
If you make a Single List dialog box selection in error, simply re-select
the option that brings up the list and choose again. With Multiple List
dialog boxes, either click the incorrectly highlighted item to clear it or
click the Cancel button to abort the action and close the dialog box.
Appearance of Selected Items

Selected options appear in list dialog boxes in reverse color. Sometimes, list dialog
boxes appear with options selected by default. In this case, you do not click them to
select them, but rather to clear them.

Using Ordered Selection Dialog Boxes

Like list dialog boxes, ordered selection dialog boxes appear when you
need to construct a list. ordered selection dialog boxes also enable you
to set the list order.
For example, an ordered selection dialog box appears if you are
selecting fields to list in a file listing. The order of the list in the dialog
box controls the order of columns appearing in the listing.
Ordered selection dialog boxes use radio buttons, which are either
selected or cleared. Radio buttons appear highlighted when they are
selected.
You can use ordered selection dialog boxes to perform the following
actions:
append items to a list
delete items from a list
insert items into a list
Appending Items to a List
Step 1:
Click the Append radio button
Step 2:
Click an item in the
Source List to move it
into the Destination List.
Each new selection appears

at the bottom of the
Destination List.

Deleting Items from a List

Step 1: Click the Delete radio button.
Step 2:
Click the item to be removed.
The item is removed from

the Destination List.
Inserting Items Into a List

Step 1:
Click the Insert radio button.
Step 2:
Click the item in the
Destination List that
you want to place the
new item above.
Step 3:
Select the insert item in the Source List.
New Item appears in

the Destination List.

Common Features of Dialog Boxes

As you work with Z-MAP Plus, you encounter a number of common
features in dialog boxes, including:
arrow icons
check boxes
radio buttons
option menus
text and number editor fields
scroll bars
action buttons
Arrow Icons
Arrow icons appear on drop-down menus and in some dialog boxes.
These icons indicate that submenus or dialog boxes will appear if you
click the icon.
Check Boxes
Check boxes indicate options you use to make multiple choices. You
can toggle on as many check box options as you like. The example
below is a detail from the Data Selection Operation parameter dialog
box, which contains arrow buttons and check boxes.
Arrow
ON
Check Button
Boxes
OFF
Radio Buttons
Radio buttons (diamonds) indicate an either/or choice. Click a radio
button to select that item and release all others.
ON OFF

Option Lists
Option lists are indicated by raised rectangles with a label and a flip
switch. These drop-down lists typically contain multiple options you
can select.
Use option lists in either of these ways:
Press Mouse Button 1 (MB1) with the cursor located on the option
menu rectangle, drag the cursor to an option, and release the
mouse button
Click the option button once. The drop-down list remains open.
Click an option to select it.
Option Menu
before clicking
Option Menu
after clicking

Text and Number Editor Fields

Text and number editor fields are recessed rectangular fields you can use
to enter or change text or numbers.
To enter text or a number in a blank field, simply click in the field
and enter the appropriate value.
Number
Editor Field
Text Editor
Field
You can double-click a word or a number to highlight it. As you

enter a word or number, it overwrites the original one.
You can triple-click a field or drag the cursor across the entire
entry to highlight everything in the field. As you enter a word or
number, it overwrites the entire field.
Triple-Clicking
If you triple-click, all characters in the field are selected. Triple-click to be sure you
select and overwrite the entire entry in a text entry field. In some cases, the default
values in a number editor field are preceded by spaces. It may be important to
remove the preceding spaces if you enter a value that is longer than the original
value, or else some characters may not be visible in the fields display area.

Scroll Bars
Occasionally, the data displayed in a window or dialog box exceeds the
window boundaries. When this happens, you use scroll bars located
along the side or bottom of the window to shift the focus of the display.
You can use scroll bars in several ways:
Place the cursor on the scroll bar, press MB1, and slide the scroll
bar up or down, right or left. This method moves the display in a
smooth motion.
Place the cursor in the scroll bar and click MB1to move the display
in small increments.
Place the cursor beside the scroll bar and click MB2 to jump-scroll
the display in greater increments.
If arrows are located above or below the scroll bar, click an arrow
to move the list one item at a time or press MB1 on an arrow to
scroll continuously.
Scroll
Bar

Action Buttons
The following table describes common buttons used in Z-MAP Plus.
Button Function
Apply Accepts your selections and performs the process, but leaves the dialog
box open. This option enables you to see the results of the process
before the dialog box closes.
Cancel Discards your selections, reverts to the original settings, and closes the
dialog box.
Delete Removes selected (highlighted) information from a list or from the

display area.
Help Offers either a link to the Table of Contents of the reference guide that
covers the topic or a browser HELP system with information about a
specific process or dialog.
OK Performs the operation and closes the dialog box.
Reset Discards your selections and reverts to the original settings, but leaves
the dialog box open.
Save Preserves any changed settings in the LASPRM.ZCL or LASPRM.ZCL2

file and closes the dialog box, but does not execute the process.You
cannot undo a save. If you click Save, the changes are saved to the
session file immediately.
OK Executes and closes dialog box.

Apply Executes and leaves dialog box
open.
Save Saves parameters and closes dialog
box.
Cancel Cancels parameters and closes
dialog box.
Help Displays help.
Dialog Button Definitions

Tabbed Dialog Boxes Use Additional Buttons

The tabbed dialog boxes use additional buttons to give you more control. For
example, the Basemap Features tabbed dialog also uses Reset All, Unlock All,
Save All and Apply All buttons that effect every tab on this large dialog. For each
tabbed dialog box, browser-based help is available. Click the Help button in the
dialog box to display the help system.
Conventions Used in This Guide

Throughout this guide, the following conventions are used to explain
how to use Z-MAP Plus features.
Menu options and button names are printed in boldface,

Menu Options
for example, the Apply button or the File menu.
enter: Text that you are required to enter from the keyboard
redfault appears in a different typeface (Courier). Enter exactly
what you see.
enter: A different typeface (Courier Italics) indicates
filename that you must supply information. At this instruction, for
example, enter the name of the file.
<key> Press the indicated key on the keyboard.
R2003.12.0 Getting Started: Conventions Used in This Guide 32

Z-MAP Plus Basics
Overview
This section describes the files and data the program uses to create
maps and explains how to manage them. This section contains the
following topics:
MFDs and ZGFs Describes the Master File Directories (MFDs)
and Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs) unique to Z-MAP Plus. All the files
you create in Z-MAP Plus are stored in these two directories. It
explains what these special files contain, how to name the files, create
them and delete them.
Directory Paths Explains how to designate the paths where the
computer accesses and stores your files.
Input File Formats Describes the basic format of the flat ASCII
files used to import data, such as well or seismic data. Also included is
an introduction to the Format Group headers used to define the
structure of your data files to Z-MAP Plus.
Managing Data Offers tips to help you manage the many files
associated with any Z-MAP Plus session and the fields within those
files.
Project Organization Explains the project directory and offers
two models for organizing projects.
Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks Explores the relationship of
Z-MAP Plus to OpenWorks in more detail.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics 33

MFDs and ZGFs

The program stores the information and graphics used to create maps
and cross sections in two unique types of files: Master File Directories
(MFDs) and Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs). These files are binary and
can only be read by specific applications and utilities.
MFDs and ZGFs work together to create a map or cross section. For
example, a single contour map uses many types of files to create the
finished product, which may include a grid file, a fault file, seismic line
interpretations (from a data file), and well interpretations (from another
data file). All of these files can be stored in a single MFD or in multiple
MFDs. The contour map itself is stored in a picture file that is part of a
ZGF. You use MFDs and ZGFs together in a Z-MAP Plus session.
Internal and External Files

You can list MFDs and ZGFs by entering an ls command at an xterm
prompt. These files are visible components of your systems file
system, so they are known as external files. You can use commands at
an xterm prompt to perform the following operations on MFDs and
ZGFs: open, move, copy, or locate a file name.
The files contained in MFDs and ZGFs are known as internal files.
To view the contents of an MFD or ZGF, use Z-MAP Plus or
OpenWorks. To view the contents of an MFD or ZGF in Z-MAP Plus,
perform one of the following tasks in the Z-MAP Plus window:
Select File Info Master File Directory or click the Master
File Directory icon. The FILE DIRECTORY dialog box appears,
which you use to set up and generate a report about the contents of
an MFD. The specified report appears in the system window and
displays information about the files in the MFD.
Click the Picture Open icon. In the dialog box that appears, view
a list of pictures in the attached ZGF.
Select File Manager or click the File Manager icon, and use
the File Manager dialog box to view the contents of MFDs and
ZGFs. (For more information, see page 51.)
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: MFDs and ZGFs 34

Master File Directory (MFD)

Z-MAP Plus uses MFDs to manage the large amounts of data needed to
create maps. The internal files in an MFD can store the following types
of data:
Type of MFD Internal

Stored in OpenWorks as:
Information File Type
Contour data CNTR Contour Set
Control points DATA Pointset

(well picks,
seismic lines, etc.)
Deviated well DWEL Pointset
Grids GRID Grid
Faults FALT Fault Centerline Set (for faults with dip

angle, heave, or throw fields)
Fault Polygon Set (for all other faults,
including vertical faults or unclosed
polygons)
Selected line LSLT Pointset

name file
Posted line name LPST Pointset

file
Seismic section SSEC Pointset
Text TEXT Pointset
Line data VERT Pointset
Well log data WLOG Pointset
Cross section data XSEC Pointset
As you can see, many of the files typically contained in an MFD can
also be stored in OpenWorks. OpenWorks stores the files generated in
Z-MAP Plus as pointsets, grids, or faults. MFDs cannot be stored in
OpenWorks.

MFDs have the following important features:

You can attach a maximum of four MFDs to a Z-MAP Plus
session. By attaching an MFD, you make the MFD contents
available for use in Z-MAP Plus. Some lists in dialog boxes
represent the contents of the currently attached MFDs. The data
needed to create a map can be distributed among multiple MFDs.
Z-MAP Plus automatically provides an additional scratch MFD to
store temporary or intermediate files. The scratch MFD exists in
RAM only temporarily. The contents of the scratch MFD are
deleted if you create an MFD, attach or detach an existing MFD, or
exit from Z-MAP Plus.
A single MFD can store a maximum of 3,000 files in many
different file types. To improve performance, however, you should
limit the size of MFDs.
Each file in an MFD is composed of one or more fields.
Z-MAP Plus supports over 60 different types of MFD file fields.
The names of MFDs must follow Unix file naming conventions.
For example, an MFD name cannot contain empty spaces and is
case-sensitive.
File names in an MFD can contain a maximum of 24 characters
(including blank spaces). Field names in an MFD have a
20-character limit.
If you delete a file from an MFD, the program does not reclaim the
disk space the file occupied unless you compress the MFD. Use
the File Compress Master File (MFD) to compress MFDs.
Z-MAP Plus creates a lock file (named mfd_name.LCK) to prevent
multiple users from using the same MFD simultaneously. The
.LCK file is automatically deleted when you exit from Z-MAP Plus
or detach the MFD. (If you end the Z-MAP Plus session
improperly, you may need to delete the .LCK file at an xterm
prompt so you can regain access to the locked MFD.)
MFDs are external files, so you can use standard file access
commands to give other users read-only access to them. In this
case, other users can read the MFDs but cannot add files to them.
Lock files are not created for read-only MFDs. To create a
read-only MFD, use the chmod 444 mfd_name.MFD
command at an xterm prompt.
To familiarize yourself with common Unix commands, see Appendix
C. Unix Primer starting on page 255.

Attaching or Detaching MFDs

To make the contents of an MFD available for read and write
operations in the current Z-MAP Plus session, attach an MFD to the
session. For example, if a projects field data is stored in three MFDs
and you want to map the entire project, attach all three MFDs. You can
attach a maximum of four MFDs to a Z-MAP Plus session.
To attach or detach an MFD, follow these steps:
1. Select File Open MFD Open/Close or click the Attach
MFDs icon in the Z-MAP Plus window.
The Open/Close MASTER FILES dialog box appears and lists the
MFDs in the currently specified MFD directory paths. (For
information about specifying directory paths, see page 46.)
2. Click to select the names of the MFDs you want to attach. Select
no more than four MFDs.
3. Click OK.
The selected MFD(s) are attached to the Z-MAP Plus session and
the dialog box closes. The names of attached MFDs appear in the
status area at the bottom of the window.
To detach an MFD, follow the same steps, but clear the highlighting
from the MFD names that you want to detach. Click OK to detach the
selected MFD(s) and close the dialog box.

Creating MFDs
To create an MFD, follow these steps:
1. Select File New Master File (MFD) in the Z-MAP Plus
window. The CREATE MASTERFILE dialog box appears.
2. Enter a name for the MFD in the Enter New MASTER FILE Name
dialog box. If you do not include the .MFD extension at the end of
the file name, it is added automatically.
3. Click OK. The MFD is created and the CREATE MASTERFILE
dialog box closes.
Internal Master File Name

Do not use the current Internal MASTER FILE Name value as the name for the
new MFD. By default, the Internal MASTER FILE Name that is assigned is the
name specified in the New MASTER FILE Name box.

Deleting MFDs
To permanently remove an MFD from your file system, follow these
steps:
1. To locate the directory that contains the MFD you want to delete,
enter the cd DirectoryName command from an xterm
prompt.
2. Use the ls command to list the contents of the directory.
3. To delete the MFD, use the rm mfd_name.MFD command. File
names are case-sensitive.
Be Careful When You Remove MFDs

The rm command is permanent. If you accidentally remove an MFD that
contains a file you need, you can restore the file only if you or your system
administrator have made a backup copy.
Managing Internal Files in MFDs

You can use the File Manager to move internal files between MFDs,
cut, copy, paste, and rename internal files. You can also compress and
rename MFDs in the File Manager.
To display the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box, select File
Manager in the Z-MAP Plus window.
Reclaiming Disk Space by Using the Compress Command

If you delete files from an MFD, the space the files occupied is not reclaimed until
you run the Compress option.
To see step-by-step instructions for using the File Manager, click the
Help button in the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box.

Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs)

Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs) can contain the following types of
picture files:
Basemaps
Cross sections
Presentation maps
Three-dimensional displays
ZGFs contain the graphic information needed to draw the features of
maps and cross sections. The features determine how the cross section
or map appears in the Z-MAP Plus window display area or in a
hardcopy plot. Features contain components (also called primitives),
which have attributes.
Contours
1. Line
Labels A. Line Style
1. Text B. Color
A. Text Font
B. Color
2. Line (Hash Marks)
A. Line Style
B. Color
Color Scale
North Arrow 1. Line
1. Line A. Line Style
A. Line Style B. Color
B. Color 2. Text
A. Text Font
2. Symbol B. Color
A. Color 3. Polygon
A. Line Style
B. Color
Scale Bar
1. Line
A. Line Style Title Block
B. Color 1. Line
2. Text A. Color
B. Line Style
A. Text Font 2. Text
B. Color A. Color
B. Text Font
Legend
Feature
1. Component/Primitive ZGF Features, Components, and Attributes
A. Attribute
B. Attribute

ZGFs have the following important features:

You can have only one ZGF attached to a Z-MAP Plus session at a
time.
ZGFs have a hierarchal structure that facilitates graphic editing.
One ZGF can store multiple pictures (representations of maps
or cross sections).
Each picture consists of one or more features, such as a
border, border labels, contours, and posted control points.
Each feature consists of one or more graphical components.
The possible components are lines, text, symbols, and
polygons. For example, the contours feature has a line
component (contour lines) and a text component (contour
labels).
Each component has one or more attributes, such as line style,
text font, and color.
ZGFs have no size restriction. A ZGF automatically increases in
size if you add pictures to it or add features to existing pictures.
Picture files can become enormous, so it is best to perform regular
maintenance.
You typically create a ZGF to accompany the data in a particular
MFD, and you give the ZGF a name that is similar to the MFD
name. For example, you could create Sample1.ZGF to accompany
Sample1.MFD.

Attaching or Detaching ZGFs

To make the pictures in a ZGF available for read and write operations,
attach the ZGF to the Z-MAP Plus session. You can have only one ZGF
attached to the session at any one time. If you attach another ZGF, the
previously attached ZGF is detached automatically.
When to Detach a ZGF

Detach a ZGF to make it safely available for write operations in another Z-MAP Plus
session or before you run an operation on one of the ZGFs maps in the Overpost
Resolution (New) utility.
If you fail to detach the parent ZGF before you perform overpost resolution on a map,
other Z-MAP Plus programs and users who have write access to the ZGF can try to
write to the file at the same time your write operation runs, which may corrupt the
ZGF.
To attach or detach a ZGF, follow these steps:

1. In the Z-MAP Plus window, select File Open ZGF Open/
Close or click the Attach ZGFs icon (shown at left).
The Open a GRAPHICS FILE dialog box appears and displays a
list of all the ZGFs stored in the sessions currently specified
directory paths. (For information about specifying directory paths,
see page 46.)
2. Click the fully qualified name of the ZGF you want to attach.
(Since you can attach only one ZGF to the session at a time, the
selection you make replaces any previous selection.)
The highlighted ZGF (if any) is attached and the dialog box closes
immediately. The name of the attached ZGF appears in the status
area at the bottom of the window, as shown in the following
example.
status area

Creating ZGFs
To create a ZGF, follow these steps:
1. Select File New Graphics File (ZGF) in the Z-MAP Plus
window. The Specify New GRAPHICS FILE Name dialog
appears.
2. Enter a name for the ZGF in the Enter New GRAPHICS FILE
Name box. If you do not include the .ZGF extension at the end of
the file name, the program adds it automatically.
3. Click OK. The ZGF is created, the Specify New GRAPHICS

FILE Name dialog box closes, and the name of the attached ZGF
appears in the status area at the bottom of the Z-MAP Plus
window.
ZGF Access
OpenWorks does not store ZGFs. You can import ZGFs in several Landmark
applications, such as SeisWorks and StratWorks.

Deleting ZGFs
To permanently delete a ZGF from your file system, follow these steps:
1. To locate the directory that contains the ZGF you want to delete,
enter the cd DirectoryName command at an xterm prompt.
2. To list the contents of the directory, enter the ls command.
3. To delete a ZGF, enter the rm zgf_name.ZGF command.
Capitalize the file name correctlyfile names are case sensitive.
Warning: The rm Command Removes Files Permanently

The rm command is permanent. If you accidentally remove a ZGF that contains a
file you need, you can restore the file only if you or your system administrator have
made a backup copy.
Managing Internal Files in a ZGF

You can use the File Manager to transfer pictures between ZGFs, cut,
copy, paste, and rename pictures. You can also compress and rename
ZGFs.
To display the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box, select File
Manager in the Z-MAP Plus window.
Reclaiming Disk Space with the Compress Option

If you delete pictures from a ZGF, the space the picture files occupied is not
reclaimed until you run the Compress operation.
For step-by-step instructions about using the File Manager, click the
Help button in the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box.

File and Picture Internal Organization

Although file (MFD) and picture (ZGF) data are stored in separate
system-level files, the two share a similar hierarchy and work
hand-in-hand in Z-MAP Plus.
Z-MAP Plus File Organization
External Files
MFDs ZGFs
INTERNAL INTERNAL
FILES FILES
GRID DATA CNTR FALT VERT PICTURE1 PICTURE2 PICTUREn
FIELDS PICTURE
FEATURES
LINE NAME SHOT # X Y Z BORDERS LABELS CONTOURS ...
TEXT FONT COLOR LINE STYLE

ATTRIBUTES etc.

Directory Paths
The directory you use to start Z-MAP Plus or OpenWorks is the
working directory (by entering the ZMAPPlus or startow
command). The program saves files to the working directory by default.
To specify paths to other frequently used directories, use the File
Directory Paths option. The files in these paths are included in the
dialog box lists that you use to specify input data. Directory Paths
values also determine the default location for output files you create.
Tabs in the Directory Paths Dialog Box

The important points to remember about directory paths are
You can define directory paths for seven types of files:
Master files (.MFD)
Graphic files (.ZGF)
Data files (.DAT)
Session files (.ZCLPARMS)
Format files (.FMT)
Color table files (.TBL)
Macro files (.ZCLMAC)
Each tab has settings to specify a maximum of four input
directories and one output directory for a specific file type. The
program uses the input directories to build lists of accessible input
files. New files are saved in the specified output directory for each
file type. (If you leave the output directory blank, the program
writes output files to the working directory.)
Macro files are an exception. Macro files have four input
directories (to locate user-supplied macros) and no output
directory.
Specify the directory paths at the beginning of each session to
establish the location of your files.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Directory Paths 46

Input File Formats
Data File Format

The quality of the maps you create is greatly dependent on the correct
format of the input data files. This topic overviews data file format and
defines the difference between fields and records in data files.
Z-MAP Plus imports data from ASCII disk files, which store the data in
fixed columns called fields.
Example of a Three Field

layout for an ASCII Disk
File
NOTE: An input disk file

would not have titles or
field headers. The
headings are shown for
reference only in this
example.
One record
One field
To create a map from a data file, the file must contain x (easting), y
(northing), and Z field data. The x,y coordinates provide the areal data
used to locate the point; the Z-field(s) can be used to provide many
other types of measurements, such as depth, thickness, and oil/water
contact. Essentially, Z-fields contain any quantifiable information you
choose.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Input File Formats 47

When preparing or importing data, it is important to remember the

following guidelines.
The fields of information must be arranged in fixed-column
positions.
Each record in the file can contain up to 255 characters.
The file can have up to 10 physical lines per logical record.
As a general rule, records within a file should not contain blanks,
since the import process can confuse blanks with null or ZNON
data values.
All numeric values must contain a decimal value or be right-
justified in their column position.
What are Physical Lines and Logical Records?

A physical line is a single line of data in the input ASCII disk file. A
logical record is a collection of fields that may occupy more than one
physical line in the file, but that relates to one x,y location.
one physical line
A logical record
containing two
physical lines
one field
Two Logical Records Occupying Four Physical Lines
To learn more about the format of files you can import to Z-MAP Plus,
see Appendix D. Import/Export in the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
This appendix lists the format of all types of files stored in MFDs (such
as DATA, FALT, and VERT)

Format Groups
Format definitions for ASCII data file are known as format groups. To
import an ASCII file into Z-MAP Plus, you must specify an existing
format group that describes the type of data in the file. If an appropriate
format group does not exist, you must build one.
Overview of Format Groups

Format groups describe file structures rather than specific files, so you
can use them to import more than one input ASCII disk file.
Each format group supplies information including the following
information types:
Type of internal file being imported
Names of fields on the file
Column position of the fields in the input file
ZNON values
Format information for file listing and exporting
What is a ZNON Value?

True indeterminate values, called ZNONs, are indicated by a special number that
should be well outside the range of your data values. The default ZNON
value is 0.1E+31.

Where is the Format Group Located?

The format group may not exist for the data structure of the ASCII file
you want to use. If the format group exists, it can be stored in one of two
places:
At the top of the input ASCII disk file
In a format file
Format files are ASCII disk files that can contain one or more format
groups. You can build or edit format files with a standard system text
editor (such as vi, or emacs). They are useful when multiple users access
different standardized format groups repeatedly, or when you re-use the
same format groups many times for different input ASCII disk files.
Following is an example of a format file containing two format groups.
Format group
describing
fault data
Format group
describing
seismic data
For more information about format groups and how to work with them,
see the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide section File.

Managing Data
You can quickly generate a surprising number of data files (each with
multiple fields) in Z-MAP Plus. It is important to know how to manage
large volumes of data. Some of the files may have been useful as
intermediate steps toward a final output, but then become obsolete.
Other files may be mistakes. This topic briefly describes some utilities
you can use to manage files and the fields they contain.
File Manager
Select File Manager or click the File Manager icon to display the
Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box. You can use the File Manager to
cut, copy, move, delete, and rename virtually every type of file or
picture you use in Z-MAP Plus, whether it is stored in an MFD, ZGF,
or in OpenWorks. You can also compress and rename MFDs and ZGFs
on-the-fly. The File Manager dialog box does not completely replace
the functionality of the File menu options described in the following
topics, but it greatly simplifies many common file management tasks.
Step-by-step instructions for using File Manager are accessible by
clicking the Help button in the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box.
File Utilities
The File menu contains the following options for managing internal
files on attached MFDs, the attached ZGF, the scratch MFD, and on
OpenWorks: files
Copy Copies any type of internal file (such as DATA, GRID,
FALT, or VERT) from an MFD or the scratch file into another
MFD. You can also copy a picture from one ZGF to another.
Rename Renames an existing internal file in a ZGF or MFD by
copying it to a new file with a unique name, then deleting the
original file.
Delete Removes internal files of any type from an attached
MFD, attached ZGF, or the scratch file. This option does not delete
files from OpenWorks. To delete OpenWorks files, use the Map
Data Manage utility supplied with OpenWorks.
Compress Deleting internal files from an MFD or pictures
from a ZGF does not automatically reduce the size of the MFD or
ZGF. The unused space is not reclaimed until you use the File
Compress option.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Managing Data 51

To View a List of Files in an MFD or ZGF

To view the results of a Copy, Rename, or Delete operation, select
File Info Master File Directory, click the Master File
Directory icon, or the File/Picture Information option. The system
window displays a list of the files in the attached MFD(s) or ZGF.
Field Utilities
To manage file fields, use the utilities accessible by selecting
Operations Data Operations Fields in the Z-MAP Plus
window-. The four most commonly used utilities are:
Copy Only Selected Fields
Enables you to produce a new file that contains only selected
fields, modified as specified.
Copy Original Fields and Add Additional Fields
Produces a new file that contains all the input file fields, plus the
selected fields modified as specified.
Rename Fields
Enables you to rename an existing field in a file.
Delete Fields
Deletes fields from an existing file.
To View a List of Fields in a Data File

To view the results of any of these actions, use the File Info
File Listing option. This option displays a list of a files fields and their
values to the system window. As you can imagine, this tool is very
handy in many situations when you need to check the contents of a data
file.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Managing Data 52

Project Organization
Proper project organization can make it easier for you to find and access
project data and easier for others to maneuver through the project.
However, before looking at project organization, you must understand
the concept of a project directory. This topic familiarizes you with the
concept of a project directory, includes a review of two models for
project organization, and discusses project files in more detail.
Project Directory
Every project has a base directory called the project directory. The
project directory is the directory on your system you used to start
Z-MAP Plus or OpenWorks. The project directory is also known as the
working directory.
All of the disk files for a project do not have to exist in the project
directory, but the parameter files for the project (most notably
LASPRM.ZCL) must exist in this directory. When you start Z-MAP Plus
from this directory, the LASPRM.ZCL file and other parameter files are
used to ensure that Z-MAP Plus is configured to match your most recent
session. If no LASPRM.ZCL file exists in the project directory, the
program copies a blank LASPRM.ZCL file into the directory.
Session or Parameter Files

Most commands enable you to set variables that define or control the way the
command is executed. These variables are also called parameters. To make working
with the program easier, the program automatically stores your parameter settings
for each Z-MAP Plus session in the LASPRM.ZCL file, located in your project
directory. Next time you start a Z-MAP Plus session, the settings in this file are
restored.
Some users save special parameter files to define settings for a project. This can be
an easy way to keep consistency across the entire project. The following options can
be used to manage parameter or session files:
File New Session Creates a session file with the specified name.
File Open Session Opens a session file you previously saved.
File Save Session As Saves the current settings to a new session file.
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Project Organization 53

Finding the Project Directory

If you plan to start Z-MAP Plus from an xterm prompt, first use the
command cd (change directories) to move to the directory you want to
use as the project directory, then start Z-MAP Plus. You can use the
Unix command pwd to determine the present working directory.
If you start Z-MAP Plus from the OpenWorks Command Menu, the
project directory (or working directory) is the directory you used to start
OpenWorks. This is typically your home login directory.
If you are currently running Z-MAP Plus, you can find the project
directory from the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu by selecting
System Unix Window. A new xterm window appears and shows
your current directory at the prompt.
If you are unsure of the location of your Z-MAP Plus project directory,
ask your system administrator.
Managing Project Directories

It may be desirable to have a separate project directory for every
Z-MAP Plus project. This way, each project retains its own session
(parameter) files in a unique directory. However, if you do run
Z-MAP Plus from the same project directory for every project, you can
use the File Save Session As option to save your parameter settings
to a unique file name. Then you can restore the session files with the
Open Session option.

Two Models for Organizing Projects

Here are two models for organizing Z-MAP Plus projects:
The simple model, where
- all external disk files related to the project are collected in the
project directory
the project uses a single MFD for data and a single ZGF for
pictures, possibly with an OpenWorks connection, if desired
The complex model, where
- external disk files are spread across the computers file
systems
the project uses multiple MFDs and ZGFs for data and picture
storage, possibly with an OpenWorks connection, if desired
There are innumerable gradations between the simple and complex
models, and you have complete control over which model you use.
Generally, using the simple model is easiest to manage. However, if you
are using the complex model, consider the following suggestions:
With a very large project, you may wish to subdivide it so that
MFDs contain only data for sub-areas, so you could have an MFD
for DATA files, one for FALT files, one for GRID files, and so on.
You may have more than one ZGF. For example, you may wish to
have one ZGF for working pictures and one for final pictures.
You may only have read access to many of the data files you need
for your project. These files can be stored in common disk
locations and be accessed by other Z-MAP Plus users. When
external disk files are spread across different directories, use the
options in the Directory Paths dialog box to specify the directory
locations.

Managing Project Files

Besides the OpenWorks database, there are two types of project files:
External disk files
Internal member files or picture files
This topic offers suggestions for managing both of these file types.
Managing External Project Disk Files

The following table lists and describes the files associated with a
Z-MAP Plus project:
File Name Purpose
<filename>.MFD Manages all types of Z-MAP Plus datasets
<filename>.ZGF Manages Z-MAP Plus pictures
<filename>.FMT Contains descriptions of datasets to be imported into

Z-MAP Plus
<filename>.DAT Contains an ASCII dataset to import into Z-MAP Plus
<filename>.TBL Contains a Z-MAP Plus color table file
<filename>.ZCLPARM Contains a Z-MAP Plus parameter file

S
LASPRM.ZCL Contains the parameter file accessed at the start of

each session
POSMEM4_0 Remembers your window positions from

session-to-session
VOLUMES.OUT Contains output from the Z-MAP Plus volumetrics

operation
When you manage these files, consider the following suggestions:

Name these files with standard Unix file naming conventions, such
as no spaces in the file name, case-sensitive titles, long file names.
Use descriptive file names, so that others can tell what these files
contain.
Flowchart your project ahead of time, and plan all file names,
including external and internal files.
Do not change MFD, ZGF, ZCLPARMS, ZCLMAC, DAT, FMT,
or TBL file extensions on disk files. These are standard file
extensions that enable the system to display proper lists in dialog
boxes.

