Cross plotting has long been one of the most fundamental tools in subsurface data analysis. From classic porosity–permeability relationships to multi-attribute seismic interpretation, 2-D cross plots provide the essential link between raw data, geological understanding, and quantitative interpretation.

In today’s era of AI-driven workflows, quantitative seismic interpretation (QSI), and large-scale data integration, cross plotting is more important than ever. It is no longer just a visualization tool—it is a decision-making engine that connects core, logs, seismic, reservoir models, production, and monitoring data into a unified interpretive framework.

SubsurfaceAI—formerly known through its flagship technologies AttributeStudio, SBED, and ReservoirStudio—offers what is widely recognized as the most powerful, comprehensive, and easy-to-use 2-D cross plotting environment in the industry. These capabilities are the result of more than 20 years of continuous development, driven by close collaboration with industry users and refined through extensive real-world application and feedback.

Comprehensive Cross Plotting Across the Entire Subsurface Workflow

One of the defining strengths of SubsurfaceAI is its ability to support cross plotting across virtually every major subsurface data type, seamlessly bridging scales from laboratory measurements to field-scale models and monitoring data.

SubsurfaceAI cross plots support:

• Core plug data for detailed rock property analysis
• Well logs, both before and after upscaling, enabling evaluation of scale effects and data consistency
• Conditioning data in strata-grids or reservoir model grids
• Property grids within reservoir models for model validation and quality control
• Seismic attribute sections and volumes, including selected ranges of sections and slices
• Near-wellbore seismic attribute volumes for calibration and localized interpretation
• Microseismic data, including individual event locations and associated attributes, enabling analysis of fracture behavior, stimulation response, and reservoir geomechanics
• Production data to link static properties with dynamic performance
• Completion and stimulation data, analyzed per stage or across selected time windows

By supporting this full spectrum of data types, SubsurfaceAI enables truly integrated cross plotting across static, dynamic, seismic, and monitoring datasets—something rarely achievable in conventional interpretation tools.

Versatile Overlay-Based Cross Plotting for Multi-Scale Data Comparison

SubsurfaceAI’s cross plotting environment is designed to support direct comparison across data types and scales. Any cross plot can be stored, recalled, and overlaid with others, allowing interpreters to compare relationships derived from different sources in a single analytical space.

For example, users can overlay porosity–permeability relationships from core plug data with upscaled well logs, SBED-derived heterogeneity results, and reservoir model properties. This makes it straightforward to evaluate scale effects, assess uncertainty, and validate modeling assumptions.

This overlay-based design transforms cross plots from static graphics into dynamic analytical environments where geological understanding evolves directly from the data.

Interactive Multi-Attribute Interpretation Using Cross Plots

In SubsurfaceAI, cross plotting is not limited to analysis—it is a central component of multi-attribute interpretation.

Users can interactively draw polygons on any 2-D cross plot and immediately visualize the corresponding data points in 2-D maps and 3-D views. These spatial views update in real time as polygons are modified, allowing interpreters to see how attribute-space selections translate into geological space.

Multiple cross plot windows can be active simultaneously, with points from different plots displayed together in 2-D and 3-D views. Each polygon selection is assigned unique point IDs, and these selected points can be saved as face objects, including surfaces, strata-grid objects, or volumetric objects.

This capability allows interpreters to move fluidly between attribute relationships and spatial patterns, reinforcing geological intuition while maintaining quantitative rigor.

Advanced Analytical Control and Bidirectional Projection

SubsurfaceAI provides advanced analytical controls that allow users to precisely define which data are included in any cross plot.

Cross plot points can be filtered by facies, wells, zones, or user-defined area polygons. Interpreters can focus on specific stratigraphic intervals, geographic regions, or subsets of the dataset without losing context.

Importantly, SubsurfaceAI supports bidirectional projection between spatial views and cross plots. Points selected directly on seismic sections, time slices, or maps can be back-projected into cross plot space, enabling interpreters to instantly understand how spatially observed features behave in attribute space.

This bidirectional workflow significantly accelerates interpretation and reduces uncertainty.

Probabilistic Analysis and Bayesian Classification in 2-D Cross Plot Space

SubsurfaceAI integrates advanced quantitative analytics directly into the 2-D cross plotting environment.

Users can estimate two-dimensional probability density maps for all data points or for individual facies. These density estimates form the foundation for Bayesian classification workflows that can be executed directly within cross plot space.

Based on Bayes’ theorem, users can generate classification objects or facies probability objects that can be carried forward into reservoir models, seismic volumes, or AI workflows. This approach ensures that classification results remain transparent, interpretable, and grounded in data statistics.

Integrated AVO Analysis and Classification

Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) analysis remains a critical component of quantitative seismic interpretation, and SubsurfaceAI fully supports AVO analysis and classification within its 2-D cross plotting framework.

AVO attributes can be cross plotted, classified using polygon selection, and immediately visualized in spatial views. This tight integration allows interpreters to define AVO classes, validate spatial consistency, and rapidly assess exploration and reservoir characterization opportunities.

Rock Physics Templates Embedded in Cross Plot Workflows

SubsurfaceAI includes advanced rock physics templates directly within its 2-D cross plot environment.

These templates allow interpreters to compare measured or modeled data against theoretical rock physics trends, evaluate sensitivity to lithology, porosity, fluid content, and pressure, and ensure that data-driven interpretation remains physically meaningful.

Rock physics templates play a critical role in connecting seismic attributes, AI models, and geological understanding.

Scalable Multi-Window Cross Plot Visualization

Multiple 2-D cross plots can be displayed simultaneously within SubsurfaceAI’s data analysis cross plot tab. This design enables side-by-side comparison of attribute pairs, facies groups, zones, or data types, all within a single, coherent workspace.

This scalability is essential for complex interpretation projects involving large datasets and multi-attribute analysis.

More Than Cross Plotting—A Unified Subsurface Interpretation Platform

The cross plotting capabilities described above represent only one component of SubsurfaceAI’s integrated subsurface interpretation platform. Together, they enable interpreters to connect data across disciplines, scales, and workflows without fragmentation.

If you are considering upgrading your subsurface interpretation software—whether for AI-driven seismic interpretation, quantitative reservoir characterization, microseismic analysis, or integrated modeling—you do not need to look beyond SubsurfaceAI.

We continue to enhance our cross plotting functionality based on user feedback and evolving industry needs. If you have specific requirements or new ideas, we welcome the opportunity to work with you.