Outcrop Digitalization Research Project

Abstract The research explores the emerging domain of Outcrop Digitalization, revealing its profound implications for geological research, particularly within the spheres of petroleum engineering and geology. It begins by underscoring the significant divergence between human cognition and the transformative potential of advanced computing technology driven by digitalized data. Surface geological features play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of subsurface phenomena, with digital models offering unprecedented capabilities for geologists. These models empower comprehensive investigations, providing multifaceted perspectives and precise assessments that enhance our grasp of complex geological processes. The paper highlights the invaluable insights gleaned from outcrop models, pivotal in refining reservoir simulations within the oil and gas sector. Facies and heterogeneity are central to geological analysis, demanding meticulous examination and contributing to enhanced reservoir characterization.Furthermore, the fusion of conventional geological principles with cutting-edge technology is evident through the integration of field data with drone-acquired photogrammetric models. This synergy ushers in a new era of precision in reservoir characterization.A case study from Azerbaijan's Yasamal outcrop project by BP illustrates the transformative potential of digital outcrop modeling. While the study successfully created a scaled-down rock model using photographs of a Scoria rock sample, it envisions further development through advanced technological tools like drones, LIDAR cameras, dGPS systems, and specialized X-ray tomography cameras, potentially eliminating the need for physical field visits, revolutionizing geological research and exploration. This research not only focuses on the technical creation of digital outcrop models but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary significance of such approaches. By bringing together geology, petroleum engineering, data science, and computer vision, digital outcrop modeling provides an opportunity for academia and industry to cooperate on unified platforms. Furthermore, it bridges the gap between conventional fieldwork methods and virtual geology, allowing both students and professionals to access high-quality geological information without geographical limitations.