Optimization of Shooting Scheme in Order to Reduce Infill on 3D Marine Surveys

Up to 20% or more of a 3D marine survey budget is used to fill gaps in coverage, due to currents and subsequent streamer feathering. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate, using a real 3D marine acquisition case study, how gaps in coverage can be reduced by optimizing the shooting scheme i.e. the shooting time of each individual sail line, thanks to a more accurate knowledge of the currents as compared to current practices.