Data Fusion and Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Producing Oil and Gas Resources Potential Maps (Case Study: Saracheh Zone, Qom Province)

This paper focuses on the application of Geoinformatic methods (simultaneous using of remote sensing, geographic information system, global positioning system, terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry) in optimal operation and exploration risk reduction of oil and gas reservoirs. To approach the purpose, two aspects of remote sensing (satellite image) and terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry have been investigated. The main role of satellite images is usually structural identification and alteration detection using geometric and radiometric analyses. Lithology investigations of the area are studied together with hydrothermal alteration of rocks, hydrocarbon index and geobotany model. Photogrammetric analyses are performed with the goal of qualitative interpretation of the scene and creating 3D models for the desired area. In the present research, the Saracheh area in Qom province, which is according to geological evidence and exposed hydrothermal alteration zones, has been studied. To achieve this goal, image processing of ASTER multi-spectral imagery of Terra satellite was utilized. Moreover, classification methods by means of SAM and SID algorithms for detecting mineral alteration zones and lithological grouping have been carried out. Finally, extracted information layers of terrestrial, aerial and spatial data were combined together to validate the results with independent data. The desired oil and gas potential map is produced according to multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) procedure. Field surveys and interpretation of photogrammetric photos and other evidences indicate that the potential mapping of the hydrocarbon resources is accurate and the results are consistent with the field observations at a high level of reliability (more than 75 percent accuracy).