Managing Internal Files

Internal files consist of MFD member files and ZGF pictures. When
working with these files, consider the following suggestions:
An internal file automatically receives a version number if you do
not supply a unique name for it. Use a unique, descriptive name for
each file and avoid version numbers.
The program never destroys old internal files unless you instruct it
to do so. You should regularly delete files (perhaps daily during an
intense project) by selecting File Delete or by using the
Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box.
The newest files always appear at the bottom of list dialog boxes.
You can tell the order in which files were generated their position
in the list.
Always write intermediate files to the SCRATCH FILE, so that
you do not have to delete them later. They are automatically
deleted when you exit Z-MAP Plus or when you attach or detach
an MFD.
As you add and delete features from ZGF pictures or you delete
entire pictures, the disk space occupied by the deleted data is not
reclaimed until you compress the graphics file. For this reason,
ZGFs can become quite large. To reclaim unused disk space from
ZGFs, select File Compress (or click the File Manager
Compress MFD/ZGF icon).
Similarly, MFDs do not get smaller automatically. When you
delete an internal member file from an MFD, the disk space
occupied by the MFD stays the same. Use File Compress to
remove unused disk space from MFDs.
File Manager
Use the Z-MAP Plus File Manager dialog box to delete files and pictures, and to
compress MFDs and ZGFs.

Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks

If you use OpenWorks with Z-MAP Plus, you are directly connected
with the OpenWorks project data. You do not need to perform special
import and export operations to retrieve and send data to OpenWorks.
This topic briefly overviews OpenWorks and the connection between
OpenWorks and Z-MAP Plus.
Overview of OpenWorks
OpenWorks manages project data in tables, and includes utilities for
importing, exporting, managing, and displaying the data.
An Oracle relational data structure is the foundation of OpenWorks. The
Oracle database is composed of tables that group related information.
You can join tables by common fields, extending the number of
relationships you can establish between datasets.
PDEN_HEADER
PDEN_HEADER - Associates production with
with object production
Associates that reportedrecord
volume
with producer.
COLUMN NULL K DATA REFERENCE The PDEN_HEADER table is the parent of:
PDEN_VOL_REC
PDEN_ID N P NUM PDEN_GAS_ANALYSIS
VC_ZONE
PDEN_TYPE N P CHAR VC_ZONE
VC_ZONE
PDEN_GAS_ANALYSIS
PDEN_VOL_REC
Production volume record over a
specific time.
COLUMN NULL K DATA REFERENCE
PDEN_ID N P NUM PDN_HEADER

They share the PDEN_ID key field
which ties them together. PERIOD_ N P CHAR
TYPE
VOL_END_
DATE
OpenWorks Tables Link Together with Key Fields
R2003.12.0 Z-MAP Plus Basics: Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks 58

OpenWorks stores four kinds of data that you can use in Z-MAP Plus:
Pointsets Contain X, Y, and Z-value fields. Pointsets are similar
to Z-MAP Plus DATA files. Z-MAP Plus VERT (digitized lines)
and DWEL (digitized well traces) files are also stored in
OpenWorks as pointsets.
Building a DWEL File from OpenWorks Wells

If you have an OpenWorks connection established in Z-MAP Plus, when you
select the Features Deviated Wells Select Data option, Z-MAP Plus
reads position logs from the OpenWorks database.
Grids Grids are evenly distributed points that are estimates of

an attribute (Z-value) over an area. Grids are similar to GRID files
in Z-MAP Plus.
Faults Faults define fault polygons or lines associated with a
Surface in OpenWorks. Faults are similar to FALT files in
Z-MAP Plus.
Contours Contours are digitized in a two-field format. Contour
files are similar to CNTR files in Z-MAP Plus.
CNTR Files and OpenWorks

In order to delete a CNTR file from OpenWorks, you must use SQL (the
database language) commands. For this reason, file management may be
difficult.
When you store CNTR files in OpenWorks, also remember that CNTR file
sizes expand when they are imported to OpenWorks.

Using the Z-MAP Plus - OpenWorks Connection
If you run Z-MAP Plus in conjunction with OpenWorks, Z-MAP Plus

and OpenWorks are interactive. This topic describes how to perform
these tasks:
Selecting input files from the current OpenWorks project
Saving files to the current OpenWorks project
For information about starting Z-MAP Plus from the OpenWorks
Command Menu, see page 7.
Selecting Input files from OpenWorks

In Z-MAP Plus, you can perform functions by using input pointsets,
grids, faults, and contours that are stored in MFDs or in the OpenWorks
project.
Z-MAP Plus
file listing
OpenWorks
file listing
The upper list contains data files stored in an MFD. The lower list
contains the available data in the current OpenWorks project. The
OpenWorks data is in a table with the key field name at the top of the
columns. Here is an explanation of some OpenWorks key field terms:
Geo Name Specification of the geological surface or
stratigraphic unit associated with the feature in OpenWorks.
Geo Type Indication of whether the Geo Name is a surface or
stratigraphic unit, or fault.
Data Set Name Name of the feature, analogous to an internal
file name in Z-MAP Plus.

Attribute Descriptive field, which may be used in addition to

the Data Set Name. For grids, it represents the Z-field in a
Z-MAP Plus dataset that was used to generate the grid.
Type Internal file type of the feature.
Interp Assigned interpreter in the OpenWorks database.
SORT ORDER and MODE Hierarchal sort order for the
OpenWorks part of the input list. Default means the list is sorted
by Geo Name. To change the sort order, select Tools OW Sort
Order in the Z-MAP Plus window.
Saving Files to OpenWorks

You can create data (such as pointsets, grids, faults, and contours) and
store the data files in the OpenWorks project. The following example
shows the OpenWorks option being chosen as the destination for a file
created in Z-MAP Plus.
Once you select OpenWorks to store the output, the OW button next to
the Output File Name option becomes active. When you click the OW
button, an OpenWorks Output Specification dialog box appears:

With this dialog box, you can fill out the information that OpenWorks
requires to properly store the grid, pointset, contour or fault data in the
database. Defaults are based on the input data. For example, the Map
Data Set Name defaults to a letter that represents the type of data output,
a time stamp, and the first part of the input data set name. Once stored
in the database, you have immediate access to the data. The previous
dialog box showed an example of storing a pointset in the OpenWorks
database. As you can see from the following picture, the pointset
becomes immediately available as potential input for another
Z-MAP Plus operation.
Managing OpenWorks Files in the File Manager

The File Manager is designed to make it simple and fast to manage OpenWorks
files. Use the File Manager to move, copy, cut, or delete files stored in OpenWorks.

Contour Map Workflow

This section describes the steps in the following example workflow:
Start Z-MAP Plus (pg 64).
Select File Directory Paths.

In the dialog box that appears, set the paths for master files (MFDs),
graphic files (ZGFs), and source data files (pg 65).
Create an MFD (File New Master File (MFD) or attach/detach up to 4

existing MFDs (File Open MFD Open/Close) (pg 65).
Select File Import ASCII Import.

If you are creating an MFD, import one or more source files. This is the
data used to create the map. If you attached an existing MFD, the data
files may already be available (pg 66).
Create a grid based on the data by using a gridding method from the
Modeling menu (pg 67).
Create a graphic file (File New Graphics File (ZGF) or attach an

existing graphics file (File Open ZGF Open/Close) (pg 72).
Select File New Basemap

to create a blank basemap (pg 73).
Select Features Basemap

to add features to the map, such as North Arrow and border (pg 84).
Display data by using Features menu options.

To see the well symbols, choose either X,Y,Z Point Data or Deviated Wells.
To see seismic lines, choose 2D or 3D Seismic (pg 85).
Select Features Contouring

to create and view the contour map of the grid (pg 85).
Exit Z-MAP Plus by selecting File Exit. (pg 85).
R2003.12.0 Contour Map Workflow 63

Workflow Steps
1. Start Z-MAP Plus

You can run Z-MAP Plus in standalone mode (without running
OpenWorks) or in conjunction with OpenWorks:
Standalone To run Z-MAP Plus in standalone mode, do not

display the OpenWorks Command Menu. Display the
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu and select
Applications Z-MAP Plus from the Z-MAP Plus
Command Menu. If you need more information about
this step, consult your system administrator.
OpenWorks To use Z-MAP Plus with OpenWorks, select
Applications Z-MAP Plus/PowerView from the
OpenWorks Command Menu. The Z-MAP Plus
Command Menu appears.
If you run Z-MAP Plus with OpenWorks, dialog boxes appear and
prompt you to specify a project and interpreter (if you do not already
have these settings specified). Once these settings are made,
Z-MAP Plus opens. In each dialog box, highlight your choice, then
click OK:
R2003.12.0 Contour Map Workflow: Workflow Steps 64

Managing Z-MAP Plus Files Stored in OpenWorks

Use OpenWorks file management commands to move or delete any Z-MAP Plus
files stored in OpenWorks. For more details, select File Management Map
Data Manager in OpenWorks.
2. Set Directory Paths

Before you begin a session, it is best to set directory paths so the
program can make the appropriate source files accessible and will know
where to store files you create.
To set directory paths for the various types of Z-MAP Plus files, select
File Directory Paths in the Z-MAP Plus window.
3. Attach a Master File

You can either create a master file (MFD) (File New Master file
(MFD)) or attach an existing MFD (File Open MFD Open/
Close). You can attach a maximum of four MFDs in a session. The
MFDs contain the information you need to construct a map.
To attach existing MFDs, follow these steps:
1. Attach an existing MFD by selecting File Open
MFD Open/Close, or by clicking the Attach MFDs icon:
The Open/Close MASTER FILES dialog box appears.

2. Highlight MFDs in the dialog box list (to a maximum of four). If

you select more than four MFDs, only the first four are used.
3. Click OK to attach the MFDs and close the dialog box.

4. The name of the attached MFDs appear in the status area.
Detaching MFDs
To detach an MFD, use the same steps, but click the highlighted file
name to detach it; then click OK to close the dialog box.
4. Select the Data File

Select the ASCII file that contains the data you want to map or model,
by selecting File Import ASCII (Import). In the IMPORT
FILES dialog box that appears, locate the file, specify its format, and
give it an internal name.

5. Create a Grid
This example uses Point Gridding Plus to create a grid. Select
Modeling Point Gridding Plus or click the Point Gridding Plus
icon to display the Point Gridding Plus dialog box.
You must grid x,y,z data to accomplish these tasks:
Draw a contour map
Compute volumes
Use surface-to-surface operations
Plot cross sections
In this example, we use the default settings for Point Gridding Plus
parameters. This should give you a good overview of the general
gridding process. More detailed explanations on customizing Point
Gridding Plus, gridding terminology, parameters, and gridding faults is
provided in More About Grids on page 87.
To generate a default grid in Point Gridding Plus, complete these steps:
1. Select the input file. We will use a data file as our source, but Point
Gridding Plus can also use a control grid as an input grid.
2. Select a Z-field to grid.
3. Select a fault file, if the surface is faulted.
4. Specify the output file names and destinations.
5. Apply Point Gridding Plus to generate the grid.
To begin building a grid, select Modeling Point Gridding Plus in
the Z-MAP Plus window.

The Point Gridding Plus dialog box appears.

A. Select input file. Input
file can be a pointset or a
control grid.
B. Select
Z-field
C. Select fault file

(if needed).
D. Name output
grid and MFD to
store new file.
E. Apply to build the grid.
Point Gridding Plus Basic Steps

In Point Gridding Plus, you can grid either data point files or control
grid files. The following example grids a pointset file.

A. Select the Input File

You can use Point Gridding Plus to grid a pointset or to re-grid an
existing grid. This example uses a DATA (pointset) file as the source for
the control points in the output grid.
To select the file that contains the Z-field to grid, follow these steps:
1. Click the Control Point File: Select button in the Basic tab of the
Point Gridding Plus dialog box. The Select Input File dialog box
appears.
2. Select the name of a pointset file (DATA file) to use. You can select
one of the pointsets in the attached MFDs (from the top list) or an
available pointset from the OpenWorks project (from the bottom
list).
The dialog box closes automatically, and you return to the POINT
GRIDDING PLUS dialog box, which shows the name of the
selected file in the Control Point File box.
Using Control Grids

Control grids are used to filter node values for existing grids. To learn more
about them, see Control Grids on page 137.

B. Select the Z Field to Grid

You can create a grid of a single Z field. To select the Z-field to use,
click the Z-Field Name button in the Basics tab of the Point Gridding
Plus dialog box. Select a z field from the drop-down list. This list of Z
fields is automatically generated from the data file you attached in the
preceding step.
C. Select a Fault File

To include fault data in the grid, specify the file that contains the
digitized faults by following these steps:
1. Click the Fault File Name: Select button.
The Select Input File dialog box appears.
2. In the Select Input File dialog box, select the name of a fault file to
use. You can select a fault from from one of the attached MFDs
(top list) or a fault file from the OpenWorks project (bottom list).
The dialog box disappears immediately. You return to the Point
Gridding Plus dialog box, which display the specified fault file
name appears in the Fault File Name box.

Point Gridding Plus handles faults as either opaque barriers to the

gridding process (expanded), or as non-opaque barriers
(fault-filled). The method Point Gridding Plus uses depends on the
data structure of the input fault file.
For this example, we assume that faults are opaque barriers to the
gridding process. For information about handling faulted surfaces,
including detail about treating faults as non-opaque, see Gridding
Normal Faults on page 125.
D. Enter an Output Internal File Name(s)

To save the new grid under a unique file name, follow these steps:
1. Select the location for storing the new grid by clicking the Output
Location button and selecting an option from the drop-down list.
2. Enter a name for the grid in the Output Grid Name box.
Other Outputs
You can use Point Gridding Plus to generate two other types of faulted
grids:
Expanded Fault Grid
Fault Filled Grid
Available Output Grid Types

The contents of the input fault file (Fault File Name) determine the types of output
grids you can create. If you select a fault file that contains only segment ID, x, and
y coordinate fields, you can create only a centerline fault in the output grid. If the
source grid file also contains throw, heave and dip values, you can produce
expanded and/or fault filled grids in addition to the centerline faulted grid.
This example covers generating a centerline fault grid. To generate

expanded and fault filled grids, use the Other Outputs tab. (For
information about these alternative fault grids, see Gridding Normal
Faults on page 125.)

E. Apply the Gridding Process

To generate your grid, click the Apply button at the bottom of the dialog
box. Watch the system window to see the PROCESSING FINISHED
PLEASE CONTINUE message when the gridding process is complete
:
6. Attach a Graphics File (ZGF)

Z-MAP Graphic Files (ZGFs) contain the pictures (maps and cross
sections) that have been created and stored in them. To make a ZGF
accessible for displaying or saving pictures, you must attach it to the
current Z-MAP Plus session.
To attach an existing ZGF, follow these steps:
1. Select File Open ZGF Open/Close in the Z-MAP Plus
window or click the Attach ZGFs icon.
The Open a Graphics File dialog box appears.
2. Highlight the name of a ZGF to attach.

As soon as you highlight an option, the dialog box closes

automatically, and the name of the attached ZGF appears in the
status area.
To attach a new, blank ZGF, follow the instructions on page 43.
7. Create a Blank Basemap

Before you can create a map, you must create a new, blank basemap. A
new basemap is like a blank canvasit defines the dimensions and scale
of the new map. Typically, you add a border to the map as soon as you
create it, to visually define the area of interest.
To create a basemap, complete three basic steps:
1. Name the map, select the Area of Interest type (AOI type), and
scale type.
2. Define the dimensions and size of the basemap.
3. Generate the blank basemap.
Using the File New Basemap option, display a blank basemap in
the Z-MAP Plus window. The NEW MAP Creation dialog box appears.
(You will not see the basemap until you add features to it, as described
on page 84.)
All of the three basic steps are parameters to the NEW MAP Creation
dialog box. Notice that the first field is red, indicating that you must
supply values for this parameter.

1. Name the Map and Select AOI and Scale Type

As the first step in creating a map, specify three values:
Name the map.
Specify an AOI type.
Specify a scale type.
In the NEW MAP Creation dialog box, click the Picture Name, AOI
Types and Scale Types button.
The Picture NAME, AOI & Scale Type dialog box appears.
Naming the Map

In the Enter New Picture Name box, enter a name for the map. The
name can have a maximum of 64 characters and can include internal
blanks. Use a descriptive name for the picture, to help identify the map
contents.

Specifying an AOI Type

The AOI Type parameter defines how the area of interest (AOI) on the
map is calculated. You define the specific coordinates of the AOI setting
in the next step.
Use the AOI Type parameter to indicate:
whether the AOI is projected, and
whether you plan to define the AOI in terms of x, y coordinates or
latitude and longitude.
Click the AOI Type button and choose an option from the drop-down
list:
XY (default setting) Define the AOI with northing/easting
values (x, y minimum and maximum coordinates). The AOI border
is parallel to northing and easting, so the map is rectangular or
square. This option does not store projection information with the
map.
XYPROJECTED Define the AOI relative to a Cartesian
coordinate system. The AOI border is parallel to northing and
easting, so the map is rectilinear. This option does store projection
information with the map.
LATLONGPROJECTED Define the AOI in terms of latitude
and longitude. The AOI border is parallel to latitude and longitude,
so the map has curved borders. This option stores projection
information with the map.
XY Maps
When you use an AOI Type of XY, it does not mean that your map is not defined
within a coordinate reference system (i.e. projection system). If you place data on
the map that is associated with x, y values, and if the x, y values lie within a
coordinate reference system, the map is projected. Z-MAP Plus, however, is not
aware of the projection system. Because of this, two limitations of the XY AOI
Type are:
You cannot have a curved border parallel to latitude/longitude.
You cannot add latitude/longitude labels around your map border.

Specifying a Scale Type

You set a scale at which to draw your map so it corresponds
proportionally with real world distances. With the Scale Type option,
you specify how you are planning to set the scale. You define the actual
scale measurements in the next step.
ABSOLUTE indicates you plan to use a straight ratio. One unit
on the map equals a specified number of similar units on the
ground. For example, 1:100000.
UNITSPERINCH Indicates you plan to set the scale in both
the x and y directions so that one inch on your map is equal to a
number (n) of engineering units (i.e. units of the x, y values in your
data) on the ground. With this scale type, the x, y scales do not
have to be equal, but they usually are. If the Units parameter on the
Tools System Switches dialog box is set to Metric, this field is
the equivalent of UNITSPERCM.
Know the Value of the x, y Units

If you use the UNITSPERINCH Scale Type, Z-MAP Plus does not know the
length of your x, y units. You must know the value of the x or y engineering
unit to accurately determine the scale of your map. For example, if you set the
Scale Type to UNITSPERINCH, and specify a scale of 2000 units-per-inch,
the resulting scale would be:
Tools System Switches Units ENGLISH
one in. = 2000 ft. if the engineering units (x, y values) were one ft. in length,
one in. = 2000m. if the units were in meters.
Tools System Switches Units METRIC
one cm. = 2000 ft. if the engineering units (x, y values) were one ft. in length
one cm. = 2000m. if the units were in meters.
If you set the Scale Type to ABSOLUTE or MAPTOGROUND, you can
specify the value of an engineering unit.
MAPTOGROUND Indicates you plan to use a ratio, where a

specified number of map units are equal to a specified number of
ground units. You define the map units and the ground units. Use
MAPTOGROUND if you want a specific scale (such as
1 inch = 500 feet, for example), and your engineering units are not
consistent with the scale units (meters, for example). In this case,
you cannot use the UNITSPERINCH option. Instead, you can use
the MAPTOGROUND option, indicate a scale of 1 inch (map) =
500 feet (ground), and that your data units are feet.
Z-MAP Plus makes the necessary conversions.

2. Define Dimensions and Size

The settings for the AOI, offsets, and scales work together to determine
the dimension and size of your plot.
Area of interest (AOI) is the area actually taken up by your map.
For XY AOI Type, it is defined by two points located at
X Minimum, Y Minimum and X Maximum, Y Maximum.
Offset is the area surrounding the map where you would normally
put mapping marginalia, such as the map title and the North arrow.
Scale sizes the AOI in relation to real world units.
The AOI and map scale values combine to define the size of your map.
These two values combine with the offset values to determine the total
plot size of the picture.

The following picture illustrates these concepts.
Top
Offset = 1"
X Maximum, Y Maximum
AOI
Left Right
Offset = 1" Offset = 1"
X Minimum, Y Minimum
Cut-line
Bottom
Offset = 4"
Use the following procedure to calculate plot width (or height).
(X Maximum - X Minimum) x Map Scale = Map Width (width of

shaded area in the picture)
Map Width + Left Offset + Right Offset = Plot Width (width
between dashed cut lines in the picture)
Once Set, You Cannot Edit These Parameters

Once you set sizing parameters and OK New Map Creation, you cannot go back
and change them later. If you set a parameter incorrectly and have already clicked
OK in the New Map Creation dialog box, you must start over with a new picture.

Define the Area of Interest

X and Y Minimums and Maximums define the AOI of a map as follows:
X Minimum, Y Minimum defines the bottom left corner of the
map.
X Maximum, Y Maximum defines the top right corner of the map.
There are two ways to define these AOI parameters for your picture:
setting them from an existing source
setting your own parameters
Setting AOI from an Existing Source

Setting the AOI from an existing source is an excellent way to make sure
the AOI is consistent with the range of your data. You can use existing
GRID, DATA, CNTR (contour) file types, or existing pictures, to
calculate X and Y Minimums and Maximums, and use these values for
the AOI of a new map. This method is particularly useful when you are
unsure of the x, y range of your data.
1. To set the AOI from an existing source, click AOI from GRID,
DATA, PICTURE or CONTOURS in the NEW MAP Creation
dialog box.
2. In the Select AOI Source TYPE dialog box that appears, click the
following buttons.
GRID Choose an existing GRID file from a list.
DATA Choose an existing DATA, FALT or VERT file from a
list.
PICTURE Choose a picture from an existing ZGF.
CONTOUR Choose an existing CNTR file from a list.
The dialog box closes automatically. To change the settings, repeat
the process and select another AOI Source Type before you click
OK to close the NEW MAP Creation dialog box.

Specifying a Custom AOI

The second way to set up an AOI for a new basemap is to establish
custom Minimum and Maximum values. This method is very useful to
map a subset of the data file.
Click the AOI from user input: Offsets, and Scale button to display a
dialog box for specifying the AOI parameter values.
Like AOI minimums and maximums, you specify offsets in the
LIMITS, Offsets, and Scale dialog box.
Enter the desired

values in the
Minimum and
Maximum fields.
Special Notes for LATLONGPROJECTED AOI Type

If you selected an AOI Type of LATLONGPROJECTED (see page 75), consider
the following points when you define the AOI for your map:
If you also choose to set AOI from an existing source, the source file must
contain latitude and longitude fields.
The LIMITS, Offsets, and Scale dialog box asks you to specify the AOI
Minimums and Maximums in longitude and latitude, rather than x, y.

Setting the Offsets

Offset values are measured in plotter units (inches or centimeters) and
they delineate the area of your map that is outside the border of the
map. This area is generally used for title blocks, map titles, scale bars,
north arrows, and other marginalia. The default offset values are four
inches on the bottom and one inch on all remaining sides. If the System
Switches Units are set to METRIC, the default offsets are 10cm on the
bottom and 2.5cm on all remaining sides.
Like AOI minimums and maximums, you specify offsets in the
LIMITS, Offsets, and Scale dialog box.
Set Top, Bottom,

Left, and Right
offsets here.

Setting the Scale

The scaling parameter fields change according to which AOI Type and
Scale Type you chose when you named the picture.
Examples of the LIMITS, Offsets, and Scales dialog box showing
different scaling parameters appear in the following examples.
AOI Type = XY
Scale Type = UNITSPERINCH
AOI Type = XY
Scale Type =
MAPTOGROUND
AOI Type = XY
Scale Type = ABSOLUTE

The following table describes each of the scaling parameters that might
appear on the LIMITS, Offsets, and Scales dialog box.
Parameter Description
Absolute Scale A positive real number n in the equation, 1:n, where one map
unit is equal to n similar units on the ground.
X Scale Used only with UNITSPERINCH AOI Type. A positive real

number n in the following equation: 1 plotter unit = n
engineering units.
Y Scale Used only with UNITSPERINCH AOI Type. A positive real

number n in the following equation: 1 plotter unit = n
engineering units.
Data Units The units of your x, y values in your data sets.
Ratio 1 map: n A positive real number n in the equation, 1 map unit = n ground
Ground Units units. Map Units and Ground Units must also be defined (see
next two rows of the table). This parameter is only used with an
AOI Type of MAPTOGROUND.
Ground Units In the equation 1 map unit = n ground units, this defines what the
ground unit is (i.e. inches, feet, meters, etc.). This parameter is
only used with an AOI Type of MAPTOGROUND.
Map Units In the equation 1 map unit = n ground units, this defines what the
map unit is (i.e. inches, feet, meters, etc.). This parameter is only
used with an AOI Type of MAPTOGROUND.
The next table shows AOI Type on the left, Scale Type on the right, and
resulting scaling parameters that appear in the LIMITS, Offsets, and
Scale dialog box.
Scale Type
AOI Type
ABSOLUTE UNITSPERINCH MAPTOGROUND
XY Absolute Scale X Scale Data Units

Data Units Y Scale Ratio 1 Map: n Ground Units
Ground Units
Map Units
XYPROJECTED Absolute Scale X Scale Ratio 1 Map: n Ground Units

Y Scale Ground Units
Map Units
LATLONGPROJECTED Absolute Scale X Scale Ratio 1 Map: n Ground Units

Y Scale Ground Units
Map Units

3. Generate the Blank Basemap

Once you set the AOI type, scale type, AOI minimum and maximum
values, picture offset, and actual scale dimensions, you can generate a
blank basemap.
Click OK in the NEW MAP Creation dialog box to create the map. The
new map becomes the active picture. Since you can only have one active
picture at a time, any picture that was attached before you clicked OK
is no longer active.
To verify that the new picture is active, review the status area in the main
window, as shown in the following example.
The new picture name

appears here.
Automatically Displaying a New Picture

If the picture does not appear automatically, you can use the Tools System
Switches Display Picture When Opened option to automatically update the
display. Set the Display Picture When Opened option to YES.
8. Draw the Map

Select Features Basemap, and use the Basemap Features dialog box
that appears for adding features to the blank basemap. As you select
features in the Basemap Features dialog box, the features appear on the
map. You can add the following types of features: a border, north arrow,
northing/easting labels, title block, latitude/longitude labels, scale bars,
and index map.
In the Basemap Features dialog box, select the tab for the feature type
you want to add. The tab appears in front of the dialog box. To edit
feature settings, select the Post check box. The settings are activated so
you can make changes.
As you edit each feature type, an asterisk appears beside the feature
name on the tab label. If you click OK or Apply All at the bottom of
the dialog box, all features with asterisks are drawn on the map.

9. Display Data
To see well locations on the map, use one of the following menu
options.
Displays the location of the wells

Features XYZ Point Data
used to generate the map.
Displays the well symbols for

Features Deviated Wells
deviated wells on the map.
To view seismic lines on the map, use one of these menu options:
Features 2D Seismic Displays the location of the seismic lines

used to generate the map.
Features 3D Seismic Displays the lines from a 3D seismic
survey data file.
10. View the Contours

Now that you have added features to the basemap, add the contours. To
generate and display the contour map, select Features Contouring.
When the calculation is complete, the contour map appears in the
Z-MAP Plus window. You can edit features of the contour map to
better reflect your interpretation by using either the Edit Data
Editor option or the Edit Graphics Editor option.
11. Exit from Z-MAP Plus

To end a Z-MAP Plus session, always use the File Exit option. If
you end the session by closing the X Windows shell (on a Unix
system), Z-MAP Plus continues to run in the background. You will
have trouble starting the next Z-MAP Plus session.

