Geographic Information System (GIS) is database technology that is used to input, store, retrieve, manipulate, analyze and output geographically-referenced data or geospatial data that can support decision making for planning and management of land use, natural resources, environment, transportation, urban facilities, and other administrative records.
JPF Land Services, Inc. and Eastex Geospatial use GIS to create “smart maps.” By compiling multiple sources of information in a centralized location and combining the spatial aspect (what you see as the map itself) with the database aspect of information, you can query the map to get a database answer, or ask the database a question to get a map answer. GIS combines the map that you see with as many databases you need behind it.

GIS is a scaleless application that can take you from a broad to a singular component without ever leaving you chair.


Figure 1, Scale: 1:24,000 or 1” equals 2,000’

This map shows the tract boundaries of a broad area. Commonly referred to as a cadastre map, this image gives the reader a sense of tract sizes, relationships to roads and pipelines, as well as a general idea of the landscape through the use of aerial images. The area in yellow is the researched area detailed for this example.


Figure 2, Scale: 1:12,000 or 1” equals 1,000’

Color coding or symbology depicting lease information is included on this map. The column of information on the left notes that the tracts of land in highlighted in yellow are fully leased. As such, these tracts, when combined together, have enough acreage to start drilling for oil. If you need more information on a particular mineral owner who has rights under a particular tract of land, GIS makes that information available with a single click.


Figure 3, Mineral Owner Detail

The table of mineral ownership shows that tract 752-05 is leased from Ima Owner; the lease expires in 2008. Also noted is a damage clause in the lease that may require further investigation.


Figure 4, Lease Detail

With GIS, you can link from the map directly to a scanned image of the signed lease with all of its addendums so you have clear concise access to the legal documentation relating to your unit. This further helps to consolidate your property information into the map, so all of the information you need to make a decision is in one place. 


Figure 5, GIS and GPS, Scale: 1:6,000 or 1” equals 500’

When combined with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) [link to more GPS info] technology, JPF Land Services, Inc. and Eastex Geospatial can use GIS can help you create a model of the well site for their environmental group and for permitting the associated pipeline to the Rail Road Commission of Texas.

GPS technology shows not only pipe location, but also pipe marker placement for conformity to §49CFR192.5. GPS technology for mapping purposes is sub-meter to sub-foot accurate. Additionally, JPF Land Services, Inc.’s  map-grade or better GPS units start your database in the field by generating a data dictionary of information. This enhances data collection and maximizes man hours in the field.

In five simple clicks, GIS can give you the information you need to determine:
1. The area you want to drill in,
2. The tract you want to drill on,
3. The mineral owner,
4. Detailed clauses of the owner’s lease agreement, and
5. The flowline location with its associated marker placement.


Figure 6, Well Site Detail/Facility Management

For information about the well site itself, JPF Land Services, Inc. and Eastex Geospatial use GPS technology to capture the well’s location, along with every valve, surface feature and additional pipeline details.

Information a client needs about each piece of equipment located on the well site and photos identifying each piece of equipment are captured and inputted on the spot.

As the number of well sites continue to increase, this type of “facility management” is quickly becoming a staple to oil and gas companies. Companies need to centralize both their infrastructure and leasing information. This information is not only vital for facility management; it is also necessary for emergency management, decision making and regulatory compliance.