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Geophysical Services (Land and Seismic)

Land

Before companies can reach the wealth of resources that lay underground, they must first obtain the rights to the land. Oil and gas companies participate in a bidding and negotiation process to secure rights to the land. There are three sets of rights that must be gained before any oil and gas operations can begin:

• Surface rights allow companies to work on the surface of the land.
• Mineral rights allow companies to explore and produce the resources underground. Most mineral rights are owned by provincial governments. Other mineral rights are owned by federal governments or individual private owners.
• Freehold rights are rights that are not owned by government.

Companies use land agents and other specialty energy asset management professionals to negotiate agreements and contracts with land owners, First Nations and Aboriginal groups, and address any questions or concerns they might have.

For more land management information, visit:

• Alberta Land Surveyors' Association (ALSA) Association regulating the practice of land surveying for the public and the administration of the profession.
• Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB)
  ERCB regulates the safe, responsible, and efficient development of Alberta's energy resources.
• The Centre for Energy Asset Management Studies (CEAMS)
  CEAMS influences and promotes Asset Management skills development for and within the energy sector.
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (CAPL)
  CAPL is a professional organization for people involved in all aspects of petroleum land management.
• Canadian Association of Land Administration (CAPLA)
  The Canadian Association of Petroleum Land Administration serves individuals and organizations involved in petroleum land administration.

Interested in working in the land sector? You have lots of choices! Check out your career options in Land Negotiation and Management.

Seismic

Geologists and geophysicists use seismic surveys to identify underground structures that may contain crude oil or natural gas. During a seismic survey, the crew lays out sensitive recording equipment called geophones on the ground. Then they make underground explosions or surface vibrations that create seismic waves. The seismic waves are reflected from the rock formations under the ground and recorded as seismic data. This data is processed with powerful computers and specialized software, which produces an image of where oil or gas can be found.

Most of the work in the seismic sector is done outdoors. Employees work in crews, moving from location to location.

For more seismic information, visit:

• Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors (CAGC)
  Represents companies that gather seismic data. Its members conduct seismic surveys in the field for their clients, the exploration and production companies.

Interested in working in the seismic sector? You have lots of choices! Check out your career options as a Seismic Operator.