What does VECON do?

VECON provides a powerful model builder to quickly and easily create a 2D or 3D velocity model from a variety of input data types and sources.  VECON then uses this model, along with the well trajectory, to help you design the optimum source-receiver geometry for your VSP survey by tracing rays, and model any imaging problem.

The 2D finite-difference modeling in VECON graphically illustrates wavefield propagation through your model helping you understand many survey design or interpretation issues.

What kind of computer do I need to run VECON?

VECON is a Java^TM program and is currently available for any Windows operating system or SUN Solaris. For Windows, it requires at least 128 Mbytes of RAM, and a minimum of CPU of 300 MHz.  We also recommend a minimum of 400 Mbytes of hard drive storage space.   The Sun version requires Sun Solaris 2.6 or up for single or multiple licenses.

Is it difficult to install VECON?

There is no installation required for the Windows version.  Simply copy the VECON folder from the software CD, and then you are ready to run the program. You must also obtain a license key from GeoTomo.  This small file can be sent via email and is placed in the VECON/license folder. 

The Sun Solaris version is also quickly installed but is usually performed by your system administrator as some steps may require root privileges.

How do I obtain a VECON license key?

For Windows, we need to know the hostid of the computer you be using for VECON.  A utility program is provided to obtain this information for you.  First, open a Command Prompt window.  Inside the window, move to the VECON/utilities folder and enter the following command:            lmutil lmhostid

Email the number returned to support@geotomo.com and a license key will be generated and sent via email.  Place the key file in the VECON/license folder.  No other steps are required.

For Sun Solaris, your system administrator will need to send the hostname and hostid to support@geotomo.com.  A license key will be generated and sent via email.

When I run VECON the program asks me to “Specify the License Server” or “Specify the License File”.  What does this mean?

By default, VECON looks for the license key file in the VECON/license folder.

For Windows, this means you do not have a license key or have placed it in another folder.  If you have not received your key, follow the instructions for obtaining one.  If you have a license key, either copy it to the VECON/license folder or select “Specify the License File” and browse to point to the folder containing the key.

For Solaris, your company may require that flexlm licenses be kept on a different computer or in a different directory.  Use the  “Specify the License Server” to point to a license key on another computer or “Specify the License File” to point to a different location on the same machine.

When I run VECON, I get the following error message: “java.lang.Exception: Failed to read the license key.  License Failed!”.

This message means that VECON has found a license key but it does not match your computer.  Make sure you have not altered the key in any way.  Also, adding or changing your computer hardware may require that you obtain a new key.  If you suspect this is the problem, repeat the steps for obtaining a key to see if the hostid number has changed.  If so, you will need to obtain a new license key from support@geotomo.com.

What information do I need to build a 2D model in VECON?

2D models can easily be built interactively in VECON.  You can draw the 2D layers, faults and objects “freehand”.  You can also load seismic data (SEGY) or a cross-section in gif or jpg format.  By picking along the seismic data or image you quickly build the layers for your 2D model.  You will also need P-wave velocities for the layers and objects in your model.  VECON also allows you to specify layer densities, Vp/Vs ratio and velocity gradients, but these can be defaulted if you choose.

You can also load 2D interface data from several other vendor packages.  Check with support@geotomo.com for additional details.

What information do I need to build a 3D model in VECON?

VECON 3D models can be built from intersecting 2D models.  All the options listed above are available for constructing cross-sections used to build your 3D model.  You can also import ASCII 3D interface maps from your interpretation system to either build a model directly or to aid in building cross-sections for the 3D model.  Another way to construct 3D models is by digitizing contour maps directly in the 3D model builder.  You will also need P-wave velocities for the layers and objects in your model.  VECON also allows you to specify layer densities, Vp/Vs ratio and velocity gradients, but these can be defaulted if you choose.

You can also load 3D models from some other vendor packages.  Check with support@geotomo.com for additional details.

Can VECON generate synthetic traces for input to another software package?

Synthetic traces can be generated by either the wavefront raytracer or the finite-difference modeling in VECON.  The 2D raytracer generates 2-component synthetics and the 3D raytracer 3-component synthetics.  2D acoustic finite-difference synthetics record the pressure response of the model.  2D elastic finite-difference synthetics record the vector response of the model.  2D VTI anisotropic finite-difference synthetics are also available.  All synthetics are written in standard SEGY format.

What information is contained in the VECON synthetic traces?

In addition to the wavefield contained in the trace data, all geometry data and traveltimes of all the seismic phases is written to the standard SEGY trace headers.

Does VECON treat land and marine cases differently?

When creating a new VECON model you must specify if it is Land or Marine.  For land models the first layer in the model is assumed to be the surface topography.  You can build the topography interactively or load it from an ASCII file.  For marine models, sea level is automatically defined at depth zero.  The first layer in the model is assumed to be the sea floor.  A water velocity is automatically assigned but can be edited if necessary.

The acquisition geometry I need to model is “non-standard”.  Can VECON handle this?

VECON provides tools to define most standard VSP geometries, including reverse and normal-incidence surveys.  Receivers are positioned at regular intervals in the borehole.  Shots can be placed at regular intervals along or below the surface or a layer in your model.  Editors are available to change individual shot or receiver coordinates if required for a “non-standard” survey.

What types of 3D acquisition geometry does VECON support?

Templates in VECON make it easy to define rectangle, circle, spiral and single-well 3D VSP surveys.  Editors are also available to change individual shot or receiver coordinates if required for other survey geometries.