9.1.1 Earth Model Feature

An earth model feature is a RESQML geologic feature organization, which is the entry point from which a software reader can get access to all the information about the raw data acquired, the interpretations of these raw data, and all the organization interpretations built on them.

To be used in an effective manner along a multi-software workflow, it is strongly recommended that an earth model organization (like other RESQML features) be declared at the beginning of any transfer. This creation drives the user to begin thinking about how to organize information for data exchange and "initializes" the flow of information.

So, the first (and more important) usage of the earth model feature is to create a UUID reference on which all the results of operations relative to one prospect can be furthermore “linked” and retrieved independently of software files, databases releases, or proprietary and legacy data stores.

This means that, at the very beginning of a prospect life cycle, it might be useful (though not mandatory) for an asset team to create a geologic organization feature of type earth model, which can be the "container" (organizing basis) for a consistent set of information (NOTE: The earth model does not actually "contain" its contents, but is referenced to them using data object references (for more information, see 5.4 Specifying Relationships in RESQML ). The individual features of the earth model can also be exchanged individually, during prospect appraisal and development.