Successful Legacy Geodetic Migration and Reconstruction of the National Upstream Data Repository for the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE
Authors: Jain S. , Naz A. , Afzal M. , Stewart N. , Nolan P. 
Published: November 2024

Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) since 2016 has embarked on an ambitious data management program aimed at capturing, documenting, and integrating Sharjah Emirate's entire Upstream information archive into a unified and quality-assured corporate data repository. A significant aspect of this initiative involved assessing the spatial integrity of the complete dataset, standardizing attributes, and migrating legacy data from Nahrwan 1967 to a fixed epoch of WGS 84, aligning with the national coordinate network.

The database rebuild and geodetic migration involved numerous steps including;

Establishing coordinate network origin, horizontal & vertical reference systems to adopt Converting the spatial component of datasets to the chosen CRS Creating a QC'd dataset that is verified with its source of origin Storing multi discipline information in a newly established Upstream data hub Auditing the flow of data between verified repositories and multiple software platforms Assigning rules of data flow for seamless integration Introducing governance policy for newly acquired data

Centralizing dispersed archives of well information, logs, maps, seismic sections, reports, and digital databases marked a pivotal transformation in upstream data management. The objective was to ensure consistency and reliability, facilitating effective data utilization among SNOC, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Integrating over 50 years of upstream data with recent seismic and well data acquisitions significantly enhanced SNOC's understanding of a complex thrusted geological setting. Support and interest from various disciplines were crucial to the project's success. Workflow changes were embraced, with technical staff immediately recognizing the benefits of a verified dataset. Introducing a spatially aware audit trail enabled teams to confidently exchange data across different software platforms, enhancing collaboration along the value chain. This transition provided access to a wealth of information, improving the utilization of legacy data in decision-making processes. Given the inherent uncertainties in subsurface decisions, data reliability is one area that can be controlled. Centralized workflows have enhanced communication between multidisciplinary teams using different software, instilling greater confidence. Instead of verifying data integrity and provenance, technical staff now focus on value creation.

This paper explores the challenges and solutions encountered during the transition to a compliant digital data repository using a consistent coordinate reference system. It also examines the necessary personnel training and the successful dissemination of information across diverse software platforms used throughout the E&P lifecycle. This initiative exemplifies the transformative power of integrated data management in the oil and gas sector. The foundation is designed to future-proof the database for all energy initiatives, including exploration opportunities, 4D seismic, lost pay identification, reservoir management, and CCS.