Getting More Information
This topic is an overview of the steps for creating a typical contour

map. Each step has many other potential controls. To learn more about
the subjects mentioned here, see the online documentation, including
these documents:
Document Contents
Z-MAP Plus Reference Contains extensive information about each option in the
Guide Z-MAP Plus menus. The section titles match the main
menu options.
Select Help Online Manuals Reference
Manual in the Z-MAP Plus window.
Z-MAP Plus Designed for System Administrators, this guide

Installation and describes the details of installing, licensing, and
Configuration Guide configuring Z-MAP Plus.
Select Help Installation and Configuration from
the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu.
ZMAP Plus Utilities Several utility programs accompany Z-MAP Plus to

Reference Guide help you get the most from the program. Each utility is
fully described in the utilities guide.
Select Help Mapping Launcher Utilities from the
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu.
Macro Reference Most Z-MAP Plus functionality is driven by underlying

Manual for macros. This guide is an alphabetical listing of all the
Z-MAP Plus / ZCL supported macros. The parameter settings for each
macro are described in detail. This document is a
reference for advanced users who want to customize
Z-MAP Plus operations.
Select Help Online Manuals Macros Manual
in the Z-MAP Plus window.
R2003.12.0 Contour Map Workflow: Getting More Information 86

More About Grids
Overview
Gridding, or surface modeling, is the most widely used interpretive
function in Z-MAP Plus. Grids are generated, refined, and edited in
Z-MAP Plus. Grids are produced in order to achieve even distribution
of points which makes it possible for the computer to model data in a
variety of ways.
This section contains these topics:
Gridding Overview explains what grids are, basic grid terminology,
how the program uses grids, and gives you a brief introduction to the
gridding methods.
Gridding Basics describes the three steps the software uses to
calculate grid node values.
Point Gridding Plus Workflow is a step-by-step procedure to put the
concepts you learned in Gridding Overview and Gridding Basics into
a practical context.
More Gridding Parameters defines the different settings you can
make to control the creation of a grid.
Gridding Normal Faults explains the process of gridding opaque and
non-opaque faults within your map.
Control Grids shows how to use an existing grid to set up or control
an aspect of a new grid. For example, to ensure two grids share an
identical area of interest (AOI), you could use a control grid.
Using Data Hulls describes how to control the way nodes appear at
the grid edge. Edges are often far from the data points, and the
extrapolation used to assign values to those nodes is often useless. Data
hulls help eliminate extrapolated edge nodes.
Summary of Gridding Parameters brings together all the Point
Gridding Plus parameter definitions in a quick reference table format.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids 87

Gridding Overview
A grid is a set of points that are regularly distributed and are estimates
of some attribute over an area.
Grids are usually generated from a control point data set. Control points
are a set of points that are randomly distributed and are samples of some
attribute over an area. Some examples of control point datasets include:
well top picks and other borehole-related data
2D and 3D seismic data
bathymetry data
gravity and magnetic surveys
existing contour maps
The following example shows six randomly located samples of an
attribute and 35 associated grid nodes with calculated values over the
area of interest (AOI).
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Gridding Overview 88

Grid Terminology
The following terms are commonly used to describe grids:
grid nodes Individual estimated values that cumulatively make
up the entire grid. Nodes are evenly distributed on the x,y axis of
the map area. Node values are calculated based on a variety of
algorithms.
grid columns and rows Grid nodes are arranged in columns
and rows, and a specific grid node can be uniquely identified by
the column and row it resides in.
grid cells The region bounded by four grid nodes. Many
computer functions are performed on a cell by cell basis.
grid increment The spacing between columns (x-inc) and
rows (y-inc) of grid nodes. The grid increment is a parameter that
you can set. The size of the grid increment determines the size of
geologic feature that can be represented within the grid node
spacing.
Grid Node
Grid Row 2
Grid Cell
y-inc
x-inc
Grid Column 3
Grid Terminology

How Grids are Used in Z-MAP Plus

Grids are used throughout Landmark products to perform many tasks.
Examples of Z-MAP Plus functionality that depend on grids include the
following tasks:
Generating contours on a map
Drawing grid profiles (cross sections)
Performing grid operations (such as subtracting two surfaces)
Volumetrics
Back interpolationthe ability to query the grid at any location
and determine a reasonable value
None of these functions work with randomly distributed control point
datasets. The datasets must always be gridded first.
To achieve the weighted distribution of values in a grid, estimated
values must be calculated from the randomly distributed control point
datasets. Z-MAP Plus provides advanced capabilities for calculating
these estimated values.
Gridding Methods
Z-MAP Plus has 13 different gridding methods, and gives you the ability
to create a custom grid for filtering existing grids. Each gridding method
has its strengths. The following topics offer a brief introduction to the
gridding methods. All gridding methods are accessible from the
Modeling menu.
Point Gridding Plus

Point Gridding Plus is a powerful gridding method for creating grids
from point data (x,y,z data). Point Gridding Plus offers enhanced
geologic accuracy of structure models while it honors your input fault
geometry to create more accurate horizon models. Used in combination
with Profile Contouring, Point Gridding Plus provides high quality maps
of faulted surfaces.
You can use Point Gridding Plus to perform these tasks:
grid randomly distributed point data (usually well or seismic data)
with or without faults
build extremely accurate models of faulted horizons, given fault
geometry data
model the fault faces cutting a horizon, given fault geometry data.

You can grid the following data types:

wells and drill holes
seismic surveys
depth soundings
gravity and aeromagnetic surveys
existing contour maps
Point Gridding Plus is used for all the gridding examples in this guide.
Point Gridding
The predecessor to Point Gridding Plus, Point Gridding uses nearby
x,y,z values to calculate values of nodes in a grid. Any data that has x,y
locations and would be reasonable to contour by hand can be gridded
with this option. In Point Gridding, faults can be used as barriers.
Contour Gridding
Contour Gridding is also known as Contour to Grid (CTOG). Contour
gridding builds a grid using digitized contours as input. Because it
expects digitized contours, this option takes advantage of the contour
information content to produce the grid faster and honor the contours
exactly. Faults can be used as barriers.
Trendform Gridding
Trendform Gridding creates a two-dimensional grid-based surface
model, and imposes geologic constraints on the models and the contour
maps produced from them. Other gridding options do not have the
ability to impose geologic constraints.

Line Gridding Plus

Line Gridding Plus uses line data such as seismic, magnetic, or
bathymetric surveys to produce a grid that honors the input fault
geometry. Because it models faults, Line Gridding Plus enables you to
create more accurate horizon models. Used in combination with Profile
Contouring, Line Gridding Plus provides high quality maps of faulted
surfaces.
Line Gridding Plus enables you to accomplish these aims:
grid seismic line data with or without fault data
build extremely accurate models of faulted horizons, given fault
geometry data
model the fault faces cutting a horizon, given fault geometry data
Line Gridding
Line gridding builds a grid using data in line format such as seismic,
magnetic, bathymetric surveys. Line Gridding uses the knowledge that
adjacent points in the file, if they have the same line name, represent a
continuous profile along the surface. Faults can be used as barriers.
Trend Fit Gridding

Produces a grid of the regional components of a surface such as the
general dip or the major highs and lows. A trend grid can be built using
either data or another grid as the source file.
Trend Surface
Produces a pair of grids: a trend grid and a residual grid. Typically, you
would examine the map of the residuals and a map of the surface input
grid on which contours from the trend grid have been overlaid.
Alternatively, you can display the residuals as colorfill and overlay the
contours of the input surface grid and trend grids. Using either of these
methods, localized high or low residual features, which are geologically
regarded as anomalies, can be easily identified.
An example scenario would be to generate residuals and a trend surface
from a velocity grid. Upon examining the residuals, you could then
identify high velocity, pull-up areas.

Boolean Grid
Boolean grids are designed to enable you to create a grid in which each
node value is either 1.0 or 0.0 to indicate where a formation lies in
relation to each node. For example, you can use a Boolean grid to map
the location of each node is relative to the Oil Water Contact (OWC)
level (above, below, or equal to).
Constant Grid
Constant grids assign user-defined values to each grid node. They are
often used in Volumetric and Grid Operations to adjust existing grids.
Polynomial Grid
A polynomial grid evaluates a polynomial function over a user-defined
area and creates a grid based on these calculations. Polynomial trends of
p to the 2nd order can be handled with the Polynomial Grid option. You
can control the AOI (area of interest) of the grid, as well as the x and y
grid increments. You can also input the coefficient for each of the
corresponding terms in the polynomial.
User-Defined Filter
You can change the values for the nodes on an existing grid using a filter
that you define.
Flexing
Flexing is sometimes called Filtering or Relaxation. Flexing enables you
to smooth small (high frequency) features on a grid. This smoothing
process can at the same time tie the surface to data points. You can
control which nodes are flexed, how much the data is honored, how
much smoothing is done, upper and lower limits for the output grid, and
whether a constraint band (limit surface) above or below the grid is used.
This section deals with point gridding, which is one method used to
create surface models. Other methods, such as line gridding, trend
gridding, and contour gridding are covered in more detail in the
Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide section titled Modeling.

Gridding Basics
Before learning about the various parameters you use to control the
gridding process in the next topic, you need to understand the process
itself in more detail. This topic looks at the three phases involved in
creating a grid:
1. Interactive Problem Description
Problem description includes the process of examining the data
and its distribution, determining which parameters are appropriate,
and setting the parameters.
2. Grid Initialization
When you create a grid, an initial set of nodes are created and
assigned values. This process is called Grid Initialization.
3. Post Processing
Post Processing brings the node values into closer alignment with
the data values and smooths the grid. These two steps are also
called filtering and flexing.
1. Interactive Problem Description

Interactive problem description entails the process of examining the
data and its distribution, determining a set of gridding parameters that
are appropriate, and setting them. There are two ways to handle this.
You can
Use all the default gridding parameter values, or
Specify any or all of the values yourself.
Using Default Parameter Values

When you generate a default grid like the one we created in the last
topic, you first select input and output file names, the type of AOI and
scale for the grid, and the dimensions; then Z-MAP Plus controls all
parameters of the gridding process.
Default grids work fairly well with evenly distributed, unfaulted data
sets. For example, if you are dealing with dense, evenly distributed wells
over a producing field and are modeling an unfaulted surface, default
gridding might work very well. On the other hand, if you are attempting
to make a regional structure map over an area that is severely faulted,
and you have clusters of well data with large data voids, default gridding
might not be the wisest choice.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Gridding Basics 94

Set the Grid Parameters Yourself

Non-default point gridding occurs when you determine and set some or
all gridding parameters yourself. Non-default point gridding is covered
in the next major topic. But first, look at what occurs after you have
described the problem and applied the gridding process.
2. Grid Initialization
Once you apply point gridding, the program calculates an initial
estimate for the node values to model your surface. This grid is intended
to preserve the overall trend of the data but not necessarily to honor
every single data point.
Initial Grid Increment (GINCI)

In order to preserve trends, the initial grid is typically created at a larger
grid node spacing, called the initial grid increment (GINCI). During grid
post-processing (the next step), the grid increment is reduced to the final
grid increment (GINCF). This finer grid node spacing is better able to
honor individual data points. Grid increments are measured in map
units.
The following illustration shows an initial grid (GINCI = 200.0). Notice
that the initial grid preserves trend but does not honor data.
Initial Grid output from

Grid Initialization at
GINCI = 200.0.
Contours (and
grid) do not honor
the data.
GINCI = 200.0

Compare this initial grid to a final grid (GINCF = 50.0) of the same
data set:
Final Grid output from

post processing at a
smaller grid increment
(GINCF = 50.0)
GINCF = 50.0
Because the surface model contains more grid nodes, it is able to retain
higher frequency detail inherent in the data samples; the grid honors the
data points.

Calculating Initial Grid Node Values

Each initial grid node is calculated according to a two step process:
collection of data samples
calculation of node value
Collection of Data Samples

During the data collection process, a data collection circle is
constructed around the grid node. The circle is divided into 8 sectors,
and data points are collected on a sector-by-sector basis.
Data Collection Circle

When you allow Point Gridding Plus to calculate node values, the
following default criteria are used,
at least one point must exist in the data collection circle,
a maximum of 4 points per sector is collected, and
at least one sector must contain a point.
You can control all aspects of the data collection process by adjusting
the value of the gridding parameters. These parameters are covered in
detail in Summary of Gridding Parameters on page 146.

Calculating the Node Value

Once the data collection circle has been established at a node location,
initial grid nodes are calculated according to the following flow.
Is there a data Set node to

point within YES
data point
.01*GINCF of value
the node?
NO
Have the
minimum NO Set node to
number of ZNON
Set node to
points been ZNON
collected?
YES NO
At least
one data point Is there a data
in each of the NO point within
minimum number extrapolation
of sectors? distance?
YES Calculate node YES

using gridding
algorithm
As you can see, grid nodes values are either

snapped from the nearest data point,
set to ZNON, or
estimated using a mathematical gridding algorithm.

3. Post Processing
Once the initial grid is calculated, it is passed to the post processing
phase. The post processing phase of gridding is designed to serve
two purposes:
bring the grid into alignment with data values (honor the data)
smooth the grid
Initial Grid (GINCI)
Automatic First Filter
Post Processing Cycle
Refinement
Filter
Final Grid (GINCF)
Two operations are performed in post processing, refinements and

filtering. The initial grid is always passed through a filter step first. Next,
a series of paired refinement/filter steps occur. The number of times this
happens depends on the number of refinements specified by the
Refinements value. For example, if you choose to refine a grid twice, it
passes through three filter steps: once for the initial grid, and once after
each refinement.
No GINCI Parameter
You do not set a numerical value for the GINCI value (initial grid node interval
value). The GINCI is calculated by Z-MAP Plus, based on the GINCF value you
specify and on the number of refinements you specify.

Refinements
Refining a grid is the process of dividing the grid increment in half,
introducing new grid nodes at the smaller grid increment, and
calculating new values at the nodes. Refinements increase the density of
nodes. The following picture shows a grid with an initial grid increment
of 200 (GINCI = 200.0) that was refined once to a final grid increment
of 100 (GINCF = 100.0).
The black circles

represent initial grid
nodes. The x symbols
denote grid nodes
introduced in the
refinement process.
200
Refinement Divides the Grid Increment in Half
New node values are calculated using a process called back
interpolation where previously existing grid node values are used to
interpolate values at the new grid node locations.
The original control points are not used during the grid refinement
process. This is why a refinement step is followed by a filter step: it
enables the newly calculated node values to be adjusted to fit the control
points.
Refinements are explored in more detail in the workflow on page 112.

Filter Steps
In general, filter steps alter the node values to simultaneously smooth
the grid and adjust it to honor the data. They occur after refinements
because the grid can then be adjusted to include more surface detail (it
has a denser grid node spacing).
Each filter step is composed of a number of iterations, called flexing
passes. During each flexing pass, two new values for each grid node are
calculated:
a data-dependent value (forces grid to honor the data)
a smoothing value
REFINEMENT
FILTER
Flexing Pass
Honor Data
Smoothing
Post-processing
A weighted average is then performed on the two new values to form a
single new grid node value. The weighting assigned to the two
calculated node values prior to averaging them depends on the level of
smoothness you set in the Smoothing Modulus parameter field.
After each flexing pass, a rate of change is calculated for the modified
grid. By default, the filter step terminates when the rate of change gets
very small.

Point Gridding Plus Workflow

You now have enough knowledge of point gridding to take interpretive
control of the process, setting optimal parameters that affect the
character of the final grid. This topic describes each basic step of the
procedure, explaining how to set the most important point gridding
parameters. A later topic, Summary of Point Gridding Parameters,
summarizes all the gridding parameters and provides hints for setting
their values.
To create a map with Point Gridding Plus, follow these basic steps:
1. Create a basemap (next topic).
2. Select input data, fields, and faults (page 103).
3. Specify the output file names (page 104).
4. Select a gridding algorithm (page 104).
5. Determine and set the final grid increment (page 104).
6. Determine and set the search radius (page 109).
7. Determine and set the number of refinements (page 112).
8. Smooth the grid (page 116).
9. Execute the Point Gridding Plus operation (page 116).
1. Create a Basemap
A basemap covers the AOI of the grid you plan to create and contains
the posted control points and faults that you want to model.
The basemap helps you determine the following types of information:
data patterns and density
faulting patterns and density
You use this knowledge to help determine and set various gridding
parameters later in the process.
To create a basemap, begin by selecting File New Basemap in the
Z-MAP Plus window. Use the NEW MAP Creation dialog box that
appears for specifying the map name, AOI, scale, and projection values
(as described on page 73). Add features to the map (as described on
page 84).
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Point Gridding Plus Workflow 102

2. Select Input Data, Field, and Faults

Select Modeling Point Gridding Plus in the Z-MAP Plus window.
The Point Gridding Plus dialog box appears with the Basic tab displayed
in front.
Specify the control point input file, Z-field name, fault file name, and
fault file fields in the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic tab. This step
is identical to the procedure you follow for default point gridding,
described on page 69.

3. Enter Output File Names and Locations

Specify the output grid name and destination in the Point Gridding Plus
dialog box Basic tab. This step is identical to the procedure you follow
for default point gridding, described on page 71.
4. Select a Gridding Algorithm

LEAST SQUARES is the default gridding algorithm and is the most
commonly used algorithm. To select a different gridding algorithm,
click the Algorithm button in the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic
tab. Select an option from the drop-down list.
Each algorithm is described in detail in the Modeling section of the

Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
5. Determine and Set the Final Grid Increment (GINCF)

The final grid increment is the distance between grid nodes in your final
grid. It is the most important gridding parameter, because it controls
the level of detail retained in the surface model.
To help you understand this important parameter, this step contains the
following subtopics:
Effect of the Final Grid Increment
How Z-MAP Plus Determines the Default GINCF
Hints for Determining a Final Grid Increment

Set the final grid increment in the Xinc and Yinc boxes in the Point
Gridding Plus dialog box Basic tab.
Effect of the Final Grid Increment

A large final grid increment (relative to the data point density) averages
data values and produces a trend grid. As the relative grid node spacing
gets smaller, the grid is able to retain higher frequency detail inherent in
the samples. As the relative grid increment gets too small, the surface
model is unable to retain an overall trend between the samples, creating
localized closures around the data points.
The following pictures show final grid increments of 200, 50, and 25,
respectively for the same data set.
This grid:
establishes trend
does not honor data
averages data values
over large area
GINCF = 200

This grid
has the default grid
increment for this
data set
honors individual
data points
preserves trend
GINCF = 50
This grid
honors individual
data points very well
loses trend in void
data areas
forms artificial
closures around
data points
GINCF = 25
A paradoxical situation exists: a large grid spacing preserves trend, but
does not honor the data; a small spacing honors the data, but does not
preserve the trend. This means that, if you wish to honor the data and
preserve the trend, you must carefully select a final grid increment that
is based on the distribution and density of the data points.

How Z-MAP Plus Determines the Default GINCF

The program calculates the final grid increment default according to the
density of the data, by using the following formula:
(XMAX - XMIN)(YMAX - YMIN)

Final Grid Increment = --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Data Points
When the range between the MIN or MAX for X or Y gets large with
respect to the number of data points, the grid increment becomes larger.
In contrast, if the number of data points becomes large, and the X- and
Y-RANGE gets smaller, the final grid increment becomes smaller.
This method for calculating a default final grid increment works well
with evenly distributed data points. If the data is clustered or faulted, it
is best to determine the final grid increment yourself and replace the
default value with a custom value.
Making Measurements in the Basemap

See Measure Distances on a Map on page 153. This feature helps you determine
many parameter settings.
Hints for Determining a Final Grid Increment

The criteria you use to determine your final grid increment depends on
what size feature you are interested in seeing in your surface model.
Essentially, you want to preserve either:
detail above a minimum size, or
all detail inherent in the data samples.
Preserving Detail Above a Minimum Size

To make sure that your grid retains all detail above a minimum size,
choose an increment that is half the distance across the smallest feature
you wish to preserve.
Half distance
between closest
points

This method does not necessarily honor all data points. If the grid
increment is large (relative to the data point density), data point values
are averaged.
Preserving All Detail Inherent in the Data Samples

If you are not sure what size feature you are interested in, or if you want
to resolve all individual data points, choose an increment half the
distance between the closest points to be resolved
For seismic data, since the data is usually clustered heavily along lines,
a spacing slightly smaller than the average shotpoint spacing works
well.
Special Consideration with Faults

If you are modeling faulted data, make sure that your final grid increment is small
enough to fit into fault blocks where you have data and wish to have the grid
defined.
Half distance
between the
fault segments
Setting GINCF
To specify the GINCF value in the X and Y directions independently,
enter values in the Xinc and Yinc boxes.

6. Determine and Set the Search Radius

Search radius is the radius of the data collection circle referred to on
page 95. Search radius controls how far a data point can be from a grid
node and still be used in estimating the value at the node.
Effect of the Search Radius

The search radius value affects these aspects of gridding:
extrapolation of trends into void data areas and
the speed of the gridding process
When the search radius is large, data points may be used in calculating
distant grid nodes, so that trends can be extrapolated over large
distances. Search radius should always span distances between data
clusters so that trend can be established in these void data areas.
Although a large search radius has the advantage of extrapolation into
void data areas, it also has the disadvantage of slowing down the
gridding process. When the data collection circle is larger, more data
points have to be processed at each grid node location, and this directly
affects the efficiency of the grid initialization phase.
How Z-MAP Plus Determines the Default Search Radius

The program sets a large default search radius, 1/2 the diagonal of the
grid AOI.
Default Search
Radius
When it calculates the center node in the grid, the default data collection
circle covers the entire grid and every data point in the data set.

Hints for Setting a Search Radius

For clustered datathe search radius must span between the data
clusters.
If the data are point-oriented (such as wells), measure the longest
distance between groups of data points:
Measure the distance between

data clusters
Measuring Search Radius for Wells

If the data are line-oriented (such as 2D seismic data), measure the
distance across the largest data loop. (The loop does not have to be
closed):
Measure the distance across

the largest data loop.
Measuring Search Radius for 2D Seismic

For evenly distributed data, the search radius should be no more than
four or five times the average data point spacing.
When the data are evenly distributed, you do not have to worry about
extrapolation across void data areas. Your concern is speed. A search
radius of 4 or 5 times the average point spacing provides plenty of
control at every node to properly initialize it.
A good example is evenly distributed 3D seismic data. When you leave
the search radius to default, the grid may take a very long time to
initialize. However, if you reduce the search radius to 4 times the sample
point spacing, the grid will initialize very quickly, and it will be of good
quality.
Set the Search Radius

To specify a custom search radius, enter a value in the Search Radius
box (located in the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic tab).

7. Determine and Set the Number of Refinements

Refinements were defined earlier as the process of dividing the grid
increment in half. Refinements are performed during post processing
and their purpose is to bring the grid down from its initial grid increment
(GINCI) to the final grid increment (GINCF).
importance of Refinements
Refinements serve a very important function in the gridding process:
they allow the surface model to retain an overall trend, but still honor
individual data points.
You have already discovered the paradoxical situation that exists with
the final grid increment: a large increment is able to preserve trend in a
grid, whereas a small increment is able to honor individual data values.
Often, and especially when data are clustered, it is difficult to initialize
a grid at a small enough grid increment to honor the data without losing
the trend between the data points.
Refining a grid during the post processing phase (and pairing
refinements with filter steps) establishes the surface trend by beginning
with a larger increment (GINCI). Refining allows the grid to honor data
by ending with a smaller increment (GINCF).

Consider the following example:
Three Grid Profiles Through Identical Data Sets

Notice that the grid initialized at a grid increment of 25 with no
refinements loses trend between the data points, but honors the data.
Conversely, the grid initialized at an increment of 50 with no
refinements preserves trend (better), but does not honor the data.
Looking more closely at the right-most data point:
Close-Up of Right-Most Data Point

You can see that the grid initialized at 50 and refined to 25 (bold solid
line), while retaining the trend of the surface, is also able to honor the
data point.

Determine the Number of Refinements

Before you can properly understand how to set number of refinements,
you must understand the relationship between GINCI, GINCF, and
refinements:
( REF )
GINC F 2 GINC I
You do not set GINCI. You do set GINCF (X increment and Y

increment), and the number of refinements. For example, if you set a
final grid increment of 50, and choose 2 refinements, your grid is created
with an initial grid increment of 200.
To determine the number of refinements, you must first decide what you
want the initial and final grid increments to be. The general procedure is
to:
decide on a final grid increment
determine an initial grid increment
use the equation above to determine maximum number of
refinements
You already know how to determine final grid increment, so we will
look at choosing an initial grid increment and then at how to use the
equation to determine refinements.
Determine an Initial Grid Increment

The initial grid increment should retain the trend of your surface model.
Use the following guidelines for selecting a maximum initial grid
increment:
For point-oriented data (like wells):
find an area of sparse point density in your AOI
measure 1/2 the distance between nearby points (or point
clusters)
For line-oriented data (like 2D seismic):
measure half the distance across the largest data loop
For evenly-distributed data (like 3D seismic),
refinements are not necessary to preserve trend, but using
them will speed the gridding process. Use one or two
refinements as a rule-of-thumb.

For any data type,

the initial grid increment should always provide at least 16
grid nodes in the initial grid.
If the data are faulted, the initial grid increment should not be
larger than the average distance between faults (where you
have data).
Using the Equation to Find the Number of Refinements
To decide on an appropriate number of refinements, plug your initial

and final grid increments into this equation (a modified version of the
earlier equation):
( REF )
GINC F 2 GINC I
Choose the maximum number of refinements possible using this

equation. For example, if you determine that GINCF should be 25 and
GINCI should be 175, the number of refinements should be set to 2.
Specify the Number of Refinements

To specify the number of refinements, enter a numeric value in the
Refinements box located in the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic
tab.

8. Smooth the grid

In the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic tab, specify a Smoothness
Modulus value between 0 and 1. The value you set controls the trade-off
between node values that more accurately honor the data and node
values that produce a smoother surface.
closer to 0 grid more accurately honors the data
closer to 1 emphasis on a smooth surface
This parameter affects nodes up to 5 or 6 grid increments from the data.

The default setting is 0.2, which is a good setting for data that contains
a minimum of high frequency noise (such as well top picks).
For seismic data, or other types of data that tend to contain some high
frequency noise, the value is usually set between 0.5 and 0.7.
How the Smoothness Modulus Works

Data close to the grid node being modified (about half a grid increment from it) are
used to produce a new node value adjusted to that data. To do this:
1. the node to be modified is thrown away,
2. a smooth mathematical surface is fit to the eight nodes around that node and
the data point
3. a value is determined from the mathematical equation at the X-Y location of
the node to be modified.
This process returns a Z-value at the grid node based on the control points. This
node value is averaged with the node value returned from the Flexing process. The
Smoothness Modulus controls how the two values are averaged. The smoothness
Modulus is used to get a weighting value from a lookup table. That value is then
used in the following equation:
Z = ( Zf + W Zc ) ( 1 + W )
Where:
Z = final node value
Zf = modified node value from flexing
Zc = modified node value from control points
W = weight from lookup table and Smoothness Modulus
9. Apply Point Gridding Plus

Click Apply in the Point Gridding Plus dialog box Basic tab to generate
the grid. Large grids can take a long time to generate. When the grid is
complete, the following message appears in the system window.

More Gridding Parameters

This topic introduces some of the other useful parameters in Point
Gridding Plus.
Extrapolation Distance
Extrapolation Distance is the distance beyond the perimeter of your
data within which grid node values are calculated. The default for
Extrapolation Distance is equal to the default Search Radius. Set
Extrapolation Distance on the Basic tab of the Point Gridding Plus
dialog box.
If Search Radius, Minimum Number of Points, Number of Sectors,
or any other parameter restricts node calculation to less than the distance
set for Extrapolation Distance, those parameters are overridden by this
setting. Overridden means that node values will be calculated even if
those other parameters would normally prevent this from happening. To
prevent this override, set the Extrapolation Distance to zero.
Advanced Tab Parameters

To give you a glimpse of the power and flexibility of the program, here
is a brief introduction to three more parameters set on the Advanced tab
within Point Gridding Plus. These parameters build on gridding
concepts already introduced.
X and Y Expand
The X and Y Expand fields default to zero. When set to a positive real
number, these options tell the data collection process to look outside the
AOI of the grid (for data points) during grid creation. Set these values to
approximately four times the final grid increment (GINCF) when the
AOI of your grid is smaller than the AOI of your data.
Weighting
Weighting enables you to control the level of smoothing that occurs
during grid creation. Set the Weighting parameter on the Advanced tab.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: More Gridding Parameters 117

The options for Weighting are SHARP, SMOOTH, and UNIFORM.

When you want your grid to honor data points, use a SHARP weighting
function. (This is the default). Use the SMOOTH setting when you wish
to average data values together over an area, and UNIFORM when
honoring the data is not important (when you want a trend surface).
Minimum Total Points, Desired Points Per Sector,

and Minimum Number of Sectors
Use these three parameters to control how points are collected inside the
data collection circle (described on page 97). By default, Point Gridding
Plus requires that there be at least one point in the data collection circle,
at least one sector that contains a data point, with a desired number of
four points in each sector. These values are generally set for optimal
gridding performance, and you normally do not want to change them.
Increasing Minimum Total Points Can Generate Additional ZNONs

With an understanding of the LEAST SQUARES gridding algorithm, which
performs a least squares fit of a plane to the data points, a common mistake is to
increase the Minimum Total Points to 3, since it takes 3 points to define a plane.
This has the effect of increasing the number of ZNONs in the initial grid. Since grid
initializations purpose is to produce an initial estimate of the surface. It is generally
better to allow a minimum of 1 point, reducing the number of ZNONs to a
minimum.
More Filtering Parameters

Earlier, you learned that the purpose for filter steps is to adjust grid node
values to:
honor the data, and
to smooth the grid.
Again, this is a paradoxical task. Surface models that perfectly honor
every data point may often contain high frequency noise, but smoothing
a grid often adjusts it so that it does not perfectly honor the data.
In setting parameters for the filter steps, you must decide how important
it is to honor the data versus achieving a smooth surface. Parameters you
can set include:
Type of Flexing (Filtering Algorithm)
Cut Off
Number of Flex Passes
Control of Passes

To set these parameters, set the values in the Smoothing parameters

panel of the Advanced tab.
Smoothing Parameters
Flexing Type
Point Gridding Plus has four types of flexing:
Each type uses a template to calculate new node values during the
flexing pass.
Biharmonic
Biharmonic filtering causes the gridded surface to behave in the
following ways:
vary smoothly from point to point
extrapolate above or below actual data values
continue trends beyond the data and into void data areas
Biharmonic is the most commonly used filtering algorithm in the
geosciences because of its smoothly varying nature and its ability to
extrapolate trends.

The following example shows a profile through a flat grid filtered to five
data points by using a biharmonic filter:
Laplacian
Laplacian filtering causes the gridded surface to behave in the following
ways:
peak at each data point
vary in a more linear fashion between data points
flatten out to a regional average beyond the data and in void data
areas
Laplacian filtering is often used when modeling data that varies
logarithmically near data values or that peaks near data points. For
example, this filter might be used when modeling a pinnacle reef trend.

The following example shows a profile through a flat grid filtered to five
data points by using the Laplacian algorithm.
Combination
The Combination filter is a compromise between the Biharmonic and
Laplacian algorithms. During the filter step, filtering (flexing) passes
use the Biharmonic and Laplacian algorithms alternately.
Combination filtering does not overshoot the data as much as
Biharmonic filtering, and it does not exhibit as much sharp peaking near
data points as Laplacian filtering. However, the results of Combination
filtering are somewhat unpredictable, since the final character of the
grid depends heavily on the algorithm used in the last flexing pass.
None
If you specify NONE as the Type of Flexing value, no filtering occurs
after grid initialization or after each refinement.

