DD Survey Calculations 5.00.

01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: : Introduction

∆HORIZONTAL
SECTION
5.01.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: : Introduction
VIEW
5.01.02 Vertical and Horizontal View Survey Graph Points
5.01.03 Vertical and Horizontal View Survey Graph Points

5.02.01 Average Angle Survey Calculation Steps ( 5 pages )

5.02.05 Average Angle Example & Summary

5.03.01 Dog-Leg & Dog-Leg Severity

5.04.01 Summary of Survey Calculations common to all Methods.

∆V
E
SE RT 5.05.xx Methods of Well Bore Survey Calculations
PL CTI ICA
AN ON L
E 5.05.01 Tangential Method
5.05.02 Average Angle Method
5.05.03 Balanced Tangent Method
5.05.04 Radius of Curvature
5.05.05 Minimum Curvature

5.06.01 Introduction to Calculations/Projections to Target Depth

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5.06.02 Last Survey & Course Projections to Target Depth
5.06.03 Reorientation Projections to Target
5.07.01 Reorienting Assembly towards Target
DD Survey Calculations 5.01.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: : Introduction

Introduction to well bore

survey calculations and N
plotting
W E
∆HORIZONTAL
SECTION
PLANE

∆V
E
SE R T
C I
PL TI CA
AN O N L
E

The calculation and plotting of the irregular, three dimensional well bore path is done in horizontal and vertical two dimension planes. Well
bores are surveyed at various intervals to measure hole direction regarding “drift angle” (inclination) and “direction of drift” (bearing) angle..
With these angular quantities and course length, the well path and location of the hole bottom can be calculated and plotted. The two planes
are drawn to an appropriate scale and combined onto one plot that includes well location and dimensional parameters. Determinations can be
made as to the well bore being within allowable limits, or in the case of a directional well, the well path can be adjusted to the target.

There are several survey calculation methods used to determine the survey points locations and the well bore path. Initially, the Average
Angle method, being one of the simpler methods, will be used to review the steps involved in the calculation and plotting of a well bore
path. Then the other survey calculation methods will be detailed, some of which are much more complex.
DD Survey Calculations 5.01.02 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Vertical and Horizontal View Survey Graph Points

The proposed well bore path is drawn to scale in both the horizontal and vertical plane views with the rig site as the origin. Beginning at the
well site, each point is calculated and plotted in sequence with each point in one plane having a corresponding point in the other plane. The
combination of the two views provide a complete graphical picture of the well bore profile. Each survey point is found by triangulation of
the horizontal departure (E/W) and latitude (N/S) and vertical depth.
The Horizontal Plane and its plot points are as seen from overhead. The Horizontal Plane uses Polar Coordinates based upon the Rectangular
Coordinate system with the rig site located at the origin (0,0). The North/South axis serves as the “Y” axis with points North of the Rig being
positive and South being negative. The East/West axis duplicates the “X” axis with points to the East being positive and West being negative.
The Vertical Section or View is a flat vertical plane which parallels the proposed well bore direction, running “vertically” from the surface to
the total vertical depth and “horizontally” from the well site to total horizontal displacement. It is seen as viewed from a point perpendicular to
it. All points in the Vertical Section are plotted as their effective location relative to the proposed well bore path.

Upper and lower survey stations supply

∆HORIZONTAL HORIZONTAL
the data needed to calculate the position SECTION PLANE
VIEW

H IRE AC
VIEW
of the lower survey point relative to the

O C
D SPL

RI T EM
D

ZO IO
I
upper survey point. This lower survey ( 135O AZ. )

