Opportunity mapping via a GIS provides the possibility of combining economic, commercial, geological and technological information to identify focus areas and business opportunities.  Regional GIS maps can be displayed and overlaid with the latest information regarding reservoir thickness, well locations, leads and prospects, hydrocarbon sources and migration routes.

Fact Maps from Norwegian Petroleum Directorate

With the fluctuations in oil price it is also critical to assess the economic factors eg assess value estimates of a new find at different oil prices as a function of the distance from existing facilities.  Asset trades and divestments are also becoming increasingly prevalent in order to maximise the returns from existing infrastructure.  To be successful in this as much information as possible is required prior to the trade.