Training Manual

Geosteering Trainer
Tutorial Guide

Complete training manual for correlation, fault handling, real-time steering, and in-zone optimization. Five levels — from basic GR correlation to full trajectory control.

Core Workflow
Observe › Correlate › Validate › Predict › Steer › Review
Never treat the logs as isolated curves. Each move should answer three questions: what is the structure, where is the reservoir now, and where will it be after the next drilling increment?
Jump to Level
01
Basic GR Correlation
02
Fault ID & Error Min.
03
Advanced Stratigraphy
04
Real-Time Simulator
05
Full Geosteering
Level 01
Level 1 · Beginner
Basic GR Correlation
Learn to align a single LWD Gamma Ray curve with a vertical typewell using structural dip only.
Open Level →
Primary Controls
Middle-clickDrop a structural tie-point on the trajectory plot
Drag pointMove the active point up/down to shift the mapped GR curve
Right-clickDelete a tie-point if it is not helping the correlation
Show solutionReveal the true top and base to check your answer
Full Workflow
  1. 1Scan the reference typewell and identify strong marker peaks and troughs before placing any point.
  2. 2Place one tie-point near the top of the reservoir and use it to establish the regional dip.
  3. 3Adjust the point until the main GR shapes sit on top of each other.
  4. 4Add a second point only if the lower section needs a different dip trend.
  5. 5Keep the model simple. A correct one- or two-point solution is better than a crowded estimate.
  6. 6Use the solution only after you have made your own final attempt.
✓ Best Practices
  • Look for pattern shape, not exact amplitude
  • Keep your eye on the entire correlation trend, not one log spike
  • Stop as soon as the fit is logically good; do not chase tiny cosmetic differences
⚠ Common Mistakes
  • Using too many points too early
  • Forcing the curve to fit local noise
  • Ignoring the larger dip trend while focusing on one feature
★ Success Criterion
  • You can build a clean correlation in under 30 seconds using one or two points
Level 02
Level 2 · Elementary
Fault Identification and Error Minimization
Recognize missing or repeated sections and correct them with fault-aware correlation.
Open Level →
Primary Controls
Middle-clickAdd a fault or tie-point
Drag pointAdjust throw and dip to place blocks correctly
Show differenceDisplay the error overlay to measure mismatch
Hide GR curveReduce clutter when you need to focus on geometry
Full Workflow
  1. 1Read the log for sudden offsets, missing intervals, or repeated motif patterns.
  2. 2Decide whether the feature is a normal fault, reverse fault, or simple dip change.
  3. 3Place the first structural control point at the most trustworthy boundary, not necessarily the most dramatic one.
  4. 4Use the difference view to see where the model is failing and which side of the fault needs correction.
  5. 5Refine the offset until both the shape and the block placement make geological sense.
  6. 6Hide the curve temporarily if needed so you can think in blocks rather than in noisy detail.
✓ Best Practices
  • A fault model should explain the whole block, not just one marker
  • Use the error view as a diagnostic tool, not a substitute for interpretation
  • Separate structure from log noise before making a new adjustment
⚠ Common Mistakes
  • Treating every mismatch as a fault
  • Overcomplicating the model before checking the simple interpretation
  • Leaving the error overlay on without using it to drive a real correction
★ Success Criterion
  • The visual difference becomes small and the fault blocks make geological sense
Level 03
Level 3 · Intermediate
Advanced Static Stratigraphy
Work through multi-fault, multi-zone scenarios before entering real-time drilling modes.
Open Level →
Primary Controls
Middle-clickAdd stratigraphic control points across complex sections
Drag pointTighten dip and block position in each segment
Show differenceCheck each segment against the reference independently
Full Workflow
  1. 1Break the well into manageable segments before you correlate anything.
  2. 2Start with the most stable region and establish a baseline structural trend.
  3. 3Treat each fault block as its own small correlation problem.
  4. 4Work from one side of the well to the other so that each correction has context.
  5. 5After each segment is solved, review the whole well to confirm transitions still make sense.
  6. 6Final validation should confirm continuity of stratigraphy across all blocks.
✓ Best Practices
  • Solve the well zone-by-zone instead of all at once
  • Preserve consistency in marker order across the whole section