N N
TA & T
point is plotted and then becomes the

L
N

EN
upper survey station of the next course W E
S TARGET
drilled and surveyed..
∆VERTICAL
SECTION SURFACE VERTICAL
By continual calculation and totaling of VIEW SECTION
the results (beginning at the origin or rig) FROM PLANE
KICK OFF
( 135O AZ. )
an accurate well bore profile is obtained. POINT
In effect, each survey section has its own
PROPOSED VERTICAL DEPTH

horizontal and vertical planes with their ∆V

E PR
identified plot points being summarized SE RT
OP
PL CTI ICA
.
onto the horizontal and the vertical plane AN ON L OS
E ED
plots or views. W
EL
PR
L
O
PA
PO
Extensive use of the Right Angle Triangle SE
TH
D
DI
and its trigonometric properties is used in RE
VERTICAL
CT
the calculation of the well bore profile. IO
N SECTION
TARGET
Proposed Horizontal
Displacement
DD Survey Calculations 5.01.03 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Vertical and Horizontal View Survey Graph Points

Horizontal View using Polar Coordinates. The horizontal view projection uses the Polar Coordinate
system which is based upon the Rectangular Coordinate
N system. The “Y” axis is replaced by the North-South axis and
the “X” axis is replaced by the East-West axis.
The coordinates of the intersection of the N/S and E/W axis,
where the rig is located, are assigned values of zero. Similar to
N5,W–5 the rectangular coordinate system, points to the north are
positive while points to the south are negative. Points to the
N3,E3
East are positive and points to the west are negative. Every
0,0 point of the Polar Coordinate Plane can be associated with
W E exactly one pair of coordinates ( N/S and E/W ). The signs of
values derived from calculations indicate positions north or
south and east or west.
S–5, E6 The horizontal view is assigned a scale such as 100 to 1 or as
S–4,W– 4 appropriate for the well plan. All points beginning with the well
site are calculated and plotted in sequence.
Factors used in calculations of plot points in the horizontal
plane are inclination/drift angle(s), bearing or direction of drift
angles, and course length. The North-South (“latitude”) and the
East-West (“departure”) coordinate differences are found using
S these values and trigonometric calculations.
Plotting in the vertical view uses calculated vertical depth as
Horizontal Plot Vertical Plot one of its “coordinates”. The other is less obvious. It is the
N S1
effective horizontal distance along the proposed well path that
CRS is the other “coordinate” in the vertical view. As an illustration (
VD
figures on left ), consider a well plan going due east with two
S3
S2
sections having identical depth and horizontal displacement.
S2
W
S1
E The first section traveling due east has all of its horizontal
SEC SEC SEC CRS distance utilized towards the target. The second section travels
DIF DIF DIF VD north-east at 45 degrees from the target path. Only a portion is
S3
towards the target. This calculated value is sectional difference
S SEC and it is this value which is plotted on the vertical view.
DIF
DD Survey Calculations 5.02.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Survey Calculation Steps ( Average Angle Method )

Average Angle Using the Average Angle Method, the assumed well path is considered to be a straight
Example. line between the two survey points. Its length is found by subtracting the measured
Upper Survey
Upper depth at the upper survey from the lower survey’s measured depth.
Inclination
IU Angle
The Average Inclination angle and Average Bearing (Direction) between these two
Upper survey points are calculated by summing each set and dividing by 2.
Bearing
Angle
Coursed Length: Measured Depth between Upper and Lower Surveys
BU
Lower CRSL = MD.SL – MD.SU
Inclination
Course Average Inclination Angle: (Ave. Drift Angle)
Angle
IL IAVE = ( IU + IL ) ÷ 2
Lower Lower Course Average Direction/Bearing Angle ( Average Dr of Drift )
Bearing
Angle BL Survey BAVE = ( BU + BL ) ÷ 2
Note: if one of two survey points has zero inclination, use the other survey’s bearing angle only as zero
inclination has no direction.

SU Average Angle A Right Triangle exists, consisting of the Course Length as the Hypotenuse, the Course
Example.
Vertical Depth and Horizontal Distance as the other legs. The known Course Length
with the known Average Inclination Angle allows calculation of additional dimensions.
Co

by use of the trigonometric functions, sine and cosine.

