Abstract: Drilling data is one of main sources for building 3D strata model. Usually the stratigraphic interfaces are constructed by interpolation based on drilling data. Processing drilling data accurately is the basic premise of building realistic 3D strata model. Because the option of the interpolation data of the stratigraphic interfaces is not unique mathematically, the complex topological relationships of the strata usually result in the condition that the building 3D strata model is not realistic. In order to gain unique and realistic interpolation data, a stratigraphic column, which records the chronological order of the strata and their topological relationships, is defined in accordance with geological history. The topological relationships of the strata are generalized into two classes: either ‘onlap’ or ‘erosion’. According to the stratigraphic column, the unique interpolation data of the stratigraphic interfaces can be determined and then be used to build realistic 3D strata model. Python is used to implement the algorithm of the preprocessing of drill data. The examples prove that the project can validly forecast realistic strata.

Key words: drilling data, stratigraphic column, chronological order, topological relationships of strata