  • Use repeated review passes after each major correction
⚠ Common Mistakes
  • Jumping straight to fine adjustments before the big structure is right
  • Letting one difficult block distort the rest of the model
  • Accepting a local fit that breaks the global stratigraphy
★ Success Criterion
  • All fault blocks are aligned and the final model reads smoothly across the complete interval
Level 04
Level 4 · Advanced
Real-Time Simulator — GR + Resistivity
Interpret incoming measurements while the well is drilling and update the model behind the bit.
Open Level →
Primary Controls
PlayStart the simulation
Speed sliderSlow the run when the geology becomes difficult
+10 m stepMove in controlled increments for manual review
Mode switchChoose tie-point mode or fault-block mode
Thickness sliderAdjust reservoir thickness when log response changes
Right-clickAdd a geological control point in the active model behind the bit
Full Workflow
  1. 1Start at a low speed so you can see the relationship between GR and resistivity.
  2. 2Pause immediately when the drilled response stops matching the expected trend.
  3. 3Decide whether the mismatch is structural, stratigraphic, or thickness-related.
  4. 4Add a point behind the bit to correct the model, then continue and watch the updated interpretation.
  5. 5Use the thickness control only when the shape of the resistivity trend supports it.
  6. 6Repeat the cycle: observe, pause, update, resume, and verify.
✓ Best Practices
  • Interpret both logs together, not one at a time
  • Use slow speed whenever the decision is uncertain
  • Keep the model as simple as possible while staying consistent with the data
⚠ Common Mistakes
  • Steering too quickly to a guess
  • Changing thickness when the real issue is a structural shift
  • Ignoring resistivity changes that confirm or reject your GR interpretation
★ Success Criterion
  • You can keep the model updated in real time without losing structural coherence
Level 05
Level 5 · Expert
Full Interactive Geosteering and Trajectory Control
Combine correlation, prediction, and steering to maximize in-zone drilling performance.
Open Level →
Primary Controls
Right-click (behind bit)Update the structural model from drilled data
Right-click (ahead of bit)Set a waypoint and create a future steering target
Drag waypointAdjust the planned path to follow the predicted reservoir center
Full Workflow
  1. 1Read the current in-zone percentage and treat it as the main performance metric.
  2. 2Correlate the logs behind the bit until the present position is reliable.
  3. 3Project the structure ahead and estimate where the reservoir center will be after the next interval.
  4. 4Place a waypoint ahead of the bit to shift the path toward the best future target.
  5. 5Drill the next section, then re-check the model and update again.
  6. 6Repeat the loop until the entire lateral is optimized.
✓ Best Practices
  • Think several meters ahead, not only at the current bit position
  • Use the latest data to steer, but do not overreact to every small change
  • Balance in-zone time with stability; aggressive steering can hurt the overall outcome
⚠ Common Mistakes
  • Trying to steer before the current geology is understood
  • Moving the waypoint without a clear prediction of future structure
  • Changing the past instead of planning the next decision
★ Success Criterion
  • The drilled path stays near the reservoir center and the in-zone percentage improves steadily
Training Summary
Level Main Skill Key Tool Success Standard
Level 1 Single-log correlation and dip recognition Tie-point drag Clean correlation in <30 seconds
Level 2 Fault-aware correction and error reduction Difference overlay Geologically sensible fault blocks
Level 3 Multi-block stratigraphy and large-scale consistency Segment-by-segment review Smooth continuity across all blocks
Level 4 Live data interpretation behind the bit Speed slider + mode switch Real-time model coherence maintained
Level 5 Prediction, waypoint control, and in-zone steering Ahead-of-bit waypoints In-zone % improves steadily
Field Checklist — Before Moving On
Confirm all four points before advancing to the next level.
✓
You can read the reference markers clearly and identify key formation boundaries
✓
You can explain your structural choice in plain geological language
✓
You can update the model without overfitting to noise or local artifacts
✓
You can describe the next steering decision clearly before executing it
Correlate behind the bit · Predict ahead of the bit · Steer with a purpose.
Minimum standard: You understand what changed, why it changed, and what you will do next.