The two types of Flexing templates and their assigned weights are
shown below surrounding the grid node whose value is being calculated.
TEMPLATES AND WEIGHTS
BIHARMONIC LAPLACIAN
(1)
o
(2) (-8) (2) (-.25)

o o o o
(1) (-8) (20)x (-8) (1) (-.25) (1) (-.25)

o o o o o x o
(2) (-8) (2) (-.25)

o o o o
(1)
o

Flexing
Flexing, sometimes called Filtering or Relaxation, enables you to smooth small
(high frequency) features on a grid. This smoothing process can at the same time
tie the surface to data points. Controls are provided for which nodes are flexed, how
much the data is honored, and how much smoothing is done, upper and lower limits
for the output grid, and whether a constraint band (limit surface) above and below
the flexed grid is used.
How Flexing Works
Flexing moves a template over the grid and calculates a new value for the node at
the center of this template based on values of that node and the other nodes covered
by the template. Two standard templates are used: Biharmonic and Laplacian.
The template is moved over the grid, stopping at each node and adjusting it. At each
template position, all nodes under the template are multiplied by the weight at that
location of the template. The results are summed. If that sum equals zero then the
surface perfectly fits the Biharmonic or Laplacian equation, and no modifications
are needed. If not zero in error, then the center value is adjusted up or down to
reduce this error. This method for reduction is called Successive Over Relaxation
(Young, 1973). This is a mathematical procedure that trivially adjusts the center
value until it acceptably satisfies the equations.
When part of the template covers ZNONs, or is outside the grid, then the weights
of the template must be adjusted. This adjustment process is done at the start of the
flexing with the adjusted weights stored temporarily until needed. If the grid is
large, and the ZNON areas complex, this weight adjustment process may take a
considerable amount of time.
The grid that results from one pass of the template will not perfectly satisfy the
Biharmonic or Laplacian equation. This is because, even though the center point of
the template is adjusted to an optimum value, the other nodes that were used to
adjust that one were also adjusted. More passes of the filter are required to
progressively bring the entire surface closer to desirable form. How close the
surface gets to this form before it stops is controlled by you.
Effect of Flexing on Surface Form
Biharmonic flexing creates a surface that resembles a rigid surface, like a hand-saw
(metal plate), which bends slowly and smoothly from one inflection point to
another. This is sometimes called a minimum curvature or minimum tension
surface.
Laplacian flexing creates a surface that resembles a balloon or soap bubble which
comes quickly back to the average surface position away from inflection points.
Sticking your finger into a balloon would cause the surface to peak at your finger
and quickly return to its original form away from your finger. This is sometimes
called a high tension surface.

Cut Off
After each flexing pass within a filter step, a rate of change is calculated.
The Cut Off parameter is set so that when the rate of change for a
flexing pass falls below this value, the filter step is terminated. The
purpose of the Cut Off is to accomplish the appropriate number of
flexing passes while preventing unnecessary ones that would slow down
the gridding process.
Cut Off defaults to 0.25. When the rate of change is this small, it means
that the grid is honoring the data fairly well. When you increase the
Cut Off, you may speed up the gridding process, but you also give the
filter steps more freedom to smooth through the data.
Number of Flex Passes

Like Cut Off, Number of Flex Passes lets you control (more directly)
how many iterations of the filter occur in a filter step. The program
defaults to 10.
During the filter step, grids usually approach their lowest rate of change
within the first 5 or 6 flexing passes. One way to speed up the gridding
process without compromising the quality of the surface model is to
reduce Number of Flex Passes to either 5 or 6.
Control of Passes
You can set Control of Passes so that the Cut Off parameter is either
used or not used. The options are
FLEX <= NUMPASS (default)
FLEX = NUMPASS
When the setting is FLEX <= NUMPASS, the Cut Off parameter is
used. Flexing stops as soon as the rate of change drops below the
Cut Off value, or when the number of iterations reaches Number of
Flex Passes, whichever occurs first.
When the setting is FLEX = NUMPASS, the Cut Off parameter is not
used. Flexing iterations continue until the defined Number of Flex
Passes is reached.

Gridding Normal Faults

If you specify an input fault file (.FALT file) for gridding, Point
Gridding Plus incorporates the fault data into the grid node values. To
accurately incorporate fault geometry data, the fault definition data file
may contain the following fields:
x,y coordinates Locate the fault in relation to the rest of the
map.
SegID Identifies the segments of the fault.
HEAVE Represents the displacement in map units (optional)
THROW Represents vertical separations in map units
(optional)
DIPANGLE Represents the angle of the fault (optional)
Using a FALT file, Point Gridding Plus can create three types of fault
grids:
Centerline Grid
Expanded Fault Grid (traditionally known as a Blanked Grid)
Fault Filled Grid
The program generates the centerline grid by default. If the FALT source
file contains Heave, Throw and Dip Angle fields, you can also create
other types of fault files with Point Gridding Plus. When you supply an
output file name for either of the other types of grids in the Other
Outputs tab, the program generates the Expanded Fault Grid and/or the
Fault Filled grid. You can generate all three grids if you choose.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Gridding Normal Faults 125

Point Gridding Plus also generates FALT file(s) for you if you designate
an output file name for either Expanded Fault or Fault Filled grids.
Traditional computer mapping methods treat faults as opaque

line-of-sight barriers in the gridding process. Data points on the opposite
side of a fault from a grid node cannot be used in calculating a value for
that node. This method of handling faults is available in Z-MAP Plus.
However, with the proper fault data structure, data points can be
adjusted by the faults displacement and then used in the gridding
process; the faults become non-opaque.
This topic reviews terminology associated with faults and covers both
the opaque and non-opaque methods for handling them.
Reverse Faults are Not Covered

Handling reverse faults in the computer mapping environment is an advanced topic
which is not covered in this guide.

Fault Terminology
For the purposes of computer mapping, normal faults are simple lines,
digitized in map view, which represent the intersection of a fault plane
and the surface you are modeling. On a mapped surface, normal faults
are accurately represented as a polygon, and are generally referred to as
expanded faults.
-3000
-3050
-2950
-2900
Normal Fault Represented as a Polygon (Expanded Fault)

When accuracy is not essential or when mapping on a regional scale, the
same normal fault might be represented as a line constructed down the
center of the polygon. This type of fault is called a centerline fault.
-3000
-3050
-2950
-2900
Normal Fault Represented by a Centerline

In either case, when the fault is used as a barrier in the gridding process,
it is referred to as opaque. Expanded faults are always treated as opaque.
When you include additional information about the faults geometry
(vertical separation) with centerline fault information, it is classified as
non-opaque, and Point Gridding Plus is able to make a more accurate
model of your surface.
In summary, you can use three types of faults:
Opaque expanded faults
Opaque centerline faults
Non-opaque centerline faults

Gridding with Opaque Faults

When gridding with opaque faults, none of the major steps in the
gridding process are able to look across a fault. This includes grid
initialization, filtering, and refining.
For example, consider a grid node between the two faults in the
following picture:
-3000
-3050
-2950
-2900
Opaque Faults in Grid Initialization

Only the data value -2950 is used in initializing this grid node, because
in each other case, faults lie between the node the data value. Thus, the
values across faults are opaque during grid node initialization.
Gridding with opaque faults (whether centerline or expanded) can
lead to:
poor extrapolation of trend across a fault
throw reversals along the fault
ZNON grid nodes in fault blocks without data

The following is an example of a simple faulted anticline gridded with

sparse well control data and an opaque centerline fault:
Faulted Anticline Generated with Opaque Fault

Point Gridding Plus functionality enables you to overcome these
limitations if you have the necessary information (vertical separation)
associated with the fault data.

Gridding with Non-Opaque Centerline Faults (Throw Gridding)

When you grid with non-opaque centerline faults (often referred to as
throw gridding) in Point Gridding Plus, all of the previously mentioned
limitations to gridding with faults are overcome. The surface model can
exhibit
good extrapolation of trend across faults
consistent modeling of throw
initialized nodes in fault blocks without data
The following picture shows contours drawn on the same faulted
anticline, except that vertical separation information at the faults has
also been used:
Vertical
separation values
are posted along
the fault
centerline.
Faulted Anticline Generated with Non-Opaque Fault

In order to perform throw gridding, the fault file must contain a vertical
separation field (DELTA Z-THROW) in addition to the X(EASTING),
Y(NORTHING), and SEG ID fields.
The file may also contain HEAVE and DIP ANGLE fields. These fields
are not required to perform throw gridding, but they can be used with
Point Gridding Plus to automatically expand centerline faults into
expanded fault polygons.

Description of Vertical Separation, Heave, and Dip Angle

Vertical Separation, Heave, and Dip Angle are each measured in a plane
perpendicular to the strike of the fault. In the following diagram, this
page is a plane perpendicular to the fault strike:
Dip Angle
Heave
Faulted Horizon
Vertical Separation
Normal Fault Throw
Faulted Horizon
Terminology Associated with a Normal Fault

Although the term throw gridding is used to refer to gridding with
vertical separation data, you can see that throw is only an approximation
to vertical separation when the faulted horizon is dipping.

How Throw Gridding Works

If a fault file contains vertical separation data, throw gridding augments
the grid initialization process in the following way:
A line connecting the grid node and the data point is established.
An intersection point between the line and the fault is located.
Vertical separation at the intersection is calculated.
The data value is adjusted by the vertical separation value.
The grid node is initialized.
Consider the previous example:
0
-3000(-2955)
-3050(-2998)
-2950 40
70
0 0
V. Sep. = 63
60
-2900(-2963)
Non-Opaque Faults in Grid Initialization

In the case of the data value -2900, a vertical separation value of 63 is
calculated by linear interpolation between 60 and 70. 63 is then
subtracted from the original -2900 before grid initialization begins.
The post processing phase of point gridding is modified in a similar
fashion: filter steps and refinements use the adjusted data values as well
as adjusted grid node values to improve the processes.

Output When Performing Throw Gridding

Initial output from throw gridding is a centerline grid. When you use
non-opaque centerline faults to construct your grid, the grid is still
referred to as a centerline grid, although the modeling near the faults is
much improved.
You can generate two additional grids and associated fault files when
gridding with non-opaque centerline faults, depending on your fault data
structure:
expanded fault grid and expanded fault file
fault filled grid and fault profile data
The Expanded Fault (Blanked) Grid and Expanded Fault File
You can expand the input centerline faults into polygons (expanded
faults) if the fault file includes a HEAVE or DIP ANGLE field.
When the file contains a HEAVE field, the input faults centerlines are
simply expanded by the HEAVE values to form the polygons. If the file
contains a DIP ANGLE field, a trigonometric calculation is used to
determine a heave value, and then the expansion is performed
X, Y, and Z Units of Measure Must be the Same

If you are using a DIP ANGLE field along with vertical separation to calculate a
heave, the units of vertical separation must be the same as the x, y units for your
map. For example, if you are generating a time-structure grid, and your x, y values
are in feet, you must convert your time values to depth (feet) before performing fault
expansion.
A third alternative is to provide your own digitized expanded faults.

Once the expanded fault file is generated, the original centerline grid is
blanked inside the fault polygons, forming the traditional blanked grid.
Expanded Fault Grid with Expanded Faults
The Fault Filled Grid and Fault Profile Data
Provided you have the fault data necessary to create expanded faults and
a blanked grid, you can also choose to create fault profile data and build
a fault filled grid.

The fault filled grid is similar to the expanded fault grid, except that grid
nodes lying within the expanded fault polygons are re-initialized to lie
within the plane of the fault.
Fault Filled Grid with Expanded Faults

After expanded faults and the expanded fault grid have been created, the
fault filled grid is created in the following fashion:
Z-values representing the horizon/fault plane intersection are
calculated along the expanded fault polygon lines by
back-interpolating to the original centerline grid.
Fault Profile Data with Fault/Horizon Intersection Values

A copy of the expanded fault file containing these z-values is
generated (fault profile data).
ZNON nodes within the expanded fault grid are re-initialized by
using the new fault profile data. These node values now lie within
the fault plane.
Because fault-filled grids do not contain ZNONs in the area of the fault
polygons, they can be used to generate more accurate isochore maps in
areas around faults, and can also be used to more accurately generate
volumetrics results.

Control Grids
You can use control grids to streamline the building of several surface
models over the same project area. This topic defines a control grid,
discusses the various ways you can use them, and shows you how to
select one.
Description of a Control Grid

A control grid is a grid that already existsone that you use in some
way to influence the construction of a new grid.
You can choose among several options to determine how the control
grid is used. These include:
None
Flex Only
Grid Non-Znons
Grid Znons
Faults Only
Default AOI
Designate the control grid method and the grid file with the Control
grid usage field on the Basic tab.
Flex Only
If you select FLEX ONLY, the control grid is simply passed directly to
the post-processing phase of the gridding process as if it were the initial
grid. This allows you to accomplish the following aims:
filter an existing grid to a set of control points,
refine an existing grid to a smaller grid increment, or
a combination of both of these.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Control Grids 137

Grid Non-Znons
If you use the Grid Non-Znons option, the output grid maintains all the
ZNON grid nodes from the control grid. Nodes in the output grid are
initialized only if the same node in the control grid is defined. Consider
the following control grid (generated from dataset A) and output grid
(generated from dataset B).
Control Grid Output Grid
A A A A A B B B B B
A A Z Z Z B B Z Z Z
A A Z Z Z B B Z Z Z
A A Z Z Z B B Z Z Z
A A A Z Z B B B Z Z
In the control grid, nodes A have defined values and nodes Z are
ZNONs. If you use this grid as a control grid to grid a dataset B by using
Grid Non-Znons, ZNONs exist in identical areas.
You typically use this form of control gridding to pass the same blanked
area from one surface model to one or more other grids.
Grid Znons
If you set control grid use to Grid Znons, grid nodes are initialized only
where the control grid contains ZNONs. Defined grid nodes from the
control grid pass through to the new grid. Consider the following control
grid, generated from dataset A, and output grid, generated from
dataset B:
Control Grid Output Grid
A A A A A A A A A A
A A Z Z Z A A B B B
A A Z Z Z A A B B B
A A Z Z Z A A B B B
A A A Z Z A A A B B
You typically use this type of control grid to update an area that contains
ZNONs with data added to the original dataset.

Faults Only
You learned in a previous topic that Point Gridding Plus enables you to
generate additional grid and fault files if your input data structures can
support it (see page 125).
Faults Only control gridding enables you to input a centerline fault grid
file (as the control grid) and a fault file, and produces additional Point
Gridding Plus output, including:
Znon Filled Center Line Fault File
Blanked Grid
Expanded Fault File
Fault Filled Grid
Fault Profile Data
When you perform Faults Only control gridding, a new centerline grid
is not generated. Thus, any Z-value field selected for gridding is not
used, and neither are any of the primary, secondary, and flexing gridding
parameters.
Default AOI
Default AOI is the most common form of control grid usage. When you
set a control grid to Default AOI, the following primary parameters from
the control grid are passed to the output grid:
X Minimum, X Maximum
Y Minimum, Y Maximum
X Increment, Y Increment
Search Radius
Secondary and Flexing parameters are not taken from the control grid.
Usage of Default AOI is particularly useful when you need to maintain
the same AOI over a project area, so that output from grid operations
maintain the same areal extent.

Setting Control Grid Usage

To set control grid usage, follow these steps:
When you choose a type of

1 control grid usage, the
Select CONTROL Grid file
2 selection dialog appears.
1. Select a Control grid usage method from the drop-down list. The
Select CONTROL Grid file selection dialog box appears.
2. In the dialog box, highlight the name of the grid to use as the
control grid. The dialog box closes immediately, and the selected
usage method appears in the Control grid usage box.
Control Grid as Input for Point Gridding Plus

You can use a control grid as the only input file for Point Gridding Plus.

Using Data Hulls

Data sets employed in producing grids are generally not of a rectangular
distribution. Grids, however, are required to conform to a rectangular
shape. Because of this, edge effects often occur in areas (especially
corners) that are large distances from the data points.
Data hulls can be used to overcome this problem. This topic defines a
data hull and its purpose, and demonstrates how to create, use and store
them.
Description of Data Hulls

A data hull is a line that is drawn around the data points to be used in the
gridding process. During gridding, data points outside the line are not
used in creating the grid, and grid nodes outside the line are not
initialized.
You can use two types of data hulls in Point Gridding Plus:
CONCAVE
CONVEX
A third option, DATA DISTRIBUTION, is the default value, which sets
the program to not use a data hull.
Convex Hulls
A convex hull is analogous to a rubber band stretched around all of
your data points, as shown in the following example:
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Using Data Hulls 141

Concave Hulls
Concave hulls are essentially convex hulls modified so the line around
the data is allowed to make concavities into the data. With this type of
hull, it is actually possible to exclude some data points from the gridding
process by placing them outside the hull.
You can choose from two different algorithms to build concave hulls:
CONCAVE HULLI and CONCAVE HULLII. Although results are
similar, type II concave hulls are generally more severe.
Concave Hull II
Concave Hull I
Purpose and Use of a Data Hull

By not allowing grid nodes to be initialized outside their bounds, data
hulls have the following characteristics:
speed gridding time by not considering nodes away from data
eliminate edge effects seen at the extremities of the grid and in
void data areas
A data hull can also be saved to a VERT internal file. There are many
ways you can use this VERT polygon file. Some examples include
using it
as a contouring constraint, providing a smoother line around
color-filled contour areas
to blank other grids or data sets inside or outside the hull line
as a location-edit polygon in the Data Selection operation

Creating and Storing the Data Hull

To create and store a data hull, you must
specify the data hull algorithm,
specify a radius (for concave hulls only),
provide an Output Data Hull File Name and select an MFD for
writing it, and
set the extrapolation distance.
Specifying the Data Hull Algorithm

You can designate a data hull function to eliminate extrapolated ZNON
node values from your grid with the Advanced tab Other Controls
panel Data Hull setting. From this drop-down menu, select the Data Hull
option of your choice:
The option DATA DISTRIBUTION means that you do not want to use
a data hull. It is the default setting.
Setting a Radius for Concave Hulls

Concave hulls are generated by starting with the convex hull, and rolling
a circle of a specified radius around the perimeter of the data. In
general, when the circle can fit between two data points, a concavity
is made into the convex hull. You can control the severity of the
concavities by increasing or decreasing the radius of the circle.

If you choose a Data Hull algorithm other than DATA

DISTRIBUTION, the Data Hull Parameters dialog box appears:
Set a Radius (in mapping units) here. Remember, the smaller the radius,
the more severe the concavities.
Saving the Output Data Hull

You do not have to save your data hull in order to use it in the gridding
process. However, if you wish to use it in future tasks (grid blanking, for
example), you will need to fill in the Output Data Hull File Name field
and select an Output Data Hull File (MFD) before clicking OK in the
Data Hull Parameters dialog box.
Setting Extrapolation Distance

Extrapolation Distance is a secondary gridding parameter, which is
typically not used during the default gridding process. If you choose to
construct a data hull, however, you can push the hull away from the
data by setting an Extrapolation Distance value. This setting enables the
gridding process to extrapolate away from the data at the specified
distance.

The following illustration shows convex hulls constructed at 0 and

300.0 extrapolation distances.
300 Ft.
Data Hull Boundary Tolerance

Strictly speaking, a data hull is a straight line between the outermost data points.
Point Gridding Plus expands the data hull boundary by a small amount to ensure
that grid nodes that are in close proximity to a data point are not assigned a null
value. For this reason, this data hull will not appear directly on a point unless that
point is directly on a node.

Summary of Gridding Parameters

This topic contains a summary of the gridding parameters and hints
about how to set them.
Basic Tab Gridding Parameters
Parameter Default Hint
Algorithm LEAST SQUARES
Control Grid Usage NONE You can run Point Gridding Plus with only an input
Control Grid. See the discussion of Control grids
earlier in this section.
ZNON Value 1.000000e+30 Dont change it or be very careful this value is far
outside the Z-values you are gridding.
Search Radius 1/2 diagonal of the grid Span the data clusters.
AOI
Refinements 0 or 1, depending on Set so that GINCI is large enough to preserve trend

gridding algorithm in the data.
Extrapolation Distance Search Radius Used either (A) if you increase Minimum Number
of Sectors or (B) if you select a data hull.
Smoothness Modulus 0.2 .2 for well data,.7 for seismic data.
Z Min, Z Max Calculated to data Rarely a need to change this parameter.

z-range +/- 10%
Xinc,Yinc Varies with density of 1/2 distance between the closest data points to
data resolve, or 1/2 distance across the smallest feature
to preserve.
R2003.12.0 More About Grids: Summary of Gridding Parameters 146

Advanced Tab Parameters
Parameter Default Hint
Smoothing Parameters
BIHARMONIC Use LAPLACIAN if you want to accentuate

Flexing Type
peaks at the data points.
Control of Passes FLEX <= NUMPASS Generally, dont change.
Number of Flexing Passes 10 Reducing to 6 will speed the post processing phase
of gridding without affecting the quality of the final
grid.
Cut Off 0.25 Fewer flexing passes if you raise this value; grid
may not honor data, though.
Other Controls
DATA Use to remove extrapolated node values from your

Data Hull
DISTRIBUTION grid. See the topic on Data Hulls on page 141.
0.0 Set if AOI of grid is smaller than AOI of data,

X Expand and Y Expand
(4 * GINCF).
Trend or Bias Ratio 1.0 Used to effect a biased trend in the gridding process
(along the Bias Angle). 1.0000 means no bias.
Trend or Bias Angle 0.0 Measured clockwise from North.
Trend or Bias Angle Unit DEGREES Describes the units of the Trend or Bias Angle
(DEGREES or RADIANS).
Fault Dip angle unit DEGREES Choose the measurement units for the dip angle:
DEGREES or RADIANS.
Maximum Number of Fault 2 An interpretive decision

Crossings
Minimum Total Points 1 Leave it alone. Default is set for optimal gridding.
Desired Points Per Sector 4 Leave it alone. Default is set for optimal gridding.
Minimum Number of Sectors 1 Increase to 2 or 3 if you wish to use in conjunction

with Extrapolation Distance to limit extrapolation.
Weighting Function SHARP Set to SMOOTH only if honoring data is not

important.
Report Type COMPLETE Includes the grid file name, file type, MFD name,
AOI, the range, minimum and maximum, and mean
of Z, gridding increments, null value and more.
Other options are NONE or PARTIAL

Suggestions for Non-Default Gridding

InitialGinc FinalGinc 2 ( Refinements )
Initial Grid Increment

This parameter is back-calculated from values the user specifies for
Final GINC and Refinements. The user does not enter a value for Initial
GINC on any parameter menu.
Initial Grid Increment is a value that does not require great precision,
however the initial grid must contain at least 16 grid nodes. A value for
Initial Grid Increment in a dataset comprised of wells or seismic would
normally be estimated to the nearest 50 or 100 feet.
Unfaulted Data (or data with non-opaque faults)

2D Seismic Data approximately the average line spacing.
3D Seismic Data large enough to contain 4 - 8 shotpoints.
Well Data no constraint other than the 16 grid node
minimum.
Faulted Data (with opaque faults)

Any Data Type focus on the areas of the map where opaque
faults merge and where precision of the contouring in the merge
areas is critical. Ultimately select the merge area where well or
interpreted seismic data is closest to the merge point of the
faults. Measure a north/south or east/west interval (whichever
direction is appropriate) between the fault traces and over the
data, and use this smallest distance between fault traces as the
Initial Grid Increment.
In the event you have opaque faults that merge but the precision
of the contouring in the merge areas is not crucial, or you have
faults that do not merge, use either the average distance between
faults, or the criterion for unfaulted data, to approximate the
Initial Grid Increment.

Final Grid Increment

This parameter is found on the Basic tab, and is entered as two
parameters: X Increment and Y Increment.
Unfaulted Data (or data with non-opaque faults)
2D Seismic Data slightly smaller than the spacing between

picked shotpoints, or half the distance across the sharpest arc in
contour you wish to have drawn on your map.
3D Seismic Data the distance between shotpoints. You can
double or triple this distance to get a smoother map at the
expense of accuracy.
Well Data half the distance between the two closest wells you
wish to honor with your contours, or half the distance across the
sharpest arc in contour you wish to have drawn on your map.
Faulted Data (with opaque faults)
The above rules are appropriate for faulted data with one added
criteria: the Final Grid Increment should fit within fault merge
zones or closed fault blocks that have one or more data points.
Failure to meet the criteria will result in a lack of contours in
areas where faults merge and in closed fault blocks.
Search Radius
This parameter is found on the Basic tab.
Well Data the longest distance between wells or groups
of wells.
Seismic Data The lesser of the two dimensions measured
within the biggest open space that exists between the lines.
Flexing (also known as Filtering)

This operation smooths the grid and adjusts the grid to tie back to the
control points. While 10 passes is the default, five to six passes are
usually adequate. Flexing type and control over the number of passes are
set on the Advanced tab.

Refinements
This operation adds in grid nodes half way between existing grid nodes.
The newly added grid nodes are assigned values based on
back-interpolation of the existing grid. Control points are not referenced
in refinements. (That is done in the Flexing operation.) You seldom use
more than three refinements, and a typical setting is one refinement.
(With opaque faults, the application sets refinements at zero
automatically.)
Smoothness Modulus
A setting close to zero (0) honors the data precisely. A setting of one (1)
allows for a smoother contour map.

How To
Overview
This section how to perform the following frequently used tasks:
Display Coordinates on a Map page 152
Measure Distances on a Map page 153
Adjust the Colors in a Picture page 154
Change the Background Color page 158
Disable Automatic Picture Display page 159
View the Contents of a Data File page 160
Edit a Data File (ASCII and Binary) page 163
Edit Fields page 164
Edit a Picture and Regrid page 169
View Maps in the ZGF Picture Viewer page 182
Change the AOI of a Grid or Picture page 191
Create an Isopach Map page 198
Exchange Data with SeisWorks page 201
Make Z-MAP Plus Data Available in StratWorks
page 203
Create a Fault File page 204
Print a Picture page 209
Overlay Maps page 212
Create a Trend Form Grid page 216
Post Specific Seismic Lines and Shot Points page 220
R2003.12.0 How To 151

Display Coordinates on a Map

To identify the coordinates of a point on a map, locate the cursor over
the area of interest and press Mouse Button 2 (MB2). The Coordinates
Display appears in the display area.
If you drag the cursor over the map with mouse Button 2 depressed, the
x,y coordinates for the point underneath the cursor appear in the
coordinates display box.
To get x,y coordinate values for any point on the map, click MB2 on a
point in the map, as shown in the following example.
Coordinates
Display
R2003.12.0 How To: Display Coordinates on a Map 152

Measure Distances on a Map

To measure the distance between two points on a map, follow these
steps:
1. Move the cursor over the starting point.
2. Press Button 3 (MB3).
3. Drag the cursor the distance you want to measure. A temporary
line from the original point to the furthest point of your
measurement appears. Also, a distance display box appears near
the top of the display area.
To measure distances on a map, click MB3 on a point and drag to
another point, as shown in the following example.
Distance Display
(in map units)
Drag to
Here
Click
Here
R2003.12.0 How To: Measure Distances on a Map 153

Adjust the Colors in a Picture

This topic describes how to perform the following tasks:
Change colors of a feature in an existing picture (page 155)
Change the background color of an existing picture (page 158)
Understanding the Z-MAP Plus Color Table

As described in the topic on page 40, every feature of a picture is
composed of components (also called primitives): lines, text, polygons,
symbols. In turn, each of these components have attributes. Color is an
attribute of a component.
All colors used are stored in the pictures color table.
Default Colors in the Color Table Display

The color table has 256 cells. An index number is assigned to each cell
in the table. Each component points to a cell in this table and derives its
color from this cell.
You can edit or change color assignments for each component in two
ways:
Change the color within the cell assigned to the component with
the Edit Color Table dialog box
Change the color table cell number assigned to the component
with the Color Indices icon.
R2003.12.0 How To: Adjust the Colors in a Picture 154

Color Table Cells Remember Last Setting

Each time you begin a new picture, the color table remembers your most recent
settings. Once you display and change the color table settings, the default colors
may never appear again until you start a new LASPRM.ZCL file and a new ZGF.
The exception to this rule is cell 0 (background) and 1 (foreground). It is best to
leave the values in these two cells unchanged.
To learn more about the Color Indices option, see the Edit section in
the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide or see the browser-based help
system.
Change Color of a Feature on My Map

To change the color assigned to a cell in the color table, follow these
steps:
1. Click the Color Table icon or select Edit Color Table from the
menu. The Color Table display and the Edit Color Table dialog
box appear.
Status &
Prompt Color Mode
Actions
Sample New Color
Sliders
In this example, you edit the color assigned to cell 2. Cell 2 is

associated with the contours on the example map by default.

2. Choose an action to perform. For this example, select Edit.
Selecting an Action
Each action item in this dialog box has a check box that appears to the left
when the action is selected. To select an action, click its name or click the
invisible check box to its left. A check box and check mark appear next to the
selected action.
In the Edit Color Table dialog box, you can edit, display, copy,
interpolate, read or write a color table. Each aspect is covered in
detail in the Edit section of the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
The Status field at the top of the dialog box gives a brief
description of the action you have chosen.
The Prompt field points you to the steps you need to take.
3. Choose the type of color mode: RGB or HLS.
RGB creates colors by combining the three primary colors of light:
red, green and blue.
HLS mixes colors based on hue, lightness, and saturation. Hue is
determined by the wave length of light reflected from a surface.
Lightness is the amount of color reflected from a surface, and
saturation is the intensity of the color.
Because it is most common, use RGB for the example. Select the
radio button next to RGB to put the Edit Color Table dialog box
into RGB color mode.
4. Optional: To update the map display dynamically, select the
Update picture dynamically check box.
If you select this option, the map colors change as you move the
sliders. For a large map, this may affect performance. If you do not
choose to update the picture dynamically, you see the effect of
color changes only if you click the Apply or OK button.

5. Move the red, green and blue sliders until the sample color box
shows the color you want.
Originally, contours are green.
After the edit, they are red.
Notice that the tiny labels on the contours are still green on the
edited map. This is because the labels are tied to cell 9 on the color
table you havent changed.
6. Click OK to close the Color Table display and Edit Color Table
dialog box.

