Morten Ofstad, Chief Architect at Bluware
VDS data format has revolutionized seismic data management through its sophisticated approach to data organization and access. Let’s explore the key features that make VDS a game-changer in performance optimization and data visualization.
Multi-Resolution Architecture: Level of Detail (LOD)
How LODs Work
- Full resolution data (LOD) is complemented by progressively lower resolution version
- Each level reduces sample count by half in each axis direction
- 3D data at each level contains 1/8th the samples of the previous level
- Supports up to LOD12 for maximum flexibility
Benefits
- Visualize data immediately with progressive data loading
- Automatic resolution selection based on zoom level
- Optimized storage through variable compression quality at different LODs
Multi-Dimensional Data Support
VDS offers exceptional flexibility with:
- Support for up to 6D sample data
- Unlimited auxiliary channels
- Customizable compression settings per channel
- Well-suited for pre-stack depth/time migrated data (PSDM/PSTM) (inline, crossline, offset, time/depth)
Performance Optimization Features
Core Capabilities
- Hierarchical Data Structure
- Efficient data retrieval
- Optimized access patterns
- Reduced I/O overhead
- Advanced Processing
- Parallel processing support (Bluware VDS)
- Multi-CPU and GPU optimization
- High-throughput read/write operations
Performance Advantages Over Competitors
Unlike formats such as MDIO and ZGY, VDS offers:
- Advanced caching capabilities
- Comprehensive GPU support
- Multi-level data access
- Superior performance in intensive workflows
Best Practices for Implementation
- Visualization Workflows
- Include LODs for visualization-focused applications
- Adjust LOD levels based on dataset size
- Enable automatic LOD selection through Bluware Engine
- Processing and Archival
- Visualize data with LODs with automatic view-dependent LOD selection using the Bluware Engine
- Optimize compression settings per channel
- Utilize parallel processing capabilities where available
- Legacy Application Integration
- Petrel integration
- Ensure maximum LOD creation for optimal compatibility
Real-World Impact
VDS’s multi-resolution approach and performance optimizations deliver tangible benefits:
- Reduced processing time
- Lower storage costs
- Enhanced user experience
- Faster data analysis
- Improved workflow efficiency
The combination of intelligent data structuring, flexible compression options, and performance optimization makes VDS an indispensable tool for modern seismic data management. Whether accessing data locally or through cloud services, VDS provides the performance and flexibility needed for today’s demanding geoscience workflows.