CVD
urs

IAVE Course Vertical Depth: to Lower Survey Depth

e Me

CVD = CRSL • cos (IAVE)

asu
red

Course Horizontal Distance: from Lower Survey to Point beneath Upper Survey
Len

CHD = CRSL • sin (IAVE)

E
gth

I F
S.D CHD
N/
BAVE
SL
S
E/W.DIF
DD Survey Calculations 5.02.02 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Survey Calculation Steps ( Average Angle Method )

Horizontal Plane Right Triangle is The right triangle is formed on the lower survey’s horizontal plane by the Course
formed with the Course Horizontal Horizontal Distance with the course’s N/S Axis and E/W Axis as legs. The Course
Length as hypotenuse and …. Bearing Average (angle) allows solution of the distance differences between the two
• N/S axis as one leg survey points for the North/South axis and the East/West axis .
• E/W axis as other leg
• Course Horizontal direction Course North/South Difference (distance)
is known angle. NS.DIF = CHD • cos ( BAVE )
Course East/West Difference (distance )
C EW.DIF = CHD • sin ( BAVE )
Ho our
r s E
I F
Di izon e The results of these calculations may be negative or positive. Maintain these signs as they indicate
S.D sta ta
N/ nc l
e
direction. A positive sign indicates North or East while a negative sign indicates South or West in
BAVE their respective calculations and rectangular coordinates.

S 900
In the Horizontal View, Rectangular Coordinates identify each survey’s location with
E/W.DIF
respect to the well site located at the intersection of the N/S axis and the E/W axis
HORIZONTAL PLANE VIEW where both coordinates are assigned a value of zero (0,0).
N
SUM E/W REC. CO. DIFFERENCES
E/W DIF E/W DIF E/W DIF
The location of each survey point is found by adding the N/S and the E/W differences
E
W O (distance) to the rectangular coordinates of the previous survey or position.
SUM N/S REC. CO. DIFFERENCES

S1
Each survey first serves as the lower of two surveys that define the course length as
well as inclination and direction of inclination. After calculations determine rectangular
N/S DIF

coordinates of this survey point, it becomes the upper survey or “anchor point” of the
next course length. These steps are repeated at each survey point identifying locations
SU of each survey point from the well site to the target.
N/S Rectangular Coordinate of Last Survey * Sum using the proper sign
N/S DIF

NS.RECCO (S L) = NS.RECCO (S U) + NS.DIF

E/W Rectangular Coordinate of Last Survey * Sum using the proper sign
SL
EW.RECCO (S L) = EW.RECCO (SU) + EW.DIF
Note: maintain the signs of the N/S or E/W differences as well as the signs of the Rectangular coordinates
S in the above formulas. The signs indicate direction.
Target
DD Survey Calculations 5.02.03 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Survey Calculation Steps ( Average Angle Method )

N HORIZONTAL PLANE VIEW Directional Difference is the difference in direction of the Course Average Direction
SECTIONAL ANGLE & DISTANCE and the direction of the Proposed Target Path
E
W O Directional Difference: Average Direction versus planned target direction
S1
SE IFF

DIRDIF = TGTDIR - BAVE

D
C ER

PA
TI E

R
O NC

AL

Sectional Difference is the net horizontal distance between survey points of a straight
NA E

LE
L

line which parallels the planned target path. This line becomes a leg of a right triangle
TO
TA
SE FF

with a line perpendicular to the target path and intersecting the lower survey point as
DI
C ER

R
TI E

G
ET
O NC

the other leg. The course horizontal distance between surveys is the hypotenuse which
NA E

D
IR
L

S2
with the Directional Difference Angle allows calculation of the Sectional Difference
EC
TI
O
N

Sectional Difference: Course Horizontal Distance parallel to target direction.

SECDIF = cos DIRDIF • CHD
SE IFF
D
C ER
TI E

Sectional Difference combined with Course Vertical Depth identifies the position
O NC
NA E
L

S3 of lower survey in the vertical view relative to the upper survey.