Change the Background Color

You can select either black or white as the display background color.
Whichever one you choose, the foreground color automatically appears
in the opposite color.
The default display background color is black because it is easier to
read on monitors. To change the background color of the map from
black to white, complete the following steps:
1. Select Tools System Switches or click the Toggle Background
icon:
The System Switches dialog box appears.
2. From the Graphics Background Mode list, select WHITE.
3. Click OK.
The cell color assignments for cells 0 switch to either black or
white. This may help you remember why the option is in the
System Switches dialog box rather than the Edit Color Table
dialog box.
White Background Always Used for Printing

Regardless of the background setting used for display purposes, Z-MAP Plus
always uses a white background for printing maps.

Disable Automatic Picture Display

When you start a Z-MAP Plus session, the picture from your most
recent session appears automatically. The program retrieves the picture
information from the LASPRM.ZCL file. The feature that controls this
behavior also automatically displays any picture as you open it. To
inactivate this feature, follow these steps:
1. Select Tools System Switches in the Z-MAP Plus window. The
SYSTEM SWITCHES dialog box appears:
2. Click the Display Picture When Opened button and select NO

from the drop-down list. The NO setting disables automatic picture
display.
3. Click OK to save your settings and close the dialog box.
The System Switches dialog box sets several display options. To
familiarize yourself with other settings in this dialog box, see the
Tools section in the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
R2003.12.0 How To: Disable Automatic Picture Display 159

View the Contents of a Data File

To view the fields in a data file, follow these steps:
1. Select File Info File Listing. The FILE LISTING dialog
box appears:
As with most Z-MAP Plus dialog boxes, the settings in this dialog
box are organized to be completed from top to bottom. The only
required setting is the Input File value.
2. Click the Input File button. A dialog box appears that lists the
names of all files in the attached MFDs.
Highlight the name of the file whose fields you want to display.
The dialog box closes immediately.
R2003.12.0 How To: View the Contents of a Data File 160

3. Click the Fields to List button to designate the fields you want to
see.The Ordered Selection dialog box appears:
4. To display all fields, click OK. To display selected fields, move the
field names you want to view into the Destination List:
Highlight the Append radio button.
Click each field name you want to see. The field names appear
in the Destination List area as you click them.
To reorder the fields, delete incorrectly ordered items from the
Destination List and reinsert them, as described below.
Click the Delete radio button.
Highlight an item in the Destination List. It disappears from the
list.
Select the Insert radio button.
Highlight the field name below the target location for the new
entry.
Click the name of the new field in the Source List. The field is
inserted above the field name you selected in the Destination
List.

5. Once the Destination List contains all the fields you want to check,
click OK.
The list of fields in the file and values for each well name appear in
the system window.
Limitation on Number of Words Displayed

The File Listing option displays no more than 100 words that match the input
criteria. If more than 100 words are available, an error message in the system
window informs you of the number of words left out.

Edit a Data File

Data files are ASCII, flat files arranged in fixed columns until you
import them into an MFD. Once data files are in the MFD, they become
binary files.
It is important to be familiar with your data because anomalies in data
can affect maps and grids. You can view the contents of a data file by
selecting File Info File Listing (described on page 160). The
data appears in the system window. To review data file format, see
Data File Format on page 47.
Edit ASCII Files

Z-MAP Plus does not supply any tools to edit ASCII flat files. To edit
ASCII files, use a text editor such as vi or emacs. Text editors are
primitive compared to word processors, but they accomplish similar
tasks, such as deleting or replacing characters. Your operating system
may provide a simple interface to make editing text files easier.
Edit Fields
Binary (MFD) Data Files
The Edit Data Editor Points View Edit option enables you
to click a visible point on a map and edit the values for that point. The
illustration show the dialog for editing a seismic shot point, which
eliminates the need to scroll through rows of numbers to find the exact
data record you want to change.
Saving While Editing

Save your work often when you use the Data Editor.
R2003.12.0 How To: Edit a Data File 163

Edit Fields
You can copy, rename, and delete entire fields by using the features
accessible by selecting the Operations Data Operations Fields
option. You can also create a new field by performing a mathematical
operation that involves one or two fields in a file by using the
Operations Calculator option.
Rename a Field
To illustrate how the Fields options work, the following example
renames a field.
1. Select Operations Data Operations Fields
Rename Fields. The RENAME FIELDS dialog box appears.
2. You must specify an input file.

When you click the Input File button, a dialog box appears.
Highlight the name of the data file that contains the fields you want
to rename. The dialog box closes automatically. The status area
reports the name of the specified input file and output file.
3. Optional: To save the data file under a new name, use the Output
File Name and MASTER FILE parameter. Otherwise the
program saves a version of the file by using the original file name
with a new version number.

4. Designate the fields you want to rename with the Fields to

Rename parameter button. The following dialog box appears:
This dialog box lists all field names found inside the data file you
attached with the Input File parameter. The RENAME FIELD
dialog is a multiple list dialog. Highlight the names of the fields
you want to rename, and click OK.
5. Use the Output Field Names parameter to assign new names to the
fields you designated in the previous step.
For this example we renamed the TOP, POROSITY, WATERSAT

fields to TOP2, POROSITY2, WATERSAT2.
6. Click Apply to rename the field and leave the dialog box open, or
click Save to rename the field and close the dialog box.

7. To view the renamed files, select File Info File Listing. The
system window displays the fields in the file.
To learn more about File Listing, see View the Contents of a Data
File on page 160.
Use the Calculator to Change the Value of Field Entries

If you want to change the value of every entry in a field, you use
Calculator from the Operations menu. For this example, we will add
50 to every item in a field to correct an inaccurate elevation.
1. Select Operations Calculator. The Calculator dialog box
appears.
Input File
(Grid or Data)
Equations
Input Operations Panel
Panel
Output
Move Buttons

2. Beside the first field under Input Files and Grids, click the
Select File button to display a list of all the files in the attached
MFDs. The Select INPUT File single list dialog appears. Highlight
the name of the file that contains the field to be changed.
The dialog disappears when you make your choice, and the name
of the file appears in the file name field on the Calculator. Also
notice that the names of the fields within the file have activated the
Field A and Field B options. The Calculator knows you want to
perform a data operation because of the type of file you chose.
3. Designate the Z-field you want to change in the Select Field A.
This field uses a drop-down menu to help you select an appropriate
field name.
In our example, we choose the P_ASPER_TOP. We do not need to
fill in the Field B option because we are only adding 50 to the
values in the P_ASPER_TOP.
4. In the Operations area of the Input panel, select ADD from the
drop-down list under Single. The panel reconfigures each time it
receives more information. Thus you are only presented with
appropriate choices. The Input panel now looks like this:
50
5. Enter the value of the constant that you want to add to each entry
in the P_ASPER_TOP field. For our example, we place 50 in the
Constant field.

6. Optional: Enter a new name for the field in Output Field Name
box. NEW FIELD is the default name. The drop-down list
contains all the existing field names. To overwrite an existing field,
select an existing field name.
7. The Calculator defaults the new file name to D/scratch _out_#
where # is the version number of the new file and D stands for
data. If you want to save the file to a new name, enter the new
name in the Output File Name box.
8. The Calculator defaults to save the new file into the Scratch MFD.
If you want to save the file to another MFD, select the name of an
attached MFD from the drop-down menu in the Location field.
Scratch MFD Discarded on Exit from Z-MAP Plus

Remember that the Scratch MFD is erased whenever you exit Z-MAP Plus or
attach or detach other MFD(s). The scratch file is the default MFD used in the
Calculator because many results from Calculator operations are intermediary
steps that do not need to be saved permanently.
9. Use the highlighted right arrow button to move your equation onto
the Equations panel.
10. Click OK to execute the calculation and close the Calculator
dialog box or click Apply to execute the calculation and leave the
Calculator dialog box open.
Use the File Listing option to see the results of the operation.

Edit a Picture and Regrid

When you have created a picture, you can edit it to fit your
interpretation using the Edit/Create Data menu option. For the
example, we edit the 7900 contours in the Triangle contour picture to
eliminate the saddle effect, then we regrid to save the changes to a new
grid.
Prepare to Work in Edit/Create Data

Before you begin to work in Edit/Create Data, you must:
Open the MFD (or OpenWorks project) containing the member
files you want to modify before you begin.
Have an active picture whose AOI encompasses the data in the
MFD. You use the active picture as a graphical aid in the editing
process. Pictures have three basic qualities that lend themselves to
assisting your work in the Edit/Create Data:
They can graphically display the data you want to edit.
They have an AOI that enables the calculation of x, y
coordinates at any location.
They contain header information that relates features on the
picture to data and grids in the MFD.
Preferably, the picture displays data-related features that were drawn
using the member files you want to edit.
R2003.12.0 How To: Edit a Picture and Regrid 169

Understanding Editor Buffers

Before you start using the Data Editor, it is important to understand
how the program uses buffers during editing. This topic shows how the
default behavior for managing files. You can change the default
settings, but that procedure is beyond the scope of this topic. (For more
information about the Data Editor, see the Z-MAP Plus Reference
Guide.)
When you enter the editor, it does two things:
1. Establishes connections between features on the active picture and
member files in attached MFDs or in OpenWorks.
2. Creates a temporary workspace, similar to a SCRATCH FILE,
called the Editors Buffer. For the moment, it remains empty.
Consider the following example. Before clicking Data Editor, the
active picture is TRIANGLE MAP and the attached MFD is
NEW-TRIANGLE.MFD. The following picture and captions explain
what happens after you click Data Editor.

The active picture,

TRIANGLE MAP, is
still displayed. It now
becomes a graphical
aid for the editing
process.
TRIANGLE MAP NEW-TRIANGLE.MFD

Next, the editor
features member files
establishes
BORDER connections between
POSTED WELLS TRIANGLE WELLS member files in the
FAULT LINES TRIANGLE FAULTS MFD and related
CONTOURED GRID TRIANGLE GRID features on the map.
EDITORS BUFFER
Finally, the editor
establishes a buffer,
similar to a SCRATCH
MFD. It remains
empty for now.

Edit a Picture
1. Enter the editor by selecting Edit
Data Editor. Choose the Contour,
Faults, Lines option. The Line Edit
dialog box appears. The object of this
exercise is to connect the 7900 saddle, as
it appears in the preceding picture.
2. The Break & extend option is a good
choice since you have to break existing
contour lines, extend them, then
reconnect the ends of edited lines to
existing lines.
Click Break & extend. The
Individually Break Lines dialog box
appears. The following prompt appears
in the status area: SELECT BREAK
POINT ON LINE.

Click the -7900 contour, as shown below.
Notice that two labels appear on the contour line because it is cut
in two pieces. The Add To Line dialog box has appeared along
with a new prompt to add points. The program is now in extend
mode.

Add points along the line until it looks about like the following
picture. Be careful not too add too many points. The editor
smooths the line for you, so add as few points as needed to
establish the shape of the contour.
Only a few added points are needed

to detail the shape of the edited
contour line.
You want to end the line, break the existing -7900 contour, and
attach the edited line to one of the broken pieces. To do this, click
Break/Connect in the Add To Line dialog box. The edited line
is connected automatically to the correct segment of the existing
-7900 contour, and the line is smoothed.

3. You are again prompted to SELECT BREAK POINT ON LINE.

Edit the lower part of the saddle in the same way.
To end the line, choose the Delete Extra Break/Connect

option, so that extra line segments are deleted. The result should
look like the example on page 177.
4. Click OK in the Individually Break Lines dialog box.
5. Optional: To adjust the existing lines, use the Reshape Contours
option in the Line Edit dialog box.
6. Click OK in the Line Edit dialog box.
Review the status area. Notice that the data selected for editing
includes CNTRS OF TRIANGLE GRID (EDITED). This is the
edited file you just created, which is in the editors buffer.
Do Not Click OK Yet!

The editor currently has a memory of your work, and you want to retain this
memory (stay in the current session) until you are ready to regrid. This helps
the editor determine which files are needed for the regridding process. You
use the edited contours to make a modified version of the TRIANGLE GRID.

7. Now that the TRIANGLE GRID contours are edited, update the
grid with your interpretation. The Edit/Create Data dialog box
should still be open.
Click Regrid in the Edit/Create Data dialog box. The Regrid
dialog box appears.
8. Optional: To limit the area over which the existing grid can
change, click Set Limits. The Set Limits dialog box appears.

Click Create Polygon. When the Draw Polygon dialog box

appears, digitize a polygon around the edited area on the map.
Use the End and Close option to complete the polygon.
Hachures should appear on the inside of the polygon, as shown
below, and you are returned to the Set Limits dialog box. Click
OK.
Review the status area, which should look like the following
example.
Files to be used in the

regridding process.
If you regrid at this time, the files listed in the status area are used
in the regridding process. Notice that the editor is aware that you
want to use CNTRS OF TRIANGLE GRID (EDITED) to regrid.
Also, the limits are indicated AS DRAWN, which means the editor
recognizes the polygon you just displayed. The output grid is listed
as TRIANGLE GRID, the same name as the input grid. This
indicates that the regridding process will use the original grid name
with a version number unless you specify a different output name.

9. Optional: To change the output grid name, click Files/Fields in

the Regrid dialog box. A dialog box indicating default selections
for input and output appears. Clear the TRIANGLE GRID
selection, and click SELECT OUTPUT GRID FILE NAME, as
shown in the following example.
Click here to clear the

default output grid name.
Click here to be prompted

for a new name.
Click OK in the REGRID - Select Files and Fields dialog box to

save the changes.
When the Regrid OUTPUT File Name dialog box appears, enter
the grid name EDITED TRIANGLE GRID, and click OK.
10. Click Auto Regrid in the Regrid dialog box. The editor uses
contour gridding to make the area grid because you edited
contours. Watch the system window for the contour gridding
report and the PROCESSING FINISHED PLEASE CONTINUE
prompt.

11. To check the quality of the regridding process, click Contour Edit
Area. The Contour Edit Area dialog box appears.
Click Parameters to change the contour Line Color to 6, and

change the Dashed Lines (Multiple of Interval) parameter to 1,
so that the contour lines are dashed. Click OK.
Click Add to Display Only to draw the contours on the graphics
display. This does not update your picture. As shown below, the
contours are only drawn to the display.
Click OK to dismiss the Contour Edit Area dialog box.

12. Update the picture. Click Contour Grid Area, then click the
Replace Picture option. Contours of EDITED TRIANGLE
GRID are drawn on the reference picture. Click OK in the Contour
Grid Area dialog box to close it.
13. To exit the editor, click OK in the Regrid dialog box, and OK in
the Edit/Create Data dialog box.
14. To refresh the graphics display, click the Full Display icon. The
picture is updated with your interpretation, and so is the grid.
The picture is now

updated with
contours of EDITED
TRIANGLE GRID.

15. Optional: To recheck the edits, display a list of the updated files:
Select File Info Master File Directory.
This is one of the most common uses of the editing functions, but
editing in Z-MAP Plus is a complex process. Editing copies parts
of files during the time the editing is taking place and creates a set
of temporary files to contain the features to be edited. These
temporary files are erased when you click OK and leave the Edit/
Create menu. As we have seen, it also creates a series of new files.
The new files created in the example steps include:
CNTRS OF TRIANGLE GRID The digitized and edited
contours that you used in the regridding process
REGRIDDED AREA GRID The area grid that was patched
into the original grid to generate EDITED TRIANGLE GRID
EDITED TRIANGLE GRID The final edited grid output
from the regridding process
CREATED VERTICES SET 1 A VERT file that contains
the polygon you digitized as an area limit for the regridding
process
To learn more, see the Editing section in the Z-MAP Plus Reference
Guide.

View Maps in the ZGF Picture Viewer

This section describes the following tasks you can accomplish in the
ZGF Picture Viewer application:
Display a picture of the posted data or a contour mapshowing
the selected recommendation (next topic).
Load a picture from a ZGF (page 184).
View the x,y location of the cursor in the picture (page 184).
Measure distance in the displayed picture (page 184).
Overlay features from one picture to another, such as culture data
from SeisWorks (page 186).
Create a CGM file of the display to produce hardcopy (page 188).
Working with Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer

For information about editing color tables, editing the colors for map features,
loading color tables into displayed pictures, and saving edited color tables, see
Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer starting on page 241.
R2003.12.0 How To: View Maps in the ZGF Picture Viewer 182
Displaying the ZGF Picture Viewer Window

To open a new ZGF Picture Viewer window, select Applications
ZGF Picture Viewer from the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu. The
ZGF Picture Viewer window appears.
Icons in the ZGF Picture Viewer

Use the icons in the ZGF Picture Viewer window to perform the
following actions:
Point Zoom Zooms around a point you select. To zoom, click
the icon, then click in the center of the area you want to examine.
Rectangular Zoom Zooms around an area you select. Click the

icon. Drag the mouse on the map until the area you want to zoom
is enclosed by a rectangle. Release the mouse button and the map
zooms into the area defined by the rectangle.
Zoom Out Zooms out, with the selected point as the new
display center. Click the icon, then click a point in the map.
Unzoom Returns the display to its original AOI. To unzoom,

click the icon.
Redraw Redraws the current displaywithout changing the

current zoom setting.
Measure Distance Enables you to measure the distance

between any two points on the map. Click the icon, then position
the cursor over the first point and press MB1. Drag the cursor over
the second point. While you hold down the mouse button, the
status area reports the distance between the first and current
location, expressed in map units.
Stop Stops the program from drawing the picture. This is useful
for a amount of data that takes a long time to display.
Select Point Mode Select Options Point Mode to show the x, y

location of the cursor in the status area at the bottom of the ZGF Picture
Viewer window.
Loading ZGFs
To switch ZGFs or load additional ZGFs, use the Load ZGF dialog box.
You cannot view more than one map in the ZGF Picture Viewer, but
you can have several ZGF Picture Viewer windows open that display a
series of maps.
To load a picture from a ZGF into the ZGF Picture Viewer window.
follow these steps:
1. To open a new ZGF Picture Viewer window, select
Applications ZGF Picture Viewer from the Z-MAP Plus
Command Menu. The ZGF Picture Viewer window appears.
2. Select File Load ZGF in the ZGF Picture Viewer window.
Locate the ZGF. The filter displays all files with the extension
.ZGF. (The filter is not case-sensitive, it displays matching files
regardless of capitalization.)
3. Select a ZGF from the Files list.

The pictures stored in the selected ZGF appear in the Pictures On
This Graphics File list in the Load A ZGF dialog box.
4. Select a picture from the Pictures On This Graphics File list and
click OK. The picture loads into the ZGF Picture Viewer window.
Load ZGF Mode

To see a series of pictures, select Actions Load ZGF Mode. The OK
button is replaced by an Apply button. If you click Apply, the ZGF Picture
Viewer loads the selected picture but leaves the Load A ZGF dialog box open
so you can load another picture.
Overlaying Picture Features

You can copy and superimpose selected features from one picture
(input) onto another picture (output). This topic describes how to
perform this task in the ZGF Picture Viewer, but you can also perform
this task (with slightly different looking dialog boxes) by selecting
Features Overlay Picture in the Z-MAP Plus window.
The program assumes the input and output pictures have intersecting
AOIs and adjusts the scale of input features to fit the output picture.
Overlaying Color Tables

If you overlay pictures, the color table of the first picture overrides the color table
of the picture used as an overlay.
This can cause problems, for example, if you overlay a colorfilled picture on a
posted data picture. The colorfill may display differently because the colorfilled
picture is now using the color table for the posted data.
To overlay features on a picture, follow these steps:

1. Select File Overlay Picture in the ZGF Picture Viewer
window.
Select Input
Picture button
Features To
Overlay button
Resetting the Overlay Picture Dialog Box

You can return the Overlay Picture dialog box to its original settings at any
time by clicking the Reset button.
2. Select the source picturethe picture from which you want to

copy features:
2a. Click the Select Input Picture button.
2b. Select a ZGF. The pictures in the graphics file appear in the
Pictures On This Graphics File list.
2c. Select a picture from the Pictures On This Graphics File list
and click OK.
3. Specify whether you want the features divided: Click the Division
Of Features On Overlay button and select one of the following
options:
Maintain Divisions Keeps all the selected features separate
from each other.
Single Feature Combines all the selected features into a
single feature.
4. Click the Use Cutline button to specify whether you want a cutline
around the picture.
The cutline represents the edge of the plotter paper and appears as
a dotted line in the display. The default offsets between the cutline
and the map AOI equal one inch on the top, right, and left, and four
inches on the bottom.
5. Choose the features to overlay. By default, all features in the

picture are overlaid.
5a. To choose specific features, click the Features To Overlay
button to display a selection dialog box.
5b. Select the features and click OK.
5c. To remove features from the selection list, click them in the
list.
6. In the Overlay Picture dialog box, click Apply to overlay the

features of the selected picture.
Getting Additional Information

For additional information about performing this task in the Z-MAP Plus
window, see the Overlay Picture topic in the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
Saving Pictures as CGM Files

You can convert multiple pictures to CGM files (computer graphics
metafiles), which you can then send to a plotter.
1. Select File Create CGM File in the ZGF Picture Viewer
window:
These
buttons
correspond
to each of
the options.
By default, the Picture Name box displays the name of the current
picture.
Resetting the Create CGM Dialog Box

To restore the original settings in the Create CGM File dialog box, click the
Reset button at any time. The original Picture Name, Feature To Output To
CGM File, and CGM Output File values are restored.
2. If you want to save another picture as a CGM file, click the ellipsis
(. . .) button next to the Picture Name box.
In the Picture Name dialog box that appears, complete these
actions:
2a. Navigate to the directory that contains the ZGF with the
needed picture.
2b. Use the Filter feature to display all the directorys ZGFs. in the
Graphics Files list.
2c. Select a ZGF from the Graphics File list. All pictures stored in
the selected ZGF appear in the Pictures On This Graphics File
list.
Select a picture from the Pictures On This Graphics File list

and click OK.
3. By default, all features in the picture are included in the CGM file.
To include only selected features, click the LGB Types button.
(An LGB is a logical graphics block, or group of features available
for inclusion. An LGB may contain several different types of
features.)
In the LGB Types dialog box that appears, complete these actions:
3a. Select the features you want to include from the Items list.
The selected features appear in the list area at the bottom of the
dialog box.
3b. When you finish, click OK.
4. By default, the output file is named temp.cgm. To select another

output file or create one, click the CGM Output File button and
complete these steps:
4a. Use the CGM Output File dialog box to locate and select an
existing CGM file or enter a new file name in the Selection
box.
4b. Click OK. The dialog box closes. You return to the Create
CGM File dialog box, which displays the selected output file
name in the CGM Output File box.
5. In the Create CGM File dialog box, click OK.
The dialog box closes, and the CGM file is created.
Change the AOI of a Grid or Picture

To change the AOI of an existing grid, you can either create a grid with
the new minimum and maximum coordinates for both x and y, or you
can resample the grid. To change the AOI of an existing grid, you must
copy the min and max x and y coordinate values and create a picture
with those coordinates.
Change the AOI of a Picture

To change the AOI of an existing picture, create a picture by following
these steps:
1. Note the minimum and maximum x, y coordinates in the existing
picture or select File Info File/Picture Information. (To
display coordinates with the mouse, click Button 2.)
2. Create a new basemap: Select File New Basemap. The
NEW MAP Creation dialog box appears.
3. In the NEW MAP Creation dialog box, select the Picture Name,
AOI Types and Scale Types button.
4. Name the picture you are about to create. You can also set the type
of AOI and Scale you want to use, but this is not required.
5. Click OK to close the Picture Name, AOI Types and Scale Types
dialog box.
R2003.12.0 How To: Change the AOI of a Grid or Picture 191

6. Choose the AOI for user input, Offsets and Scale button. The
LIMITS, Offsets, and Scale dialog box appears:
Enter the
values you
copied from the
existing picture.
Set the margins

that surround
the new picture.
Set the picture

scale.
To resize the current picture, specify new X Scale and Y Scale

values. If you experiment, each time you click OK the new
basemap dimensions appear in the status area. This is useful when
you get ready to print the picture.
.
Size appears in either inches or centimeters, depending on the Units

setting in Tools SYSTEM SWITCHES.

7. The newly created blank basemap appears in the Z-MAP Plus

window. To view the basemap, select Features Overlay
Pictures in the Z-MAP Plus window. Use the OVERLAY
PICTURE dialog box that appears.
Watching the Status Area

The Z-MAP Plus window status area displays useful information during many
operations. The following example detail shows messages that appear as you
execute the OVERLAY PICTURES command:
8. Click Apply to overlay the pictures. Click Save to save the

composite picture and close the dialog box.
9. To view the new map, select File Open Picture Open in the
Z-MAP Plus window or click the Picture Open icon. Highlight
the new map name, and it appears in the display area. The new
picture has a different AOI than the original picture.

Change the AOI by Resampling a Grid

Resampling is often used in operations to ensure that grid nodes align
exactly. In this task, resampling is used to change the AOI of an
existing grid. Remember that you have many ways to accomplish
objectives in Z-MAP Plus and that each Z-MAP Plus command has
many uses.
To change a grids AOI by resampling the grid, follow these steps:
1. Attach the MFD that contains the grid to be subset (as described
on page 72).
2. Begin grid resampling by selecting Operations
Grid Operations Resample Grid. The GRID RESAMPLING
dialog box appears.
3. Click the Input Grid button to display the Select INPUT GRID
dialog box, which you use to specify an existing input grid. The
dialog box closes immediately when select a grid name.
4. Optional: To include faults, click the Select Faults button to
display the Select FAULTS dialog box.

5. Click the Output Grid Name and Parameters button to display

the Output Grid NAME dialog box, which you use to specify the
new grids name, location, and AOI coordinates.
Name the new

grid and location
Set the AOI

coordinates.
Set the space

between the
nodes.
6. Click OK to close the dialog box, and OK again to resample the

grid.
As you specify parameter values to resample a grid, the status area
displays information about the grid you are creating and the source
files used.
Size is displayed in number of nodes

When you click OK in the GRID RESAMPLING dialog box, a

new grid is produced. Details about the new grid appear in the
system window.
To see the results of the new grid, create a new basemap and
contour the grid.

Summary
Lets compare the results of the different methods for changing the
area of interest:
The New AOI
The Original Picture
Picture made from an existing picture Picture made from resample grid

Create an Isopach Map

If you want to map the thickness of a structure, you need two values:
one value to represent the depth at the top of the surface and one with
depth at the bottom of the surface. You can use a data file with z-fields
for each depth (top and bottom of a surface) or two grids to calculate
thickness. Use the Operations Calculator option to subtract one
depth from another.
R2003.12.0 How To: Create an Isopach Map 198

Using Data Operations

1. Display the Calculator dialog box by selecting Operations
Calculator.
2. On the Input Files and Grids panel, use the Select File button to
designate the data file that contains both Z-fields for the top and
bottom of the surface.
3. Select field that represents the formation top from the Select Field
A drop-down menu. This drop-down displays all named fields
within your input file.
4. Select the field that represents the bottom of the formation from
the Select Field B drop-down menu.
5. In the Dual field, select SUBTRACT from the drop-down menu.
This operation produces a Z-field whose values represent thickness
of the formation.
6. Name the new field with the Output Field Name drop-down list
or highlight the default name (NEW FIELD) and enter another
name.
7. Name the new data file in the Output File Name box, and select a
location for storing the file from the Location drop-down menu.
8. Move the equation into the Equation Display list by clicking the
Move button.
9. Click Apply to process the equation, create the new Z-field, and
create the new data file that contains the Z-field that represents the
structure depth.
10. Use the new data file to create a grid based on the values found in
the new Z-field. When you contour this grid, you have a contour
map showing the thicknesses of the formation.

Using Grid Operations

You can use similar steps to subtract the value of grid nodes on one grid
from the same node values in another grid; thus you use the Calculator
to determine the thickness of the structure.
1. Display the Calculator dialog box by selecting Operations
Calculator.
2. Under Input Files and Grids on the Calculator dialog box, select
the name of a grid file that represents the formation top in the
Select File field. This becomes GRIDIN1 (the first grid).
Calculator Automatically Displays only Relevant Fields

When a grid file is chosen, the Input Files and Grids fields automatically
reconfigure with only the fields you need to perform calculations on grids.
3. In the Select Grid field, designate the name of the second grid
(GRINDIN2) that represents the formation base.
4. Under Dual, choose SUBTRACT from the drop-down list. This
instructs the program to subtract the grid node values from the grid
named in the second grid field from node values in the Select File
grid.
5. In the Grid AOI Source field, designate which grids AOI to use
for the new grid. The default AOI is GRINDIN1. To change this
value, use the drop-down list.
6. Name the grid in the Output File Name box and specify the
location for storing the grid file by making a selection in the
Location list.
7. Click the right arrow to move your equation into the
Equation Display panel.
8. Click Apply to execute the equation and leave the Calculator
dialog box open, or click OK to execute the equation and close the
Calculator dialog box.
9. Contour the grid to create the isochore map by selecting the
Features Contouring Contour option.

