The most established market in remote sensing is in the area of natural resources in the exploration of oil, gas, and minerals.

Satellite and airborne Remote Sensing technology aids in the selection and development of oil and gas exploration areas around the World as well as in the areas of oil spill mitigation and remediation. Through geological and geophysical seismic interpretation and use of orthorectified satellite images, it provides insight on the selection of areas to plan 2D or 3D seismic surveys for an exploration drilling program as well as aiding in the process of environmental and operational safety hazards to minimize the HSE risks.

There is currently no other technology that matches or exceeds the capabilities of remote sensing and its necessity in the oil industry. Discovering new sources of petroleum ahead of the competition is one of the key ways to stay successful in the petroleum industry.

A GIS can help you evaluate the potential for oil in promising locations, Exploration often requires analysis of satellite imagery, digital aerial photomosaics, surveys, surface geology studies, subsurface and cross-section interpretations and images, well locations, and existing infrastructure information. A GIS can relate these data elements to the location in question in map form and allow you to overlay, view, and manipulate the data to analyze and understand its potential. GIS technology today allows you to manage the spatial components of these everyday petroleum “business objects,” such as leases, wells, pipelines, environmental concerns, facilities, and retail outlets, in the corporate database and apply appropriate geographic analysis efficiently across the enterprise.