S Target

HORIZONTAL PLANE VIEW Closure Distance is the horizontal distance from the origin to the last survey. It is found
N
CLOSURE DISTANCE & DIRECTION by the fact that is is the hypotenuse of a right triangle with the legs being the N/S and
E the E/W Axis with their distances identified by rectangular coordinates of the survey.
W O
CL S1 Closure Distance: Straight horizontal distance from Well Site to Survey Point.
N/S DISTANCE

OS
UR
E
CLSDIST = ( ( NS.RECCO ) 2 + (EW.RECCO ) 2 ) 0.5
DI
ST
AN
CE
Closure Direction is the angle of direction of the straight line “Closure Distance” from
the well site to the location of the last survey relative to the North-South Axis.
REC .CO .S2
E/W DISTANCE Closure Direction: Bearing Angle (direction) from Well Site to Survey Point.
CLOSURE
CLSDIR = Tan-1 ( (EW.RECCO ) / (NS.RECCO ) )
DIRECTION
Note: in example Closure Direction difference is calculated versus the South Axis or 1800 Azimuth.
Subtract solution from 1800 to solve for Closure Direction in Azimuth.

S Target
DD Survey Calculations 5.02.04 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Survey Calculation Steps ( Average Angle Method )
HORIZONTAL PLANE VIEW Closure Directional Difference is the difference of Clusure Direction and the direction
N
CLOSURE DIR DIFF & SECTIONAL DIFF. of the Proposed Target Path
E
W O Closure Directional Difference: Closure Direction versus target direction
CL
OS S1
N/S DISTANCE

UR
CLSDIRDIF = TGTDIR - CLSDIR
VE

E
RT

DI
ST
I
CA

AN
CE Closure Sectional Difference is the net horizontal distance along the target path
L
SE

between the well site and a point on the target path that is perpendicular to the last
CT
IO

survey point. A right triangle is formed made up of this line as a leg, the perpendicular
N
DI
F

line as the other leg, and closure distance as the hypotenuse. The Closure Directional
FE

REC .CO .S2

RE
N

Difference Angle allows calculation of the Closure Sectional Difference

CE

Closure Sectional Difference : horizontal distance parallel to target direction.

Target
CLSSECDIF = cos SAD • CLSDIST
S
Note: duplicates Sectional Difference if differences in rounding are considered.. Use as check.

VERTICAL PLANE
(PORTION OF) The Vertical Plane View parallels the proposed well bore direction with a vertical
COURSE
VERTICAL axis running from the surface to the total vertical depth and a horizontal axis from
DEPTH the well site to total horizontal displacement. All points in the Vertical Section are
plotted at the intersection of their true vertical depth and the effective horizontal
distance relative to the proposed well bore path.
∆ VERTICALDEPTH

S1 ∆ Vertical Depth: To last survey point.

SD1 ∆VD = CVD1 + CVD2 + CVD3 + ., ., ., + CVDX

COURSE
VERTICAL Note: Downward direction is positive, up is negative.
DEPTH

S2 Just as vertical depth is a calculated distance that parallels a line straight down from
SD2 the rig site, the vertical section is a calculated horizontal distance that parallels the
COURSE proposed horizontal direction of the well bore as do the sectional differences that
VERTICAL are summed to arrive at the vertical section point.
DEPTH

S3 ∆ Vertical Section: Total Effective Horizontal Distance of last survey

SD3 point along or parallel to target path.
∆VERTICAL SECTION
∆VSD = SD1 + SD2 + SD3 + ., ., ., + SDX
SDx = SECTIONAL DIFFERENCE .
DD Survey Calculations 5.02.05 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Survey Calculation Steps ( Average Angle Method )

AVERAGE ANGLE CALCULATION EXAMPLE PROPOSED DIRECTION: N 75.00 E

SURVEY COURSE CALCULATIONS INFO
MEASUREMENTS H0RZ. PLOT VERTICAL PLOT
MEASURED INCL DIR. COURSE AVE CRS. CRS AVE COORD COORD REC REC CLOSURE CLOSURE CLOSURE CRSE CRS ∆VERT ∆ TOTAL DOG
SURVEY ANGLE OF LENGTH INCL. VERT. HORZ BRG/DIR DIFF DIFF COORD COORD DIR/BRG DISTANCE VERT DIR SECT SECTION VERT LEG
DEPTH (DRIFT) INCL ANGLE DEPTH DIST ANGLE N/S E/W N/S E/W FT SEC DIFF DIFF SUM DEPTH SEVER