Exchange Data with SeisWorks

You can import SeisWorks horizon files into Z-MAP Plus, converting
the horizons into DATA files so you can use them to create maps in
Z-MAP Plus. You can also save Z-MAP Plus grids as horizons, so they
are accessible in SeisWorks projects. To use these functions, you must
use Z-MAP Plus with OpenWorks.
Open SeisWorks Horizons as Grids

To import SeisWorks horizon files into Z-MAP Plus as grids, click the
Open SeisWorks Data icon or select File Open SeisWorks. The
Seismic Project Selection dialog box appears. Select a the seismic
project that contains the horizons you want to import, then click OK.
The Import From SeisWorks dialog box appears.
R2003.12.0 How To: Exchange Data with SeisWorks 201

In the Import From SeisWorks dialog box, you must specify the input
horizons, the types of output you want to create, and the target location
for saving the data. Several optional parameters are also available.
For more information about this operation, see the SeisWorks topic in the Z-MAP
Plus Reference Guide, or click the Help button in one of these locations: the
Seismic Project Selection dialog box or the Import From SeisWorks dialog box.
Save Grids as Horizons

To save grids as horizons and make them are accessible in SeisWorks,
click the Save To SeisWorks icon or select File Save As
SeisWorks File. The Seismic Project Selection dialog box appears.
Select a target project for saving the horizon files, then click OK. The
Transfer Grid to Seismic dialog box appears.
In the Transfer Grid to Seismic dialog box, you must specify the input
grid and output horizon file name, at a minimum. You also have the
option to specify a fault file to include in the horizon, change the
reference datum value, and flip the Z values.
For more information about this operation, see the SeisWorks File topic in the
Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide, or click the Help button in the Seismic Project
Selection dialog box or Transfer Grid to Seismic dialog box.
R2003.12.0 How To: Exchange Data with SeisWorks 202

Make Z-MAP Plus Data Available in StratWorks

To use Z-MAP Plus-created faults, grids, and pointsets in StratWorks,
save the files to OpenWorks or to MFDs. You do not need to take any
special steps in Z-MAP Plus to make the files accessible in StratWorks.
This topic is a brief overview of the StratWorks procedure for
importing Z-MAP Plus MFDs.
Accessiblilty of MFD Data

OpenWorks is the data management suite for making data accessible in multiple
Landmark applications. OpenWorks does not store MFDs, however. To make the
contents of an MFD accessible in the broadest range of Landmark applications, save
the files from the MFD to OpenWorks. For example, save Z-MAP Plus FALT,
DATA, and GRID files in OpenWorks.
In StratWorks, you can import individual files contained in an MFD

into OpenWorks by using the MapView application. To start MapView,
select Interpret MapView in the StratWorks window. In the
MapView window that appears, select MapView Mapping
Import Map Data. The Import dialog box appears.
Select a File Type
The File Names

values identify the
source files in the
Z-MAP Plus MFD
Use the Import

Data Type values
to specify how to
store each file in
OpenWorks.
For more infromation about this operation, see the StratWorks Mapping
guide.
R2003.12.0 How To: Make Z-MAP Plus Data Available in StratWorks 203
Create a Fault File

You can create fault files by using a number of Landmark products,
such as StratWorks and SeisWorks. Although you may typically use
other applications to create fault files, you can also create fault files in
Z-MAP Plus by following these steps:
1. Open the existing contour file to use for digitizing a fault.
2. To create the fault file, select Edit Data Editor.
The Edit/Create Data dialog box appears.
3. In the Edit/Create Data dialog box, click the Create Data button.
The Type of Data to create dialog box appears.
4. Click the Fault button. The Create Data dialog box appears.
R2003.12.0 How To: Create a Fault File 204

5. In the Create Data dialog box, click the Filename, mfd Name, #
of Fields button. The Create New Fault File - Select File Name
dialog box appears.
6. Set the File name parameter to name the new FALT file.
7. Set the MFD for new file value to specify the target MFD for
storing the FALT file.

8. Optional: Set the following parameters:

Number of field in addition to x,y and segment id An
input fault file must contain the following required fields: X, Y,
and SEGID. For extended faults, the file must also contain
values for the following extended fields: DIP, THROW,
DELTA-Z ANGLE, and HEAVE. If the fault file contains any of
the extended fields, use this option to specify the number of
extended fields.
Autoset extra fields This setting enables the program to set
field values for new points automatically. Values (such as Z
values) are derived from a source grid or control point on which
the map was based. This option is especially useful for adding
synthesized control points away from the defined data and for
creating digitized profiles.
Snap vertices to point locations Defines the location of a
new point from the x,y location of the nearest point in the
selected file.
9. Click OK to close the Create New Fault File - Select File Name
dialog box.
10. In the Create Data dialog box, specify names and types for any
extended fields you indicated previously in the value for the
Number of fields in addition to x,y and segment id box. (In this
example, you digitize a simple new fault file, so you do not specify
any extended field names and types.)
11. Click OK to close the Create Data dialog box.
The Create Lines dialog box appears. You can begin to use the
cursor for digitizing.

Use Mouse Button 1 (MB1) to select the points to define the fault
in the basemap. The digitizing line extends as you drag and click,
as shown in the following illustration.
Point & click
Drag & click Drag & click
Thenclick
Dragthe
& End from the
dialog
Then choose END
from the dialog
You have just created a single new fault segment.
Values for the Extra Fields

If you set up for extra fields in step 3, each time you click to digitize a fault
point along your segment, the following dialog appears where you furnish
values for the point.:
12. When you finish drawing the fault, click End in the Create Line
dialog box to stop digitizing and create a centerline fault.

The Smooth Line dialog box asks whether you want to smooth the
line. It is generally a good idea to use the smoothing function.
Creating Fault Polygons

To create a fault polygon, click the End and Close button. This joins the
beginning point to the last point you drew.
13. Click OK to close each dialog box. When you click OK to close
the final dialog box, the new FALT file is created.
14. Select File Info File Listing to see the new file added to the
list of files in the system window.

Print a Picture
Use the File Print CGM option to display the Plot a Picture
dialog box. You can use this dialog box to save the current picture as a
.cgm file, which you can send to a plotter at any time. You can also use
the CGM option to print multiple copies of a picture.
1. Click the Graphics File Name button. In the Input List dialog box
that appears, specify the ZGF that contains the picture you want to
print. The dialog box closes automatically.
2. Click Picture Name and select the name of the picture.
3. Optional: To change the measurement units used for the picture
statistics shown in the dialog box, select the Unit Type: Inches or
cm radio button.
R2003.12.0 How To: Print a Picture 209

4. You cannot change the values for Original Size of the picture, but
you can change the Offsets and size of the plotted image.
Red Outlines Tie Fields Together

As you move your cursor over the Plot Width, Plot Height, and Offset fields,
red boxes appear. Red boxes indicate a relationship exists between the values
of highlighted fields. For example, when you move over the Scale Factor field,
red boxes appear around Plot Width, Plot Height, and Scale Factor. This
indicates that if you change the value in any of these fields, the program
calculates the values for the related fields automatically.
5. Select the plotter you want to use from the drop-down menu in the
Plotter Name field (if you have plotters set up through
OpenWorks).
6. Set the dimensions for your printout in the Plot Width and Plot
Height fields.
7. To save this file to disk and make printing future copies of this
picture easier, name the file and select the radio button beside
Create cgm disk file.
8. Click OK to print the picture and close the dialog, or Apply to
print this picture and leave the dialog box open so you can
schedule other print jobs.

Heres a summary of Plot a Picture features:
Select the input ZGF

and picture.
Specify the units the

plotter uses.
You can change plot

width, height, or scale
factor, or accept the
default values.
Indicate the number of

copies to plot. You can
Rotate the picture to
prevent paneling. Indicate
whether or not you want
the plot to have a Cut-line
(a solid thin line drawn at
the edge of the offset
area of the plot).
If your system is set up properly, you can click Queue Plotter to send
the picture directly to a plotter. Select a plotter from the list of options or
click Create a cgm disk file and specify a file name.

Overlay Maps
You can compare two maps by merging one map into another. To
accomplish this task, you can use the Overlay Pictures option or
perform one of the following actions:
Display a basemap of leases over an interpreted contour map of the
geologic feature.
Compare gridding algorithms.
Compile a map of multiple geologic features.
In the following example, a contour map of the Drake formation
created with the Weighted Average gridding algorithm is overlaid onto
a contour map of the same feature gridded with the Least Squares
algorithm.
Picture 1 - LS TIME MAP

This is the base or Output
Picture, which is
overwritten in the Overlay
Picture process.
The contours are drawn on
a Least Squares grid.
Picture 2 - WA TIME MAP

This picture is merged with
Picture1. The contours are
drawn on a Weighted Average
grid.
R2003.12.0 How To: Overlay Maps 212

To overlay features from an existing picture onto another existing

picture, follow these steps:
AOI Requirement for Overlaid Pictures

Overlay Pictures assumes the input and output pictures have intersecting AOIs and
adjusts the scale of the input picture features to fit the output picture. See Change
the AOI of a Grid or Picture on page 191 to learn how to adjust the AOI of a
picture or a grid.
1. Check the status area to insure that the correct ZGF is attached.
2. Display Picture1 in the Z-MAP Plus window.
3. Make a copy of Picture1. You make a copy because the composite
picture created with the Overlay Picture option overwrites the file
name of the picture used as the base or bottom layer. Use the
File Copy option to make a copy of Picture1. In this example,
you name the Picture1 copy as OverlayExample.
4. Display the copy of Picture1 (OverlayExample) in the
Z-MAP Plus window: Select File Open Picture Open or
click the Picture Open icon and select OverlayExample.
5. Select Features Overlay Pictures to create the composite
picture. The following dialog box appears:
Input Picture = Picture 2
Output Picture = copy of Picture 1
Default Values in the Status Area

The default value for the output picture is the picture most recently reported
in the display area.

6. Set the following values from the OVERLAY PICTURE dialog:

Input GRAPHICS FILE Select the name of the ZGF that
contains Picture2.
Input picture Select the file name of Picture2. This picture is
overlaid on top of the output picture. Sometimes the order might
be important.
Output GRAPHICS FILE Click this button and select the
ZGF that will contain the output picture.
Output picture Select the name of the picture you want to
overwrite when you merge the two pictures.
Features to Overlay If you do not select any features from this
multiple list box, all features are displayed when the two pictures
are merged. Otherwise, highlight the features you want to display
on the new, merged map, and click OK.
7. Click Apply in the OVERLAY PICTURES dialog box.
When the operation is complete, the Z-MAP Plus System Window
reports that processing is finished.
8. Click Save to save the composite picture and close the OVERLAY
PICTURES dialog box.
9. To see the new composite picture, select File Open
Picture Open or click the Picture Open icon in the Z-MAP Plus
window. Select the name of the new picture in the dialog box that
appears. You must display the picture in this way even if it has the
same name as the original output picture.
Overlaying one picture on another with different colored contours

makes it easy to compare the results of the gridding algorithms.

Overlay Picture Tips

Overwritten Pictures Z-MAP Plus usually does not overwrite
an existing picture or file. Typically the program creates a new file
name by adding a version number to the original file name. The
OVERLAY PICTURES operation is an exception to this rule. The
OVERLAY PICTURES operation overwrites the file named as the
output file. Be sure to copy the picture before executing the
overlay operations, if you want to preserve the original picture as a
separate picture.
Merged Picture Features The Overlay Pictures operation
merges two pictures into one. Once you overlay the pictures, you
cannot separate the features of the two pictures for editing.

Create a Trend Form Grid

Trendform Gridding grids a set of data while honoring the shape (but
not the values) of a form grid using the continuously varying bias
information embedded in that form grid.
To create a trendform grid, follow these steps:
1. Select Modeling Trendform Gridding. The Trendform
Gridding dialog box appears:
Tabbed parameter
panels.
Ellipsis
produce
Red fields require a popup
you to enter a value. dialog to
choose
from.
Main Window Buttons
2. Now designate the file that contains the shape of the new
trendform grid. Click the selection button to the right of the Form
Grid (Shape) parameter. Highlight the name of your shape grid.
3. If the form grid is associated with a fault file, select the name of
the fault file in the Form Grid Faults field.
4. Follow the same procedure to select the input Control Point file.
R2003.12.0 How To: Create a Trend Form Grid 216

5. Choose the Z field you wish to grid from the Z Field drop-down
list this list of Z-fields comes from the control point file you
designated in the previous step. Because this is a s single select
list, simply highlight the name of the Z-field. The name
automatically appears in the Z Field parameter. To change this
value, choose another field from the same drop-down list.
6. Your data file may contain one or more data confidence fields.
Where multiple confidence fields exist, you must interactively
target which field you want to use.
Creating Confidence Fields

When you create a confidence field, always use positive numbers (including
zero) for confidence factors. You can apply a confidence factor to each of the
z-values in the data file.
The Data Confidence Field is also a single list drop-down menu.

7. Optional: Select the fault file associated with the control point
file.
8. Specify the location for storing the new grid from the Output
Location list.
9. Name the new grid (Output Grid Name).
10. Select a gridding method in the Algorithm field. The default value
is LEAST SQUARES.
You can apply the same logic used for ordinary gridding. For a
description of the algorithms, see the Modeling section in the
Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide or use the browser-based help
system.

11. Enter the gridding bias. This parameter controls how closely the
output grid follows the form grid. The default is 50. The bias has
meaning only with respect to the units used for the x, y and z
coordinates in your data and your form grid. You probably need to
do some experimenting to determine the best value. Start with the
default, then iterate until you get what you would consider to be
the most accurate results. If you set this parameter to 0 (or the
form grid is flat), the program reverts to ordinary gridding
independent of the shape of the form grid.
12. If the file has multiple X or Y fields. you must indicate which
fields you want to use to create the grid. On the Other Outputs
and Controls tab, select the field name for both X and Y from the
drop-down menus in the Select From Multiple X and Y Fields
panel.
13. You can also choose to generate fault throw grids on the Other
Outputs and Controls tab. These additional files are
automatically generated when you enter a name in the field beside
each type of file. For a complete explanation of these files, see
Output When Performing Throw Gridding on page 133.
14. Click OK to execute Trendform Gridding.

Viewing the Results

To view the new trendform grid, follow these steps.
1. Select File Open MFD Open/Close and highlight the MFD
that contains the output trendform grid. Click OK.
2. Select File Open ZGF Open/Close and select an existing
ZGF.
3. Create a basemap with an area of interest (AOI) from the
trendform results by using the File New Basemap option.
4. Select Features Contouring. Create a contour map of the
trendform results.
Set the contouring parameters so that contours are Colorfilled
5. Select Features Overlay Pictures and overlay the form grid
contours onto the trendform contours to see how well the
colorfilled contours match those of the form grid.
Contouring the Form Grid

When you contour the form grid, be sure to use the COARSEST setting
for the Contour Refinement option.
Recommendations
The Trendform algorithm is slower than the other gridding
algorithms and should not be used on dense data.
At the other extreme, results will suffer when too little data is used.
Do not expect good results when you use a complex form grid
together with a dataset that contains three wells.
Ideally, some data must be scattered throughout the area of your
form grid.
Since a high frequency form grid that contains a lot of contour
detail between control points may cause unexpected results, it is
recommended that you filter such high frequency information out
of the form grid before using it
When viewing a form grid in Z-MAP Plus contouring, use the
COARSEST setting for the Curve Sampling Density or Contour
Refinement option.
A very fine row and column spacing in the form grid may be
required to impose an interpretation on closely spaced data.

Post Specific Seismic Lines and Shot Points

Since seismic data is so dense, you often want to post only specified
shot points or lines. We will first designate which shotpoints to post
then designate which lines to post on a 3D survey. Many of the same
concepts apply to posting 2D.
To specify which shotpoints and lines to post on a 3D survey, follow
these steps:
1. Open Features 3D Seismic. The following dialog box appears:
As you can see from the many types of parameters, this dialog
gives you a lot of control over seismic posting. For our purposes,
we are concentrating on the number of shotpoints to post. For
complete descriptions of all the parameters, see the Features
section in the Z-MAP Plus Reference Guide.
R2003.12.0 How To: Post Specific Seismic Lines and Shot Points 220
2. Choose Shotpoints to Post to reduce the clutter of posted

shotpoints on your map. The following dialog box appears:
Use this dialog box to control the frequency of posted shotpoints,

the appearance of shotpoint labels, size of the symbol, etc.
Three fields (Symbol Posting Method, Rate to Post (Divisible
by), and Starting Location (Divisible bias)) on this dialog are
closely interrelated and the settings between the three give you
very accurate control over which shot points to post:
Symbol Posting Method

The options for the Posting Method parameter appear in a
drop-down list. The default value is Rate. For the ALL, RATE,
and DIVIDE methods, the first and last shotpoints on the line are
always posted. The options are:
ALL Posts all shotpoints.
RATE (default value) Enables you to set an interval between
posted shot points and always includes the first and last shot
points. If the method is set to RATE and the Rate to Post
(Divisible by) field is set to n, then every nth shot point in the
file is posted, starting with the Starting Location (Divisible
bias). For example, if you set the method to RATE, the Rate to
Post to 5, and the Starting Location to 7, you post points 1, 7,
12, 17, 22, and so on.
DIVIDE Posts any shot point number which is divisible by
the number you designate in the Rate to Post field. In addition,
the first and last shots are always included. For example, if you
set the method to DIVIDE, the Rate to Post to 5, and the
Starting Location (Divisible by) to 0, you post points 1, 5, 10,
15, 20, 25, 30, and so on.
If you set the Starting Location (Divisible bias) to 1 and use
the other two previous settings, you post points 1, 4, 9, 14, 19,
and so on.
NONE Posts no shot points on the map.
Rate to Post (Divisible by)
This field is only used when the mode is set to RATE or DIVIDE.
If the mode is RATE, the value in this field is the interval (after 1)
of shot points to skip. If the mode is DIVIDE, then all shot points
are posted where the shot point number plus the Divisible bias is
evenly divisible by the value you assign to this field.
Starting Location (Divisible bias)
This field requires a value when you are using the RATE or
DIVIDE mode. If the method is set to RATE, this is the starting
location of the first shot point you want to post. Remember the first
and last shot points are always posted. If the method is set to
DIVIDE, this is the Divisible Bias. Each shot point number where
shot point number plus Divisible Bias is evenly divisible by Rate
to Post (Divisible by) is posted.
3. To set the number and frequency of lines to post, choose the 3D

Survey Line Parameters button. The following dialog appears:
To control which 3D seismic survey lines appear on the map,

specify the following parameter values:
Line Posting Method
The following options for the Posting Method parameter appear in
a drop-down list:
ALL Posts all lines.
RATE (default value) Uses the specified interval between
posted lines. Notice that RATE always calculates the interval
beginning with line 1, and always includes the last line. For
example, if you set the method to RATE, the Rate to Post to 5,
and the Starting Location to 1, you post lines 1, 6, 11, 16, 21,
26, and so on.
DIVIDE Posts any line that is divisible by the number
specified in the Rate to Post box. For example, if you set the
method to Divide and the Rate to Post to 5, you post lines 1, 5,
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and so on. The first and last lines are always
posted.
NONE Omits all seismic lines from the map.
Rate to Post Lines (Divisible by)

This field is only used when the mode is set to RATE or DIVIDE.
If the mode is RATE, the value in this field is the interval (after 1)
of lines to skip. If the mode is DIVIDE, then all lines are posted
where the line number plus the Divisible bias is evenly divisible
by the value you assign to this field.
Starting Location (Divisible bias)
This field requires a value when you are using the RATE or
DIVIDE mode. If the method is set to RATE, this is the starting
location of the first line you want to post. Member the first and last
lines are always posted. If the method is set to DIVIDE, this is the
Divisible Bias. Each line number where line number plus Divisible
Bias is evenly divisible by Rate to Post (Divisible by) gets posted
on your map.
4. Click OK when you have set up the line parameters.
5. Click OK to post the shotpoint and line parameters you have set
up.
6. Click Save to close the Post Seismic Data (New) dialog box.
Appendix A. Glossary
Z-MAP Plus Glossary
algorithm
An unambiguous sequence of instructions, such as a portion of a computer program, which
gives an answer to a problem within a finite number of steps.
alias
The ambiguity in surface shape resulting from too widely spaced control data. If a surface is
very rough or wavy and the control points are widely spaced relative to the highs and lows
of the surface, then it will appear to be a much smoother surface after gridding. It is not
possible to accurately reconstruct a surface when it is undersampled and aliasing occurs.
alphabetic character
A letter or other symbol, excluding digits, used in a language. A blank is also considered an
alphabetic character.
alphanumeric data
Data composed of alphabetic and/or numeric characters. Generally, any data that is keyed or
displayed directly to a computer terminal or printer is alphanumeric data. When alphanumeric
data are stored by the computer, each character occupies one byte (8 bits). The two standard
internal computer representations of alphanumeric data are called ASCII and EBCDIC. See
binary data.
annotation
Descriptive text, scales, legends, etc., that are drawn on a map to identify and locate features,
describe the function of the map or features, and generally make the map useful.
R2003.12.0 Appendix A. Glossary 225

API well number

A unique numbering system developed by the American Petroleum Institute to identify wells
drilled in the United States. The 12 digit number can be broken down as follows:
Digits 1-2: State code. Numbers 1-49 are alphabetical for states including the District of
Columbia. Alaska and Hawaii are 50 and 51 respectively.
Digits 3-5: County, parish, or offshore code.
Digits 6-10: Specific well code.
Digits 11-12: Codes for sidetracks, etc.
apparent dip
Any dip not measured at a right angle to the strike. It is always less than the true dip. Cross
sections, which cut a surface at any angle other than 90 degrees to the strike of the surface, will
reveal the apparent dip.
area of interest (AOI)

The area in a map's border specified in rectangular coordinates (x and y values). In
Z-MAP Plus, the AOI may also be defined in latitude and longitude. AOI is also used for
discussing grid limits since grids typically have the same spatial dimensions as the map they
are intended to produce.
array
An arrangement of elements in one or more dimensions. Contrast with scalar.
ASCII
American National Standard Code for Information Interchange. The standard code, using a
coded character set consisting of seven-bit coded characters (eight bits including parity
check), used for information interchange among data processing systems, data
communications systems, and associated equipment. The ASCII set consists of control
characters and graphic characters including some which are not represented on the keyboard
keys.

back interpolation
An operation that is somewhat like the reverse of gridding in that Z-values can be interpolated
from a grid at irregularly spaced x,y locations. A local interpolation scheme is used to compute
the Z-value from grid values surrounding the x,y location and the resulting Z-value is added to
the data location to yield x,y,z for each of the input x,y points.
basemap
A map that shows the names and locations of map data, such as seismic lines, shotpoints, well,
culture, and other basic geographic data.
binary data
A way of encoding numeric data to make best use of the computational and storage facilities
of computers. Numeric data are converted into binary data as they are loaded into the
computer. Most numeric data are converted to binary data unless they are strictly for display
purposes on a map or other type of graphics. Then they would be retained in alphanumeric
form.
blanking
The operation of changing valid Z-values within a designated area into null values so that it
appears there are no data within the area. Data blanking nulls a specified field of all x,y,z data
points within an area. Grid blanking nulls all the grid values of a specified grid within an area.
border ticks
Short lines drawn perpendicular to map border and used to divide the border into distance
intervals. Longer ticks are used to indicate major intervals while shorter ticks are used to
subdivide major intervals. Major ticks are usually labeled with their respective coordinates.

boundary
A line or closed curve that delineates one area from another. The line or curve is usually
represented by a series of x,y points at its vertices. Boundaries between private properties are
called property lines or lease lines.
boundary polygon
An enclosed multi-sided area that limits data processing, such as regridding, to either inside or
outside the marked area.
centered symbol
See symbol.
CGM
Acronym for Computer Graphics Metafile. CGM files are a standard way of storing graphics
information. You can use the File Print CGM option in the Z-MAP Plus window to
save pictures as CGM files. You can use CGM files in graphics applications outside of
Z-MAP Plus.
clipping
The operation of limiting or truncating data which is beyond specified limits. Grid clipping is
performed to truncate grid values that exceed or fall below specified thresholds; values above
or below the threshold are set to the threshold. Data clipping of Z-values is similar. Map
clipping cuts off all graphic information that would otherwise be drawn beyond a clipping
boundary, typically the map border.
closure
The property of a structure, which means it is enclosed by a closed contour. In a structural trap,
vertical closure is the vertical distance between the lowest contour that closes and the highest
point on the feature. Areal closure is the area contained within the lowest closing contour.
color index
A number assigned to a color in the Z-MAP Plus Color Table.

concatenate
To link two or more datasets into a single dataset, generally so the data from one precedes the
data from the next in the combined dataset.
contour interval
The difference in value between two adjacent contour lines. Generally, the contour interval is
constant across a map; however, the interval may be decreased in flat areas or increased in
high-slope areas to maintain a fairly uniform density of contours across a map.
contour line
A line separating all points that are higher than the contour value from points of lower value.
Alternatively, the contour line is the locus of all points on the surface having the same value as
the contour value. Computer drawn contours are approximations of true contours. They are
produced by computing closely spaced points along the true contour and connecting them by
line segments.
control grid
An existing grid that is used to control how a grid is generated. In gridding, the most frequent
uses of control grids are to:
1) default the gridding control parameters for the new grid to match those of the control grid,
2) limit gridding to locations where the control grid is null, or
3) limit gridding to locations where the control grid is not null. Control grids also provide the
second and third functions during filtering.
control points
Known points on a surface that are used to control the interpretation of the surface. Control
points minimally contain x,y,z information, where x,y is the horizontal location of some
measured information represented by z such as depth or time values. Control point files can
also contain other Z values, textual descriptions about the data, symbol codes, and other types
of measured information. Control point files are used to store well data, seismic data, and other
types of data that are recorded at discrete locations. A typical control point file may be of the
form X, Y, symbol, API, top 1, top 2 where symbol denotes the symbol used to spot the well on
a basemap, API is a text string, and top 1 and top 2 are subsea elevations.

conversion factors
Scale factors that are used to convert one set of units to another. The following is a table of
useful scale factors for mapping work.
Table 1: Units Conversion

Starting Units Scale Factor Converted Units
meters 39.37 inches
meters 3.280833 feet
feet 0.3048006 meters
kilometers 0.6213699 statute miles
statute miles 1.609347 kilometers
nautical miles 6076.103 feet
nautical miles 1.851999 kilometers
square feet 2.295684E-5 acres
square miles 640 acres
square miles 2.589998 sq. kilometers
hectare 2.471 acres
square kilometers 100 hectares
cubic feet 7.4805 U.S. gallons
cubic feet 2.295684E-5 acre feet
cubic feet 5.61 barrels
barrels 0.15899 cubic meters
barrels 42 U.S. gallons
acre feet 7758 barrels
acre feet 1233.5 cubic meters
cross hair cursor

Depending on the graphics device, a cross hair cursor can span the entire screen or be a fairly
small cross. In the former case, the cursor is composed of two faint white lines that cross the
screen, one vertical and one horizontal. Typically, the horizontal and vertical lines can be
positioned independently. The other type of cursor is formed with the two lines about 1/2 inch
long. In this case, the lines do not move independently. The cursor is moved using the mouse,
arrow keys, thumb wheels, or joystick. The cross hair cursor is also called graphics cursor or
cursor.
cross section
A geologic diagram showing the vertical relationship between formations and structures that
are cut by a vertical plane. The vertical scale is typically depth while the horizontal scale is
distance along the section baseline. Z-MAP Plus displays cross sections of grid surfaces.

culture data
The term used to refer to man-made map data such as roads, property lines, cities, pipelines,
etc. It sometimes includes geographic land grids.
cursor
A movable marker used to indicate a position on the display screen.
curvature
The rate of change in the slope of a surface. The curvature at any grid location can be
estimated using a finite difference formula which relates the grid value to 12 symmetrically
surrounding grid values. The total squared curvature is the sum of the squared curvature at all
grid locations.
curve identification
The names used to designate log curve types. These names are usually the same as those
commonly used to identify log curves.
data field
A portion of a data record that is allocated to store numeric or textual data. Data fields are
qualified by the type of information in the field, the position of the field within the data record,
the range of values for information stored in the field, and the null value for the data in the
field. The position of a specific data field must be the same for all records in a dataset.
data record
The grouping of all data fields for each independent item (control point, vertex, fault trace
point, etc.) in a specified order. The format (contents and order) of the data record is defined
by the specifications for each data field in the record.
data reduction
The process of removing unnecessary or redundant data from the dataset.
dataset
A collection of data records. Typical mapping datasets include x,y,z control point data, grids,
polygons, profiles, fault traces, and map text.
datum (datum level)

A reference from which other measurements are made, such as an elevation, typically sea
level, used as a reference for determining elevations in a dataset.

decimation
A controlled deletion of data entities or posted attributes. For example, the Post Seismic Data
(New) process under Add Features, Post Data/Grids allows for decimation of shotpoints,
shotpoint labels, and Z-Attribute labels. Seismic lines can be selectively eliminated from 3D
seismic surveys.
default value
An automatically assigned value. Default values are appropriate for many standard mapping
tasks. Static default values are the same from session to session. Dynamic default values
depend on other parameter values, processing steps, process results, or combinations of these
elements.
detach
To remove an attached MFD or ZGF from the Z-MAP Plus session, thereby making its data
inaccessible.
digitize
The process of converting maps or graphs into datasets for use in mapping and modeling tasks.
To digitize contours, for example, a map is taped on a digitizer and registered, then each curve
is manually followed using a special stylus or a cross hair device. The path followed by the
stylus is automatically converted into a string of x,y locations. Additional information is
entered from the keyboard, such as Z values or text.
display area
The part of the window used for displaying the picture.
dual grid operations

Mathematical operations (such as addition or multiplication), which you can perform on two
grids in the Calculator utility to produce a new grid.
dynamic
Occurring at the time of execution.
editor
A Z-MAP Plus task used to edit data or text.

engineering units
The units in which the source data were measured, such as feet, meters, miles, seconds, etc., as
opposed to plotter units or other special units used by a computer program.
extrapolate
A mathematical procedure to estimate surface values in areas beyond the spatial limits of the
data. How the data are extrapolated is dependent on the specific algorithm chosen to model the
data.
extension
The part of a file name that follows the last period, which the program uses to identify the file
type.
FALT file
The extension used within an MFD to identify data files that describe fault geometry.
fault
A displacement of rocks along a shear surface. The surface along which the displacement
occurs is the fault face or fault plane. The dip of the fault face is the angle it makes with the
horizontal. The fault throw is the vertical displacement of a surface across the fault face. The
heave is the horizontal separation of a surface across the fault. The trace of the fault is the
curve formed by the intersection of the fault face and the surface which is faulted. The fault
zone on any surface is the area enclosed by the fault trace. See merge operations.
fault data
A data file type, signified with the FALT extension, that graphically represents a fault.
filtering
A mathematical process to remove certain types of surface information from a gridded
surface. In many applications, filters are used to smooth a surface, which is equivalent to
removing rough character. Filters can also be designed to remove trends and leave the local
variation. In general, grid filters are implemented by convolving the grid with a set of weights.
flexing
A special type of grid filter that is used to remove unwarranted surface variation between data
locations while retaining a precise fit at the data locations. One type of grid flexing uses a
biharmonic filter to produce a grid that is smooth between data locations while honoring the
data.

