What is GIS?
GIS is a tool that will help users to access, visualise and analyse data using their desktop PCs. It is a central window of access to information using a mapping front end. Valuable time spent searching for data can now be spent doing more productive work instead.

Making prompt informed decisions is not easy unless data and information is readily available. GIS makes all the data BSP users need available with a few clicks of the mouse to enable them make better use of their time by allocating on more productive activities.

“GIS has fundamentally changed our ways of accessing information …”
-(Jack Dangermond, President and Founder ESRI GIS)


GIS (Geographical Information System) has been around for some time in Brunei Shell Petroleum.  It has been limited to a few critical applications but technology now allows easy access using BSP’s intranet.  Several business applications have been delivered and are being used on a daily basis.

There are three types of GIS services being offered:

1) WebGIS: provides easy to use functions to serve the purpose of most general users via BSP Intranet.

2) Full desktop version – ArcGIS caters for BSP users that have more comprehensive data sets and wish to explore more powerful functions of GIS e.g. data analysis.

3) ArcReader: a free viewer that comes together with ArcGIS software.  Its users can perform similar functions to the full version of GIS, like view, explore and print.  It is designed for viewing and sharing asset maps and accesses various dynamic geographic datasets.  This satisfies the needs of many GIS users and it is user friendly with little or no training required.  

Achievements to date

GIS applications successfully delivered in BSP to date include:

Offshore Integrated Drawings

This allows users to view various platform photos.  For major complexes ‘offshore integrated drawings’ are available online.  Paper copies are used for those without BSP intranet access.

Hazard Search

Provides a powerful search into BSP spatial databases for obstructions, facilities or other features, within a user-defined search area.  A useful operations and planning tool to know in advance what is there before starting projects or activities. The application will create a search buffer zone based on user input and identify any potential hazards within the area of interest.

Automatic Vessel Tracking

Monitors and logs positions of BSP vessels. This is used for transport, logistics planning and fleet management, and in emergency support to co-ordinate offshore vessels when required.

Drilling Campaign Planning

This provides Well Engineers with a central source for information required during the planning before a rig is moved to a new location.  Information like anchor pattern, conductor drawings, well sketch and well head diagrams are essential, and are stored on different databases.  GIS links users to these databases and will help reduce time spent hunting for and collating data.  

Conductor Diagram

Conductor diagrams – part of Drilling Campaign planning application are required for the Drilling Campaign project.  It was available on old MicroStation DGN (design) files and this application converts the diagram to allow user access to conductor coordinates and latest information from corporate database (EPBASE).

Anchor Planning (SMR)

This application helps to plan anchor positions for work boats, drill barges and rigs to ensure anchors are placed clear of any subsea obstruction. The application also stores previously placed anchor positions.

Some Quotes from Current GIS Users:

o       “Excellent portal for Drilling Campaign Planning – potential savings of 2 man weeks per project.”  Seyi Adeleye (Head Business Services, Technical Services Wells)

o       “GIS as a project provides an excellent opportunity for my team to extend, learn and merge their IT capability with business knowledge. We are moving in the right direction towards an IT business smart people” Mohd Hayazi Arshad (Subsurface Application Development)

o       “This is one example how a specialised application adds value to the business” Tiew Siew Chin (Head, Application Development & Support)

This article is extracted and compiled from BSP GIS newsletter by Technical experts, Pg Mashirmahwati Pg Matahir (emma.Matahir@shell.com) and Hjh Rozalina Hj Abd Rahman (rozalina.abd-rahman@shell.com), both from Subsurface Application Development.

For more information, email BSP-GIS-Support@shell.com

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