The search for oil and gas begins with aerial surveys and surface observation by geologists and geophysicists to see if an area has the kind of the rock formations that might contain petroleum. Companies then conduct seismic surveys or purchase seismic data from other companies to get a better picture of the underground rock formations.

Seismic surveys
In a seismic survey, the geophysical contractor's crew lays out a line (or several lines) of sensitive receivers, called geophones or "jugs," on the ground. Then explosions or mechanical vibrations are created on the surface. The geophones record the energy reflected back as seismic waves from rock layers at various depths. Geophysicists use powerful computers to process the data from digitally recorded seismic surveys. Computer-assisted processing of the data creates a picture of the sedimentary structures below and ideally shows the location and extent of porous layers within these structures.

Geophysicists and geologists examine the seismic data for the presence of suitable traps and for similarities with other petroleum-producing areas. If the results seem promising, they use the seismic data to locate and drill a well.

Canada's comprehensive database
Because of long-standing and close cooperation among industry, government and academic scientists, Canada is regarded as having the most comprehensive information about its petroleum resources of any country in the world. Early requirements to record accurately all kinds of information from the 650,000 wells drilled to date in Canada have given us an extremely valuable and reliable database that can be used quickly and cheaply.

With the introduction of computerized commercial databases, new drilling prospects can be generated, producing fields can be optimized and field operations scrutinized.

Surface & mineral rights
Access to land, and the minerals beneath it, is required in order to drill a well. Oil company land departments negotiate access with owners and federal or provincial governments. Specialized staff, known as landmen (who may be male or female), are responsible for all these negotiations. No exploration or production activity can occur without the necessary permissions.