flexing pass
Grid flexing generally must be performed several times to achieve the desired smoothness and
accuracy. This term is used to indicate how many times the input grid has been flexed.
foreground
1) The part of the display area that is the character itself. 2) Evident on screen, e.g, foreground
processing. Contrast with background. See also interactive mode.
format
The way and order in which data are arranged within data records; or a Fortran control
statement telling the computer how data are arranged. The format precisely defines where
each field is positioned within the data record, the number of characters in the field, and the
type of information (integer, decimal, or text). The A, F, E and G formats are used most
frequently.
formatted dataset
A dataset that has been prepared for input into a specific application program. It is in
alphanumeric format; therefore, it can be displayed and edited at a computer terminal
independently of the mapping program.
GINCI
Represents the initial grid increment.
graphics file
A disk file that contains individual picture files. Also referred to as a ZGF (the graphics file
extension) and as a Z-MAP Graphics File.
grid
A set of surface values which are located at the intersections of grid lines which span a
rectangular area and which run parallel to the sides of the rectangle. The grid line spacing is
called the grid increment. Usually the increment is constant across the entire grid. The grid
line intersections are called grid nodes. The smallest areas enclosed by grid lines are called
grid cells. The surface values of a grid are called grid values. Since the grid covers a rectangle,
the grid limits are given by the coordinates of the lower left and upper right corners of the area.
gridding
The mathematical process used to estimate values at the grid nodes from control points,
digitized contours, shotpoints, etc. The result of gridding is a grid.

hachured line
A line or curve such as a contour formed by drawing short and equally spaced line segments
perpendicular to the curve. The line segments are typically about 0.1 inch long and 0.5 inch
apart. Hachured contours are used to indicate the dip direction, closed low areas, elevated
areas, or steep slopes depending on the conventions established for the map.
hardcopy
A paper or other tangible media copy of a map or other types of graphic products as opposed
to an image of the map on a graphics screen.
header
Information that is inserted at the beginning of a dataset to identify the data and assist in
loading the data into the computer program.
horizon
The surface at the intersection of two different rock layers or a surface associated with a
seismic reflection when the reflector covers a large area.
inclination
The angle between a surface and the horizontal. See dip.
index map
A reference map, usually of a large scale, showing the location of another small-scale map. An
index map is frequently drawn in the margin of a small-scale map near the map title block.
interpolation
A mathematical process for estimating surface values at locations where the surface values are
not known. The estimates are made from known data, such as control point datasets. Grids are
produced by interpolating control points. The interpolation procedure employed to grid a
dataset should be selected to best fit the characteristics of the data and the specific application.
isochore
1) The vertical thickness of a rock unit.
2) A contour map of vertical thickness for a rock unit.

isopach
1) The stratigraphic thickness of a rock unit (measured perpendicular to the top and base of a
unit). Isopach thickness is less than or equal to isochore thickness.
2) A contour map of stratigraphic thickness for a rock unit.
least squares fit

An approximation of a set of data such that the sum of the squared deviations between the
approximation and the data is minimized.
line of section
A map line indicating the location of a profile or cross section.
line resampling
1) Creates points at regular intervals along the lines in a dataset.
2) Through attribute propagation, finds the value for a given field of an intermediate point by
using the known values of the points on either side.
map projection
A mathematical procedure for mapping latitude and longitude grid lines on the surface of the
earth onto a plane surface such as a map which enables the systematic transformation of
spherical coordinates into planar coordinates and vice versa.
map scale
The ratio of the distance between any two points on the map to the distance between the same
two points on the earth. Map scales are expressed as 1:2000, 1:10000, an so on.
masking grid
See control grid.
master file
A disk file which contains a collection of datasets, often expressed as MFD. Master files are
used by Landmark geological mapping systems and often have the extension .MFD.
mean value
The average of all data values. Null values are not included in the mean.

merge operations
A general class of dual grid operations which act to combine intersecting and sometimes
unrelated surfaces, such as unconformities, onlap, faults, etc. The hybrid surface resulting
from such a combination usually serves to define a geologically distinct body of rock. The
operations involved are MIN, MAX, CMIN, CMAX, MERGE LOW and MERGE HIGH. See
the Operations section in the Z-MAP Plus Reference Manual to determine which operation
best fits the specific circumstances.
missing value
See null value and ZNON.
mis-tie
The difference of values at identical points on intersecting seismic lines.
null area
The part of the gridded area in which valid grid values were not computed, generally because
of insufficient data.
null value
A special number that is encoded in the place of Z-values to indicate that the Z-values are
missing or unknown. The null value must be different than any possible Z-value which it
replaces. Typical null values are 999, 9999, 1.0E+30, etc. Null values are used to indicate
areas where grid values cannot be determined and when Z-values in a control point dataset are
missing. Landmark geological products call the null value ZNON.
overlay
The process of taking a set of graphics, such as contours, and superimposing them onto
another set, such as a basemap.
picture
A generic term for a map, cross section, or other type of display that can be produced by a
mapping system. A picture is a named collection of graphic features. It can be recalled by its
name, displayed and edited.
plotter units
Units of distance used to specify plotting locations as opposed to actual data units. Most
plotters manufactured in the United States use inches, while most foreign plotters use
centimeters. The plotter units are given relative to the lower left corner of the picture and
include space for map margins.

polygon
A closed planar figure with three or more sides. Polygons are used to specify property
ownership boundaries, areas where special grid operations such as grid blanking are to be
performed, the horizontal limits for volume calculations, and other map data.
posting data
Placing data on a map on its correct geographic position. In some programs, posting data is
referred to as spotting data.
process window
A computer terminal screen display which is used to list process control parameters and their
current values or processing options. The Z-MAP Plus process window is known as the
system window.
refinement passes
Recalculation passes on a grid which have the effect of smoothing contours. The calculation
interval becomes smaller and smaller with an increasing number of passes and the processing
time increases.
residual
The small scale regional variation of a surface. The residual is used to locate important surface
detail that might be obscured by large scale surface trends. See trend analysis.
scalar
A quantity characterized by a single number.
scaling factor
A multiplicative factor used to change the values of a specific curve.
scratch file
A disk file that is automatically attached to each Z-MAP Plus session. All intermediate files
created during the session are stored on the scratch file and deleted when you terminate the
session, unless you specify otherwise.
search radius
The radius of the data collection circle that is constructed around each grid node during
gridding. The circle defines the area from which data can be collected to be used to interpolate
the grid value. Data outside the circle are not used to interpolate the grid value.

shot point (SP)

For mapping purposes, the shot point is the location where seismic reflection times are
recorded.
symbol
One of many graphics symbols that can be drawn on a map at designated x,y locations. The
symbols are constructed so their centers are positioned at x,y. Symbols range in graphic
complexity from a simple plus sign to complex combinations of shaded circles and lines. The
different designs are used to indicate different types of data or states of the data. Any of the
symbols can be used to spot a dataset.
trend analysis
The fitting of a smooth analytical surface to data points to represent the large scale regional
variation of the data rather than a precise fit which honors all the data. The objective is to
detect trends in the data which might mask small and important local features. The difference
between a precise fit to the data and a trend fit is called the residual. This is the local erratic or
random component of the data.
trend surface map

The calculated average surface over a given area. Initial calculated surface is linear (first
order).
volumetrics
A mathematical procedure for computing the volume between two surfaces. The volumetrics
module also computes planar and surface areas.
weighting function
A mathematical equation that is used in gridding to decrease the significance of control point
data with increasing distance from the grid node being interpolated. The justification for a
weighting function is that the similarity in surface characteristics at any two arbitrary points
typically decreases with increasing distance between the points. Weighting function equations
are designed to approximate the way that similarity decreases.
wildcard
A designated character such as * or % used to set up a search or a mask. Usually the wildcard
is used in the middle or at the end of a partial string. For example, AUS* will search for any
character string beginning with AUS. Wildcards are used in Z-MAP Plus to construct textual
masks for selective posting, as well as for file extensions and directory path definitions.

x-coordinate
1) The horizontal (left-right or east-west) component of a rectangular cartesian coordinate
system used in mapping. The x coordinate increases to the right or the east. 2) The first
component of a 3-dimensional rectangular system.
x-field
A portion of a data record that is allocated to store the x coordinate. See data field.
y-coordinate
1) The vertical (up-down or north-south) component of a 2-dimensional rectangular cartesian
coordinate system. The y coordinate increases to the north. 2) The second component of a
3-dimensional rectangular system.
y-field
A portion of a data record that is allocated to store the y coordinate. See data field.
Z-field
A portion of a data record that is allocated to store a Z-value. See data field.
ZGF
Z-MAP Graphics File. See graphics file
ZNON
Null value. See null value.
zoom
The process of displaying a small area of a picture so that small features are visible. See
window and unwindow one level.
Z-value
1) The third component of a 3-dimensional coordinate system of x,y,z points.
2) A measured or computed value for a surface at a corresponding x,y location. Z value is used
to refer to grid values or the numeric data components in control point datasets. Measured or
computed values of elevation, thickness, porosity, pressure, and seismic time are typical Z
values.

Appendix B:
Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer
Overview of Editing Color Tables
Each picture you create consists of features, such as borders, contours,

seismic lines, and text. The features consist of one or more of the
following graphic primitives: lines, text, symbols, or polygons. For
each feature, each graphic primitive is assigned a number (color index)
that corresponds to a color.
A color table defines which color is assigned to each color index. This
color information is stored as a part of each picture. You can redefine
the color assigned to any color index by using either the RGB or HLS
color system. Edits affect both present and future graphics.
This appendix covers the following topics regarding color in the
ZGF Picture Viewer window:
Using the Color Editor page 242
- Color Modes page 243
Displaying Color Assignments page 245
Editing Colors page 246
Copying Colors page 247
Interpolating Color Ranges page 249
- Modes for Interpolating Color Ranges page 249
- Steps for Interpolating Colors page 250
Working with Color Table Files page 252
- Default Color Table File page 252
- Loading Color Tables page 252
- Saving Color Tables page 253
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer 241

Using the Color Editor
To display the Edit Color Table dialog box, select Edit Edit Colors.
The Color Table palette and Edit Color Table dialog box appear. The
Color Table palette displays only the colors currently used in the
ZGF Picture Viewer.
Sliders appear if a
color is selected.
To identify a colors index value, add the row and column numbers for
the color cell (the numbers at the left and top):
To identify a color index

number, add the row
and column number. In
this example, the cursor
is pointing to color
index number 57.
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Using the Color Editor 242
Color Modes
The Edit Color Table dialog box has two modes for identifying and
editing colors:
RGB (Red-Green-Blue)
HLS (Hue-Lightness-Saturation)
You can use either or both systems to edit a maximum of 256 different
colors to display in pictures. Since both methods can yield the same
colors, the system you choose is a matter of personal choice.
RGB Color Mode

The RGB color system defines colors by mixing varying percentages of
the primary colors: red, green, and blue. Red, for example, is produced
by mixing 100 percent red with zero percent green and blue.
The following table shows the percentages of red, green, and blue that
create some common colors. These numbers are useful to know if you
mix colors. (See Editing Colors on page 246.)
RGB System
Color
Red Green Blue
Blue 0 0 100
Magenta 100 0 100
Red 100 0 0
Orange 100 50 0
Yellow 100 100 0
Green 0 100 0
Cyan 0 100 100
Gray 50 50 50
Black 0 0 0
White 100 100 100
HLS Color Mode

The HLS color mode defines colors by varying the values of hue,
lightness, and saturation.
Hue is determined by the wavelength of light reflected from a
surface, measured in degrees from 0 to 360.
Lightness is the amount of light reflected from a colored surface,
measured on a scale of 0 to 100. Regardless of hue or saturation, a
lightness of 0 produces black, and a lightness of 100 produces
white.
Saturation is the intensity of the color, also measured on a scale
of 0 to 100. When saturation is zero, the color is gray. When
saturation is 100, the color is at its most intense.
The following table shows the levels of hue, lightness, and saturation
that create some common colors. This information is useful for editing
colors. (See Editing Colors on page 246.)
HLS System
Color
Hue Lightness Saturation
Blue 0 or 360 50 100
Magenta 60 50 100
Red 120 50 100
Orange 150 50 100
Yellow 180 50 100
Green 240 50 100
Cyan 300 50 100
Gray -- 50 0
Black -- 0 --
White -- 100 --
Displaying Color Assignments
The Color Table palette displays only the colors used by the current
picture. You can view the color assigned to color indexes by using
either of these methods:
To display the color of a single color index, click a color cell in
the Color Table palette. The Edit Color Table dialog box switches
to Edit mode and displays the color for the selected color cell.
To display the colors for a range of color indexes, select the
Display option in the Edit Color Table dialog box. You are
prompted to identify the first color in the range. Click a color cell
to specify the starting point of the range, then click another color
cell to identify the end of the range. The Color Table palette
displays the colors assigned to all color indexes in the selected
range.
Returning to the Display

To clear the Color Table palette of all colors except the colors displayed in the
current picture, select the Reset option in the Edit Color Table dialog box.
R2003.12.0Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Displaying Color Assignments 245
Editing Colors
To edit the colors assigned to specific color indexes, follow these steps:
1. If the Edit Color Table dialog box is not already displayed, display
it by selecting Edit Edit Colors in the ZGF Picture Viewer
window.
2. Select the Edit option in the Edit Color Table dialog box, if it is
not already selected.
3. Click the RGB or HLS radio button.
4. In the Color Table palette, click the color cell of the color index
you want to edit. The Status field at the top of the Edit Color Table
dialog box reports the color number. The dialog box also displays
the selected color and slider bars that show the percentage of RGB
or HLS for the color.
Color index
Selected color
Slider bars indicating
the percentages of
RGB (or HLS) for the
selected color.
5. To change the color, drag the slider bars.

Changes you make to the color automatically appear in the display.
The map features assigned the selected color change as you move
the slider bars.
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Editing Colors 246
Copying Colors
Use the Copy option to copy a color from one index to another index in
the current color table.
window.
2. Select the Copy option in the Edit Color Table dialog box.
The Prompt field instructs you: Identify the first color.
3. Click the source cellthe color cell that contains the color you
want to copy.
The Status field reports the selected color index value, and the
Prompt field instructs you to select the second color.
Status and
Prompt fields
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Copying Colors 247
4. Click the target color cellthe color cell to which you want to
copy the color.
The color is copied to the target index immediately. The Status
field reports the numbers of the source and target color indexes.
Any map features that are assigned the target color index appear in
the new color.
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Copying Colors 248
Interpolating Color Ranges
Modes for Interpolating Color Ranges

Color interpolation produces a gradational color scheme. You select the
beginning and ending colors, and the Color Editor supplies the
intermediate colors.
The RGB and HLS color systems handle color interpolation differently.
The RGB system uses a linear interpolation method, while the HLS
system is partially nonlinear.
RGB Color Interpolation

RGB color interpolation follows a linear process that gradually changes
from the beginning individual red, green, and blue components to the
ending individual red, green, and blue components.
For example, the RGB interpolation from blue to yellow is:
blue yellowish blue bluish yellow yellow
The following table illustrates an RGB color interpolation from blue to
yellow through an eight-color range.
Blue Yellowish Blue Bluish Yellow Yellow
Red 0 14 29 43 57 71 86 100
Green 0 14 29 43 57 71 86 100
Blue 100 86 71 57 43 29 14 0
R2003.12.0 Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Interpolating Color Ranges 249
HLS Color Interpolation

These following principles apply to the HLS color mode:
Lightness and saturation are interpolated linearly (light to dark,
gray to intense).
Hue is interpolated along the HLS color interpolation wheel (as
shown below).
Red 120 Magenta 60
Yellow 180 Blue 0 or 360
Green 240 Cyan 300
For example, HLS interpolation from blue to yellow follows the

wheel along the shortest route to produce a gradation from:
blue magenta red yellow
Blue Magenta Red Yellow
Hue 0 26 51 77 103 129 154 180
Lightness 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Saturation 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
You can also set an intermediate color between blue and yellow
and interpolate twice to force the interpolation to progress in a
clockwise direction, producing a gradation from:
blue cyan green yellow
Steps for Interpolating Colors

Use the Interpolate option to generate a gradual color change along a
specified range of color indexes in the current color table.
To use the Interpolate option, follow these steps:
window.
2. Select the Interpolate option in the Edit Color Table dialog box.
3. Define a color index to start the range, as described in Editing

Colors on page 246.
4. Define the color index to end the range.
Select the starting color
index for the range and
define its color.
Next, select and define the

color index to end the range.
5. Select the Interpolate option in the Edit Color Table dialog box.
The Status field reads Interpolate from.
6. Click the color cell at the start of the range, then click the color cell
at the end of the range.
The Edit Color Table dialog box interpolates and displays the
gradations of color between the selected indexes.
Working with Color Table Files
Default Color Table File

Z-MAP Plus comes with a default color table, zmapplus_default.tbl,
which is located in $OWHOME/ZMAPPlus/files. You can make
changes to this color table and save a copy of it under a new name. You
cannot save changes to the original file.
Loading Color Tables

Use the Read option to load (read) a color table file and apply its colors
to the picture in the active ZGF Picture Viewer window. You can read
the default color table, a table you created and saved in Z-MAP Plus, or
a color table you previously imported from a formatted ASCII file.
To use the Read option, follow these steps:
1. If the Edit Color Table dialog box is not already open, display it by
selecting Edit Edit Colors in the ZGF Picture Viewer window.
2. Select the Read option in the Edit Color Table dialog box. The
Color Table File To Read From dialog box appears.
3. If necessary, navigate to the directory that contains the color table

file you want to use.
4. To display all the color tables in the Color Table Files list, click
the Filter button. (Color table files have the extension TBL or tbl.)
R2003.12.0Appendix B: Using Color in the ZGF Picture Viewer: Working with Color Table Files 252
5. Select a color table from the Color Table Files list and click OK.
The colors defined by the retrieved color table are applied
automatically to the current picture. You can edit the color table
and save changes to it by using the Write option, as described in
the next topic.
Saving Color Tables

Use the Write option to create color tables or save changes to existing
color tables.
To use the Write option, follow these steps:
window.
2. Select the Write option in the Edit Color Table dialog box. The
Color Table File To Write To dialog box appears. The program
searches for files that have a .tbl or .TBL extension.
3. If necessary, navigate to the directory that contains the color table.

4. Perform one of these actions:
To replace an existing table with the new settings, select the
color table from the Color Table Files list.
To create a color table, enter a unique name in the Selection
box. (If you want the Color Editor to find the file automatically,
add a .tbl or .TBL extension to the file name.)
5. Click OK.
Appendix C. Unix Primer
Overview
The operating system you use to run Z-MAP Plus enables the
application to manage processes and files. Occasionally, you need to
use an xterm window to execute commands that facilitate the smooth
operation of Z-MAP Plus. Here are a few common commands used in
Unix and Linux.
cat merge or display files
cd change directory
chmod change access permissions
cp copy files or directories
df report disk space
ls list directory contents
mkdir create a directory
more view a file
pwd report the present working directory
rm remove files
You can learn about other Unix commands by entering
man CommandName at an xterm prompt.
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer 255

cat Command
Definition
You can use the cat (concatenate files) command to append one file
onto the end of another file or to display a files contents. This
command is useful for displaying the contents of data files before you
import them into Z-MAP Plus. Use it to check for irregularities or
mistakes in the .DAT files.
Usage
cat File1 [File2 > File3]
1. To append one file onto the end of another, then to save it to a new
file name, enter a command like the following one:
cat LowerBalmei UpperBalmei > Balmei
This command adds the contents of UpperBalmei to the end of

LowerBalmei and names the new file Balmei. This new file is
stored in the present working directory unless you specify an fully
qualified file name.
2. To display the contents of the file named balmeiexpflts.dat, enter:

cat balmeiexpflts.dat
The xterm window displays the contents of the .DAT file:

0.62963E+06 0.57560E+07 1.0000
0.62906E+06 0.57561E+07 1.0000
0.62782E+06 0.57564E+07 1.0000 ...
Warnings
MFDs and ZGFs are binary, so you cannot use the cat command to
view their component files. To view the contents of MFDs and ZGFs in
Z-MAP Plus, use the File Info File Listing option (for an MFD)
or the File Info File/Picture Information option (for a ZGF).
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: cat Command 256

cd Command
Definition
The cd (change directory) command enables you to navigate through
your directory structure. The cd command is also known as current
directory because as you use cd to navigate the directory structure you
are also changing the present working directory. Use this command to
maneuver to the directory closest to the files you want to work with.
Usage
cd DirectoryPath|..
1. To change to the /home/ajax2/new directory, enter:
/home/splinter/old> cd /home/ajax2/new
Your prompt now reads:

/home/ajax2/new>
The new directory is now the present working directory.
2. To reverse back through the directory structure, you can use the
double dot (..) command in place of a directory name. For
example, to move from the /home/ajax2/new directory to the
/home/ajax2 directory, enter:
/home/ajax2/new> cd ..
The prompt now reads:

/home/ajax2>
Related Commands
pwd Reports the present working directory (page 265)
ls Lists files in a directory (page 262)
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: cd Command 257

chmod Command
Definition
You can use the chmod (change mode) command to set file and
directory access permissions. You can set read (r), write (w), or execute
(x) permissions for three classes of users: user (u), group (g), or other
(o). System administrators determine who is in your group. Other
represents all other users in the network.
Usage
chmod [([u|g|o][(+|-) r|w|x]...)|###]
Filename|DirectoryName
You can specify permissions in either of these ways:
Alphabetically
Numerically
Alphabetic Permissions Flags

Use the + (plus) and - (minus) sign with the initial of the class of user
and the initial for type of permission to grant or withhold permissions.
1. To take away write permissions from all classes of users on the file
named TestFile, enter:
chmod -w TestFile
2. To add write permissions for all classes of users for TestFile, enter:
chmod +w TestFile
Notice that - or + symbols do not affect permissions of the others

class of user unless specified.
3. To deny read permission to others, you can combine flags:

chmod o-r TestFile
Notice that the letter representing the class of user comes before
the letter that represents the type of access.
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: chmod Command 258

The results of the command appear if you use the ls -l command:
For more detail about the output from the ls command, see page 262.
Numerical Permissions Flags

An alternative method to set permissions uses numerical values in
specific positions to determine who gets read, write, and execute
permissions. The following example gives read, write and execute
permissions to everyone.
User Permissions
Group Permissions
Others Permissions
chmod 777 FileName

The numerical values are determined according to the following table:
User Group Others

Read 1 1 1
Write 2 2 2
Execute 4 4 4
1. To grant only read and write permissions to all groups, enter:

chmod 333 TestFile
2. To grant full permissions to the user, read and write permissions to

the group, and read-only permissions to others, enter:
chmod 731 TestFile
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: chmod Command 259

cp Command
Definition
Use the cp command to copy or rename files. You can copy a file to
another directory or add a file copy to the the files original location.
Usage
cp Filename1 Filename2
Filename1 should contain all the directory information necessary to

uniquely identify the file to copy. You need to include full paths to any
files that are not in the present working directory.
1. If TestFile is in the present working directory, rename TestFile to
ExampleFile by using the cp command:
cp TestFile ExampleFile
2. To copy the file PressureTest from the present working directory

into the /james/geology/Griffen/Tests/ directory, enter:
cp PressureTest /james/geology/Griffen/Tests/
Notice this path ends with a directory name and the / symbol. In
this case, a copy of the file PressureTests is added to the Tests
directory and the name remains the same.
3. To specify a new file name for the copy, enter:

cp PressureTest /geology/Griffen/Tests/Pressure
This command renamed PressureTest to Pressure when it created

the file copy in the new location.
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: cp Command 260

df Command
Definition
Use the df (disk file) command to display the amount of available and
occupied disk space in a mounted file system.
Usage
df -kl
The k flag instructs the command to print space in kilobytes. The l flag
reports on local file systems only, as opposed to the entire network.
1. To see how much space is left on your local disk space, enter:
df -kl
This command creates the following output:
Filesystem KBytes Used Avail Capacity Mounted on
/dev/dsk/c0t3d0s0 1240727 449146 729545 39% /
/proc 0 0 0 0% /proc
fd 0 0 0 0% /dev/fd
/dev/dsk/c0t2d0s6 3002924 1552720 1149912 58% /export/home/spl2
/dev/dsk/c0t2d0s7 3002924 1301287 1401345 49% /export/home/
/export/home/splin 3002924 1552720 1149912 58% /home/
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: df Command 261

ls Command
Definition
Use the ls command to list the files that are contained in a directory.
You can use many flags with the ls command, but this discussion
describes only the -l (long list) flag.
Usage
ls [-l]
1. Use the cd command to move to the directory whose contents you

want to list. To display an abbreviated list of files in the current
directory, enter:
/home/nomad> cd /home/SALTDOME/producers/
/home/SALTDOME/producers> ls
WELL1.DAT
WELL4.DAT
WELL6.DAT
This command lists all file names within the directory in

alphabetical order.
2. To see a listing with more information, enter:

ls -l
This command lists files in the following format:

Date and Time
Permissions Creator Group File Size Last Modified File Name
-rwxrw-r-- 1 smith dev 10876 Jul4 10:02 FileTest
Type of File Number of Links to the File
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: ls Command 262

mkdir Command
Definition
Use the mkdir command to create an empty directory.
Usage
mkdir NewDirectoryName | /AbsolutePath/NewDirectoryName
1. To create a new subdirectory named Tests in the present working

directory, enter:
mkdir Tests
2. To create a new directory named Tests in a directory that is not the

current working directory, enter the complete path plus the new
directory name:
mkdir /home/jeffery/Griffen/Tests
Related Commands
chmod Change permissions for the new directory (page 258)
cd Make the new directory the present working directory
(page 257)
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: mkdir Command 263

more Command
Definition
Use the more command to view the contents of a file. Use the spacebar
to advance through the text of the file.
Usage
more FileName
Displays the contents of the FileName file on the monitor.
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: more Command 264

pwd Command
Definition
Use the pwd command to keep track of your location in the system
directory structure by displaying the fully qualified name of the present
working directory. The present working directory is the directory in
which you are located and from which you issue commands to the
system.
Usage
pwd
This command prints the full path of the present working directory to
the monitor. For example, pwd from a home directory displays the
following text string:
/home/splinter1/judyt/test
Related Commands
cd Change the directory (page 257)
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: pwd Command 265

rm Command
Definition
Use the rm command to delete files or empty directories.
Usage
rm [-r ] Filename|DirectoryName
1. To remove TestFile from the current working directory, enter:

rm TestFile
2. To remove the subdirectory Test (that contains two files named:

OldTestFile and ThirdTest) from the present working directory,
enter:
rm -r Test
The -r flag removes the directory named Test and both files in
that directory.
Warning!
Once you have used the rm command, you cannot undo it! The files are
gone unless you have access to a backup tape or you created a copy of
the file before you deleted it.
R2003.12.0 Appendix C. Unix Primer: rm Command 266

Appendix D. Unix Files
Default Unix Files
The directory you use to start a Z-MAP Plus session is called the
project directory. Each time you start Z-MAP Plus, the program creates
several files in the project directory. This appendix gives you a brief
overview of the default files.
Unix Files
File Name Location Purpose
LASPARM.ZCL project Contains all the parameter dialog settings

directory from your Z-MAP Plus session.
LASPARM.ZCL2
Deleting this file and restarting
Z-MAP Plus sometimes improves
performance.
POSMEM4_0 project This file contains the location settings for

directory the Z-MAP Plus windows. In this way, the
application remembers where you last
displayed a particular dialog box and
opens it at the same place in the next
session.
MappingLauncher.da home Contains the shell script that starts the

t directory Z-MAP Plus Command Menu. If you start
Z-MAP Plus without OpenWorks, the
program creates this file in your home
directory.
TEMPMACRO.ZCL project When you run a macro, Z-MAP Plus

directory writes the macros parameter settings to
this file for easy access.
R2003.12.0 Appendix D. Unix Files 267

Log Files
Log records for the Z-MAP Plus xterm window are stored in .zlog files
in the project directory. Each application and utility you start from the
Z-MAP Plus Command Menu creates a separate .zlog file. Check the
.zlog files for errors and other messages.
.zlog File Name Application Generating Log and Contents
pset.zlog Pointset Builder
zmapplus.zlog Z-MAP Plus Contains output from the xterm

window
hardcopy.zlog Hardcopy utility program.
zcl.zlog Contains any errors that occur during a ZCL

operation
MappingLauncher.zlog Contains Z-MAP Plus launching error messages
zgfviewer.zlog ZGF Picture Viewer started from the Z-MAP Plus

Command Menu
R2003.12.0 Appendix D. Unix Files 268

Appendix E.
Applications and Utilities Menu Options
When you start Z-MAP Plus, the Z-MAP Plus Command Menu
appears, as shown in the following example.
This section is an overview of the following menus, located in the

Z-MAP Plus Command Menu:
Applications (next topic)
Utilities (page 271)
System (page 272)
Help (page 272)
R2003.12.0 Appendix E. Applications and Utilities Menu Options 269

Applications Menu
The Applications menu gives you access to software applications in the

Z-MAP Plus suite:
Application Description
Z-MAP Plus Mapping and modeling application described in this guide.
PowerView Application for simultaneously visually comparing multiple

horizons, seismic slice displays, grids, and contour maps
with different color schemes, in an interactive
three-dimensional environment.
ZCL Z-MAP Command Language application a

command-driven mapping system tailored for execution in
the background processing environment.
ZGF Picture Viewer Viewer for maps created in Z-MAP Plus. Documentation on
ZGF Picture Viewer starts on page 182.
3D Viewer Three-dimensional visualization companion to Z-MAP Plus.

Provides an integrated graphical 3D environment you can
use to access data from multiple projects, view the data in a
common 3D scene, and perform limited interpretation.

Utilities Menu
Use the Utilities menu options to set up or enhance your environment

for working in Z-MAP Plus applications.
Utility Purpose
Pointset Builder Create subsets of large pointsets to use in Z-MAP Plus.
Flowlines/Orthogonal Create flow path traces that model the influence of a

Contouring structure on fluid migration.
Overpost Resolution Set priorities for thinning the map labels on maps if the
(New) labels are too crowded to read.
Source Priority Prioritize the list of interpreters assigned to a data source,

in order to determine which data to use by preference.
Hardcopy Converts pictures made with Z-MAP Plus or its

applications into a format plotters can recognize.
Hardcopy Batch Plot pictures from a prepared file of hardcopy settings.
Convert ZGF to DXF Convert ZGF pictures into DXF format so they are
accessible in AutoCAD.

System Menu
The Systems menu contains a single option: Unix Window. Use the
Unix Window option to display an xterm window, which you can use to
determine which directory you used to start Z-MAP Plus or
OpenWorks. This directory is known as the working directory or
project directory. You can also use the xterm window to execute system
commands.
Help Menu
Use the Help menu options to display the online guides, release notes,
and HTML-based help.
If you select one of the online guides, a PDF document appears
automatically in an Adobe Acrobat Reader window.
If you select the HTML-based help, a help system appears in a
browser-based window. The HTML-based help covers the newest
parts of Z-MAP Plus. If you select the Help button or menu option
in one of the newer Z-MAP Plus windows (for example, File
Manager), an appropriate topic appears, from which you can enter
the overall help system.
The Z-MAP Plus Command Menu remains open until you select
Applications Exit to close it.
Importance of Exiting Properly

Always close applications by using the File Exit option. If you close application
windows by using the X-Windows Close option, serious problems can occur.

Index
Numerics AOI continued

setting with control grid 139
2D seismic specifying AOI type for new map 75
determine best grid increment 114
API well number
gridding suggestions 148
briefly defined 226
posting specified lines and points 220
apparent dip
3D seismic
briefly defined 226
determine best grid increment 114
gridding suggestions 148 Apply button described 31
posting specified lines/shot points 220 arrow icons 27
3D Viewer ASCII
brief description/menu option 270 editing flat files 163
file format example 47
format groups for 49
A importing data file 66
ABSOLUTE scale type 76 logical records/physical lines described 48
adding attaching
features to maps 84 MFDs with icon/option 65
item to list end (ordered selection dialog) 25 ZGF 37
items to list by insertion (ordered selection) 26 attributes
algorithms Attribute key field briefly described 61
brief description of 90 picture attributes: example of 40
least squares example 212 AutoCAD
select with parameter 104 Convert ZGF to DXF menu option 271
weighted average example 212
alias B
briefly defined 225
start-up command 10 back interpolation 100
American Petroleum Institute: see API background
annotating changing color 158
annotation briefly defined 225 Toggle Background Color icon 18
AOI basemaps
adjusted: overlaid pictures (ZGF Viewer) 186 creating new blank 73
briefly defined 226 defined 5
changing (Resample Grid option) 194 New Map Creation dialog box 73
changing for existing picture/map 191 bathymetric data
create nodes outside of 117 gridding w/ Line Gridding Plus 92
defining manually 80 biharmonic filtering
overlaid pictures: requirement for AOI 213 described 119
selecting for new basemap 73 binary files
set from existing source 79 editing 163
set type 74
R2003.12.0 Index 273

blanking color ranges

blanked (expanded) grids described 133 displaying colors for (ZGF Viewer) 245
briefly defined 227 interpolating (HLS mode: ZGF Viewer) 250
Boolean grids interpolating (RGB mode: ZGF Viewer) 249
described 93 color tables
borders Color Table icon 155
adding to map 84 copying colors between cells 247-248
offset surrounding map 77 default color table file 252
boundaries displaying index colors (ZGF Viewer) 245
tolerances in data hull 145 editing (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254
editing colors 154-158
buffers
effect: overlaying pictures (ZGF Viewer) 186
editor buffers 170
HLS color mode (ZGF Picture Viewer) 244
buttons index defined 241
additional buttons in tabbed dialog boxes 32 interpolating colors (ZGF Viewer) 250-251
also see icons loading 252
common buttons described 31 overview of 154
resetting palette to current colors 245
C RGB color mode (ZGF Picture Viewer) 243
saving (ZGF Picture Viewer) 253
Calculator setting directory paths 46
Calculator dialog box described 166 setting directory paths to 65
creating isopach map with 198 colors
data operations 163 changing background color 158
how to use 166 Color Table/Indices/Toggle Background icons
Cancel button described 31 18
CARM menu editing feature color 155
illustrated 20 editing in pictures 154-158
Cartesian coordinate system columns
using for new map AOI type 75 grid columns described 89
cat Unix command 256 combination filtering
cd Unix command 257 described 121
cells compressing
grid cells described 89 MFDs 36
centerline faults ZGFs 41
in Point Gridding Plus 70 concave hulls
centerline grids described 142
creating in Point Gridding Plus 71 constant grids
CGMs gridding method described 93
briefly defined 228 contouring
creating 188-190 creating maps 63
printing pictures 209 editing contour lines 172
chmod Unix command 258 files stored in OpenWorks 59
clipping Flowlines/Ortogonal Contouring option 271
briefly defined 228 generating/viewing contours 85
gridding method briefly described 91
interval/lines briefly defined 229
R2003.12.0 Index 274

control grids 137-140 data continued

briefly defined 229 set smoothing for seismic 116
using to set AOI 139 setting grid increments for data types 114
control points viewing fields in a file 52
briefly defined 229 data access modes
described 88 standalone/OpenWorks 3
not used during refinement 100 data collection circle 97
selecting in Point Gridding Plus 69 data files
converting editing 163
units of measure conversion table 230 renaming fields in 164
ZGF to AutoCAD format 271 setting directory paths 65
convex hulls viewing fields in data files 160
described 141 data hull 141-145
coordinates extrapolation distance parameter 144
display on map 152 radius 143
copying data reduction
colors in color tables 247-248 briefly defined 231
copy (cp) Unix command 260 Data Set Name key field
internal files 51 briefly described 60
creating datasets
list in an ordered selection dialog box 25 link with common fields in OpenWorks 58
cross hair cursor datum (datum level)
briefly defined 230 briefly defined 231
culture data defaults
briefly defined 231 map offsets 81
cursor Point Gridding Plus parameters 146
viewing x,y location (ZGF Viewer) 184 search radius 109
cut off value to calculate node values 97
described 124 X and Y expand 117
cut-line deleting
appears when you print 211 Delete button described 31
illustrated 78 files 51
printing 211 internal files 57
item from list (ordered selection dialog) 26
detaching
D
ZGF 37
data detail
Calculator operations 166 to grid geologic 107
collection circle: search radius 109 deviated well display 85
collection circle: setting points required 118 df (Unix) command 261
displaying wells on map 85
dialog boxes
eliminating extrapolation/edge effects 141
fault profile 134 closing without executing process 23
common features 27
field management utilities 52
Directory Paths 46
gridding beyond data edge 117
Edit Color Table (ZGF Picture Viewer) 242
importing ASCII file 66
editing text in 29
maintain consistent range 79
File Listing 160
management 51-52
Load ZGF (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184
search radius: clustered 110
Overlay Picture (ZGF Viewer) 186-187
search radius: evenly distributed 111
R2003.12.0 Index 275

dialog boxes continued E

Plot a Picture 209
types described 21 edge effects
eliminating with data hulls 141
dip angle
field (FALT file) 125 Edit Color Table dialog box 155
illustrated diagram 131 ZGF Picture Viewer 242
dipping horizon 131 Edit menu
illustrated 20
directories
changing current directory in Unix 257 editing
checking working directory in xterm 12 AOI of existing picture/grid 191
creating (Unix mkdir command) 263 ASCII files 163
current working 54 binary (MFD) files 163
list contents command (Unix) 262 buffers 170
present working (pwd) command (Unix) 265 color table (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254
project or working 53 colors in color table 154-158
data files in an MFD 163
directory paths
field in data file 163
Directory Paths dialog box 46
fields of data 164
setting 65
files created during editing 181
disk file (Unix) command 261 picture/grid with regrid 169
display area elevation corrections 166
illustrated 17
engineering units
Display List icon 18 briefly defined 233
displaying errors
map data 85 in list dialog selections 24
distances exiting
Measure Distance icon (ZGF Viewer) 184 warning not to use X Windows Close option 13
documentation Z-MAP Plus 12, 85
conventions 32 expanded fault grids
online reference books 86 creating in Point Gridding Plus 125-136
double-click 29 expanded faults
drawing grid/file described 133
contours 85 extensions for external files 56
Redraw/Stop icons (ZGF Viewer) 184
external files
drop-down menus introduction to 34
indicated by arrow icon 27 related to a project 56
dual grid operations summary table 56
briefly defined 232 table of extensions 56
DXF files extrapolation distance 117
Convert ZGF to DXF menu option 271 parameter summary 146
with data hulls 144
R2003.12.0 Index 276

F files
.LCK 36
FALT files .zlog type 268
briefly defined 233 appending with cat command 256
fields described 125 changing permissions in Unix 258
fault filled grid 134 compressing 51
fault filled grids control grid as input to Point Gridding Plus 140
creating in Point Gridding Plus 125-136 copy files: Unix command 260
faults copying 51
adding values for new extra fields 207 deleting 51
centerline (in Point Gridding Plus) 70 expanded fault 133
create 204 extensions for external 56
defined in Z-MAP 127 fault profile data 134
digitizing new segment 207 File Listing option 52
gridding normal 125-136 format group example 50
gridding reverse 126 input formats 47-50
gridding w/ Line Gridding Plus 92 list directory files command (Unix) 262
non-opaque barriers 71 listing information about 160
opaque 127 managing project 56
opaque barrier 71 naming limits in MFD 36
setting grid increment for 108 remove (rm) command: Unix 266
stored in OpenWorks 59 renaming 51
features saving to OpenWorks 61
adding to map 84 show contents command (more): Unix 264
contouring 85 table of MFD types 35
deviated wells 85 Unix naming conventions 36
editing color 155 filtering 93
elements of a graphics 41 biharmonic flexing described 119
overlaying 213 briefly defined 233
seismic lines 85 combination filtering described 121
shot points 85 cut off value 124
smoothing high frequency 93 Flexing gridding described 93
XYZ data points 85 how template used in filtering 123
fields Laplacian filtering described 120
changing values with Calculator 166 more parameters that control 118-124
creating/copying/editing/merging 163 steps 101
example of 47 templates and weights illustrated 121
listing fields in data files 160 final grid increment 114
management utilities 52 setting 104
naming limits in MFD 36 flexing
renaming 164-166 see filtering
File Manager option/icon Flowlines/Orthogonal Contouring option (Utilities)
briefly described 51 briefly described 271
File menu format files
Exit option 85 example 50
illustrated 20 setting directory paths 46, 65
File: Info menu
File Listing option 160
R2003.12.0 Index 277

format groups gridding continued

described 49 setting final grid increment 104
formats setting the search radius 111
example of ASCII data file format 47 suggestions for non-default gridding 148
Full Display icon 18 terms illustrated 89
throw gridding described 132
Trend Fit Gridding method described 92
G trend form grids 216
geologic constraints 91 Trend Surface Gridding described 92
Trendform Gridding method 91
GeoName key field user-defined filter grids briefly described 93
briefly described 60 using data hulls 141
GeoType key field using Point Gridding Plus 67
briefly described 60 grids
GINCf add ZNONs 138
default setting: equation for calculating 107 calculating node values 98
setting final grid increment 104 changing AOI of 191
GINCi 99 creating grids 63
calculation described 95 creating with default values 67
grid increments effect of search radius 109
calculating default GINCf setting 107 expanded fault grid 133
setting GINCf 108 fault filled 134
setting to retain detail 107 fault profile data 134
setting with faults 108 importance of refinements 112
grid nodes imposing geologic constraints on 91
described 89 in OpenWorks 59
gridding increment: calculating initial 95
Boolean grid described 93 initializing nodes 95
collection circle: used in grid creation 97 refinements illustrated 100
computational steps 94-101 selecting control grid (Point Gridding Plus) 69
constant grids described 93 smoothing 116
contour method briefly described 91 smoothing modulus 101
expediting gridding time 142 trend form grids 216
filter steps 101 weighted average function 101
Flexing gridding described 93
increment settings compared 113 H
Line Gridding method 92
Line Gridding Plus method 92 hachured lines
multiple surfaces with control grids 137 briefly defined 235
normal faults 125-136 hardcopy
number of refinements 112-115 brief description of Hardcopy/Hardcopy Batch
opaque barriers 127 271
overview 87 heaves
pinnacle reef 120 field (FALT file) 125
Point Gridding method 91 illustrated diagram 131
Point Gridding Plus method 90 help
polynomial grids described 93 displaying browser-based help 12
post processing: honoring data/smoothing 99 Help button described 31
rate of change 101 Help menu illustrated 20
reverse faults 126 high frequency noise reduction 116
set search radius 109
R2003.12.0 Index 278

HLS mode installation reference guide 86

Edit Color Table dialog (ZGF Viewer) 244 internal files
HOR files 201 delete 39, 44
horizons introduction to 34
briefly defined 235 management commands 51
related to a project 56
tips for maintaining 57
I
interpolating
icons color in color table (ZGF Viewer) 250-251
arrow 27 color in HLS mode (ZGF Viewer) 250
Attach MFDs 65 color in RGB mode (ZGF Viewer) 249
Attach ZGFs 37 isopach maps
color indices 154 creating 198
Color Table 155
File Manager 51
Master File Directory 34
K
Measure Distance (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 key fields 58
Minimize, Maximize (X Windows) 13 OpenWorks key fields briefly described 60
overview of main window icons 18
Picture Open 34
Point Gridding Plus 67 L
Point Zoom (ZGF Picture Viewer) 183 labels
Rectangular Zoom (ZGF Picture Viewer) 183 adding (northing/easting, latitude/longitude) 84
Redraw (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 Laplacian filtering
Stop (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184
described 120
Toggle Background Color 158
Unzoom (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 LASPRM.ZCL
workflow icons overview 19 located in project directory 53
ZGF Picture Viewer icons 183 saving settings to 31
Zoom Out (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 Unix file briefly described 267
importing LASPRM.ZCL2 file
ASCII data file 66 Unix file briefly described 267
using data format group 49 latitude
increments using to define new map AOI 75
calculating default GINCf setting 107 LATLONGPROJECTED AOI type
calculating initial grid 99 special notes 80
grid increment described 89 specifying for new map 75
setting final 99 launcher.dat file
index maps required entry for Z-MAP Plus 7
adding 84 LCK file 36
briefly defined 235 least squares
indexes map example 212
color index defined 241 least squares fit
displaying assigned colors (ZGF Viewer) 245 briefly defined 236
initial grid increment 114 Line Gridding 92
described 95 Line Gridding Plus
initial grid nodes described 92
how values calculated 97
initializing
grid nodes 95
R2003.12.0 Index 279

lines maps continued

displaying 2D/3D lines 85 make a grid-based map 5
editing 172 making a basemap 5
editing color (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254 marginalia 77
posting specified 220 Measure Distance icon (ZGF Viewer) 184
lines of section measure distances on 153
briefly defined 236 naming new 74
list (ls) Unix command 262 New Map Creation dialog box 73
offsets 77
list dialog boxes 24
overlaying features (ZGF Viewer) 186-187
lists overlaying maps 212
adding item to end (ordered selection dialog) 25 Overpost Resolution option described 271
creating in ordered selection dialog box 25 rotating to print 211
deleting item (ordered selection dialog) 26 saving to OpenWorks 61
inserting item (ordered selection dialog) 26 set AOI type 74
loading set scale type 74
color tables 252 viewing contours 85
ZGF (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 viewing x,y location (ZGF Viewer) 184
logical records MAPTOGROUND scale type 76
described 48 marginalia 77
longitude Master File Directory icon/option
using to define new map AOI 75 briefly described 34
Master File Directory: see MFDs
M maximizing
macros windows 13
reference guide 86 Measure Distance icon (ZGF Viewer) 184
setting directory paths 46 menu option dialog boxes 22
Macros menu menus
illustrated 20 drop-down described 27
magnetic data overview of 20
gridding w/ Line Gridding Plus 92 symbols described 16
main menu options merge operations
overview of 20 briefly defined 237
make directory (mkdir) command: Unix 263 merging
Map View (StratWorks) 203 maps/pictures 212
MappingLauncher.dat file methods, gridding algorithms 90
described 267 MFDs
maps access permissions 36
adding features to 84 attaching with icon/option 65
automatically displaying 159 briefly defined 236
changing background color 158 compressing 36
creating new basemap 73 create a new 38
display coordinates 152 deleting 39
display seismic information 85 editing binary data files 163
distinction from basemaps 5 file and field naming limits 36
editing colors 154-158 file types 35
features: color (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254 introduction to 34
in ZGFs 72 not stored in OpenWorks 203
loading in ZGF Picture Viewer 184-185 overview 35
scratch MFD described 36
R2003.12.0 Index 280

MFDs continued OpenWorks

setting directory paths 46, 65 links tables with key fields 58
view files within 52 MFDs not stored 203
minimizing moving data in and out of 58-62
windows 13 running Z-MAP Plus from 64
mis-ties selecting input files from 60
briefly defined 237 starting Z-MAP Plus from 7
modeling Operations menu
see gridding illustrated 20
Modeling menu ordered selection dialog box: described 25
illustrated 20 overlaying
more command: Unix 264 maps/pictures 212
picture features 213
multiple list dialog boxes 24
picture features (ZGF Viewer) 186-187
Overpost Resolution option (Utilities)
N briefly described 271
New Map Creation dialog box 73
nodes P
creating during grid initialization 95
Pan icon 18
grid nodes described 89
how values calculated for initial grid node 97 parameters
initial values assigned in gridding 95 session/LASPRM.ZCL files 53
initializing beyond data perimeter 117 summary of gridding settings 146
setting points required for initialization 118 physical lines, described 48
value calculation process 98 Picture Open icon
non-opaque fault barriers 71 briefly described 34
north arrows pictures
adding 84 adding features to 84
northing/easting as project files 56
using for new map AOI type 75 automatically displaying 159
briefly defined 237
nulls
changing background color 158
blanking briefly defined 227
display seismic information 85
briefly defined 237
display wells 85
ZNON value 49
editing 172
editing colors in 154-158
O editing/regridding 169
in ZGFs 72
offsets 77 loading in ZGF Picture Viewer 184-185
default values 81 naming new 74
set up 80, 81 New Map Creation dialog box 73
oil-water contact grid (Boolean) 93 offsets 77
OK button described 31 overlaying 212
opaque faults 71, 127 overlaying features 213
overlaying features (ZGF Viewer) 186-187
printing 209
R2003.12.0 Index 281

pictures continued printing

saving to OpenWorks 61 creating CGMs (ZGF Viewer) 188-190
set AOI type 74 determining image size 77
set scale type 74 pictures 209
viewing contour map 85 rotated map 211
viewing x,y location (ZGF Viewer) 184 summary of dialog options 211
pinnacle reef trend model 120 procedure
Plot a Picture dialog box 209 creating contour maps 63
plots list of most common 151
calculating plot width and height 78 Process Interrupt icon 18
plotters project
determining image size 77 checking working directory in xterm 12
Hardcopy/Hardcopy Batch menu options 271 organization tips 53
plotter units briefly defined 237 two organization models 55
Point Gridding 91 project directories
Point Gridding Plus described 53, 54
basic gridding steps listed 67 project directory
building grids with default values 63 finding from Z-MAP 54
extrapolation distance 117 projected map
gridding method described 90 LATLONGPROJECTED AOI type 80
input a control grid 140 projections
using the defaults 67-72 specifying AOI to store projection data 75
workflow 102-116 pwd command: Unix 265
Point Mode option
Options menu (ZGF Viewer) 184
R
Point Zoom icon (ZGF Picture Viewer) 183
points radius for concave data hull 143
displaying on map 85 Raise System Window icon 18
Pointset Builder option (Utilities) records
briefly described 271 example of 47
pointsets logical records described 48
in OpenWorks 59 Rectangular Zoom icon (ZGF Viewer) 183
polygons Re-display icon 18
blanking fault 134 Re-display option
briefly defined 238 disabling automatic redisplay 159
Create Polygon option (Edit/Create dialog) 177 Redo Last Feature icon 18
editing color (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254
Redraw icon (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184
graphic component example 40
refinements
polynomial grids
grid refinement illustrated 100
described 93
guidelines for setting parameter 115
posting parameter summary 146
2D seismic 220
refining
specific seismic lines or shots 220
importance of grid refinements 112
primitives
regridding
example of 40
as you edit 176
how to regrid 169
R2003.12.0 Index 282

relational data structure 58 seismic data

relaxation of a grid 93 gridding w/ Line Gridding Plus 92
remove file (rm) command: Unix 266 posting lines/shot points 220
smoothing seismic data 116
renaming
data fields 164 SeisWorks integration 201
internal files 51 Select Point mode
Unix files with copy command 260 showing x,y location (ZGF Viewer) 184
reports selecting
shown in system window 15 all characters by triple-clicking 29
resampling appearance of selected item in reverse color 24
to change AOI 191 session files
resetting setting directory paths 65
color table palette (ZGF Picture Viewer) 245 sessions
Reset button 31 attaching MFDs to 36
reverse faults 126 parameter/LASPRM.ZCL files 53
Save Session As/Open options 54
RGB mode
saving settings to default session file 31
Edit Color Table dialog (ZGF Viewer) 243
settings saved 23
rotating
shot points
map for printing 211
briefly defined for mapping purposes 239
rows displaying 85
grid rows described 89 posting specified 220
single list dialog box 24
S smoothing
saving controlling with weighting 117
in the filter process 101
color table (ZGF Picture Viewer) 253
range of values explained 116
pictures as CGMs (ZGF Viewer) 188-190
reduce high frequency features 93
Save button described 31
settings to default session file 31 smoothness modulus 116, 146
scale Source Priority option (Utilities)
adjusted for overlays (ZGF Viewer) 186 briefly described 271
parameters summary table 83 standalone mode
set type 74 data accessible in standalone mode 3
setting type for new basemap 73 for running Z-MAP Plus 64
types described 76 starting
use a ratio 76 MappingLauncher.dat file described 267
scale bars troubleshooting Z-MAP Plus startup 10
adding 84 ZGF Picture Viewer 183
scratch MFD/file Z-MAP Plus 7, 64
described 36 Z-MAP Plus from Command Menu 10
Z-MAP Plus from OpenWorks 7
scroll bars 30
status area
search radius 109-111
effect of 109 attached MFDs listed 37
for new basemap 84
parameter summary 146
information in 193
setting: hints 110
using with control grid to set AOI 139 stopping
Seg ID field (FALT file) 125 Process Interrupt icon 18
Stop icon (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184
seismic
StratWorks integration 203
set smoothing for 116
R2003.12.0 Index 283

subtract operation 199, 200 trend analysis

surface model trends 114 briefly defined 239
surfaces trend form grids
modeling multiple with control grids 137 creating 216
surveys trend surface maps
types gridded w/ Line Gridding Plus 92 briefly defined 239
symbols trends
briefly defined 239 extrapolated by biharmonic filtering 119
editing color (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254 pinnacle reef model 120
system switches preserved by initial grid increment 95
auto picture display 84, 159 Trend Fit Gridding described 92
switch background color 158 Trend Surface Gridding described 92
units of measure 76 Trendform Gridding 91
system window triple-click 29
described 14 triple-clicking
displays data output of processes 15 to clear contents 29
displays diagnostic messages 15 troubleshooting
Point Gridding Plus example 72 .zlog files with error messages 268
Raise System Window icon 18 effect of overlaying pictures: color 186
eliminating edge effects w/ data hulls 141
expediting gridding time 142
T
grid increments for data orientations 114
tabbed dialog boxes gridding suggestions 148
example 21 hints on grid increment settings 107
tables improving performance (deleting LASPARM)
in OpenWorks 58 267
link with key fields in OpenWorks 58 Point Gridding Plus settings 146
problems from improper exit 85
tbl files
starting Z-MAP Plus 10
default color tables 252
using control grid to set project AOI 139
loading color table files 252
using gridding default values 94
templates warning about X Windows Close option 13
how template used in filtering 123
Type key field
TEMPMACRO.ZCL 267 OpenWorks Type field briefly described 61
text
editing color (ZGF Picture Viewer) 241-254
throw
illustrated diagram 131
throw values field (FALT file) 125
title blocks
adding 84
Toggle Background Color icon 18
Tools menu
illustrated 20
R2003.12.0 Index 284

U Window icon 18
windows
Undo Last Feature icon 18
closing without executing process 23
units of measure Z-MAP Plus xterm/main/system 14
conversion table 230
workflow icons 19
units of measure (English or Metric) 76
working directory 53
UNITSPERINCH scale type 76 checking in xterm window 12
Unix described 46
cat command 256
cd command 257
chmod command 258 X
cp Unix command 260 x (easting) values
df command 261 required for gridding 47
displaying an xterm window 272 X expand 117
file name conventions 36
file naming conventions 56 X Windows
ls command 262 warning about Close option 13
mkdir command 263 X Windows Manger
more command 264 described 13
pwd command 265 x, y location
rm command 266 viewing w/ Select Point (in ZGF picture) 184
X Windows shell described 13 x-coordinates
unlock parameters button 23 briefly defined 240
Unzoom icon (ZGF Picture Viewer) 184 displaying on map 152
utilities x-inc 89, 114, 139
reference guide 86 x-maximum 79
x-minimum 79
V x-term window
introduction to 14
vertical separation 131 xterm windows
View menu used to start Z-MAP Plus 54
illustrated 20 zlog files 268
viewing XY AOI type
contours 85 specifying for new map 75
XYPROJECTED AOI type
W specifying for new map 75
weighted average
function in grid filtering process 101 Y
map example 212 y (northing) values
wells required for gridding 47
determine correct grid increment 114 Y expand 117
display deviated 85 y-coordinates
displaying on map 85
briefly defined 240
gridding suggestions 148 displaying on map 152
y-inc 89, 114, 139
y-maximum 79
y-minimum 79
R2003.12.0 Index 285

Z Z-MAP Graphics Files: see ZGFs

Z-MAP Plus
ZCL
exiting 12, 85
brief description/menu option 270
main window described 16
LASPRM.ZCL session file 23
main window illustrated 17
macro reference guide 86
starting 7, 64
z-field values
required for gridding 47
icon illustrated 14
z-fields options briefly described 12
selecting a field to grid 70 overview of Applications/Utilities options
ZGF Picture Viewer 182-190 269-272
color table: editing 241-254 starting Z-MAP Plus 10
color: working with 241-254 Z-MAP Plus window
copying color table colors 247-248 described 14
creating pictures as CGM files 188-190
zmapplus_default.tbl file
displaying color assigned to index 245
location of default color table 252
Edit Color Table dialog box 242, 246
icons 183 ZNONs
interpolating colors 250-251 adding during grid creation 118
loading a ZGF 184-185 blanking briefly defined 227
loading color tables 252 briefly defined 240
overlaying picture features 186-187 defined 49
saving color tables 253 used by control grid 138
Select Point mode 184 zooming
starting 183 briefly defined 240
ZGFs icons in ZGF Picture Viewer 183
attaching/detaching 37 Zoom In/Out/Window icons 18
brief overview of Picture Viewer 270 z-values
Convert ZGF to DXF menu option 271 briefly defined 240
create new 43
delete 44
heirarchical structure 41
import to other Landmark applications 43
introduction to 34
loading in ZGF Picture Viewer 184-185
maintenance and compression 41
Open/Close 72
overview 40
setting directory paths 46, 65
view files within 52
viewing x,y location in pictures 184
zlog files 268
R2003.12.0 Index 286

R2003.12.0 Index 287

R2003.12.0 Index 288

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What are some of the main features of Z-MAP Plus?

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Z-MAP Plus

Z-MAP Plus User Guide

Part No. 161332 October 2003

Landmark Graphics Corporation

User Guide Overview ...................................................................................... 2

Data Access Modes ......................................................................................... 3

Modeling and Mapping Capabilities .............................................................. 4

Mapping Features ...................................................................................... 4

Creating a Basemap ................................................................................... 5

Making a Grid-Based Map ......................................................................... 5

Starting Z-MAP Plus ........................................................................................ 7

Starting Z-MAP Plus from OpenWorks .................................................... 7

Adding an Alias for the Start-up Command ............................................ 10

Z-MAP Plus Command Menu .......................................................................... 12

X Windows Manager ........................................................................................ 13

Z-MAP Plus Windows ...................................................................................... 14

Z-MAP Plus System Window ..................................................................... 15

R2003.12.0 Contents iii

Getting Started: Z-MAP Plus Windows continued

Z-MAP Plus Main Window ......................................................................... 16

Z-MAP Plus Menu Map .................................................................................... 20

Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes ............................................................................... 21

Types of Z-MAP Plus Dialog Boxes .......................................................... 21

Common Features of Dialog Boxes ......................................................... 27

Conventions Used in This Guide ................................................................... 32

Z-MAP Plus Basics

MFDs and ZGFs ............................................................................................... 34

Internal and External Files ........................................................................ 34

Master File Directory (MFD) ...................................................................... 35

Z-MAP Graphics Files (ZGFs) ................................................................... 40

File and Picture Internal Organization ..................................................... 45

Directory Paths ................................................................................................ 46

Input File Formats ........................................................................................... 47

Data File Format ......................................................................................... 47

Format Groups ........................................................................................... 49

Managing Data ................................................................................................. 51

File Manager ............................................................................................... 51

File Utilities ................................................................................................. 51

To View a List of Files in an MFD or ZGF ................................................. 52

Field Utilities ............................................................................................... 52

Project Organization ....................................................................................... 53

Project Directory ........................................................................................ 53

Z-MAP PLus Basics: Project Organization continued

Managing Project Files .............................................................................. 56

Managing Internal Files ............................................................................. 57

Z-MAP Plus and OpenWorks .......................................................................... 58

Overview of OpenWorks ............................................................................ 58

Using the Z-MAP Plus - OpenWorks Connection .................................... 60

Contour Map Workflow

1. Start Z-MAP Plus .................................................................................... 64

2. Set Directory Paths ................................................................................ 65

3. Attach a Master File ............................................................................... 65

4. Select the Data File ................................................................................ 66

5. Create a Grid ........................................................................................... 67

6. Attach a Graphics File (ZGF) ................................................................. 72

7. Create a Blank Basemap ....................................................................... 73