3000.00 0 0 3000.00 0 3000.00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3000.00 0

3060.00 1.25 N 60.00E 60.00 0.63 60.00 0.65 60.00 + 0.33 + 0.57 0.33 N 0.57 E 60.00 0.66 0.64 15.00 0.63 0.63 3059.99 2.08
3150.00 2.25 N 65.00E 90.00 1.75 89.96 2.75 62.50 + 1.27 + 2.44 1.60 N 3.00 E 61.93 3.40 3.31 12.50 2.68 3.32 3149.95 1.12
3270.00 4.00 N 70.00E 120.00 3.12 119.82 6.54 67.50 + 2.50 + 6.04 4.10 N 9.05 E 65.63 9.94 9.81 7.50 6.49 9.80 3269.77 1.47
3330.00 5.00 N 73.00E 60.00 4.50 59.82 4.71 71.50 + 1.49 + 4.46 5.59 N 13.51 E 67.52 14.62 14.50 3.50 4.70 14.50 3329.59 1.71
3450.00 6.75 N 75.00E 120.00 5.87 119.37 12.28 74.00 + 3.39 + 11.81 8.98 N 25.32 E 70.47 26.79 26.79 1.00 12.28 26.78 3448.96 1.47

ACRONYM FORMULA DESCRIPTION

MD Measured Depth Measurement of total drill string in hole to lower (last) survey point.
Ix Inclination/Drift Angle Angle of hole off vertical
Bx Inclination/Drift Direction Direction that the hole is going. ( direction of inclination )
CRSL = MD.SL – MD.SU Course Length from difference of measured depth between lower and upper survey point
IAVE = ( IU + IL ) ÷ 2 Average Inclination/Drift Angle of the upper and lower surveys
CVD = CRSL • cos (I AVE) Course Vertical Depth between upper and lower surveys
CHD = CRSL • sin (IAVE) Course Horizontal Displacement between upper and lower surveys regardless of direction
BAVE = ( BU + BL ) ÷ 2 Average Bearing/Direction of Drift between upper and lower surveys
N/S.DIF = CHD • cos ( BAVE ) N/S Coordinate Difference, equivalent to N/S Horz. Distance between surveys
E/W.DIF = CHD • sin ( BAVE ) E/W Coordinate Difference, equivalent to E/W Horz. Distance between surveys
NS.RC(SL) = NS.RC(SU ) + NS.DIF N/S Coordinates of lower survey found by adding N/S Difference and coordinates of previous survey.
EW.RC(SL) = EW.RC(SU) + EW.DIF N/S Coordinates of lower survey found by adding N/S Difference and coordinates of previous survey.
CLSDIST = ((NS. RC(SL) ) 2 + (EW. RC( SL) ) 2)0.5 Horizontal straight line from last survey to origin or well site (not limited by hole shape)
CLSDIR = Tan -1 ( (EW.RC( SL) ) / (NS. RC(SL) ) ) Closure Direction/Bearing angle from origin to the last survey
CLSSECDIF = CHD • sin ( CLSDIR ) Closure effective distance parallel to target direction from well site to last survey. (matches Section Diff. Sum)
DIR DIF = TGTDIR - BAVE Difference in direction between the current hole direction ( ave.dir. ) and proposed direction.
SECDIF = cos (DIRDIF) • CHD Course effective horizontal distance along or parallel to proposed target path
∆VS = SD1 + SD2 + SD3 + ., ., ., + SDX Vertical Section total sectional difference effective length along or parallel to the proposed target.
∆VD = CVD1 + CVD2 + CVD3 + ., ., ., + CVDX Sum of course vertical depths ( to lower survey point )

Dogleg Severity Rate of severity of hole angle change per 100 feet irregardless if it is horizontal or vertical
DD Survey Calculations 5.03.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Dog Leg & Dog Leg Severity
Dog Leg is a common name applied to hole curvature. It is change in direction, either from inclination angle, hole direction, or as is most
common, a combination of the two. Both inclination and bearing angle over a given length are used to calculate the Dog Leg. The greater
the rate of change per a given length the more severe the dog leg. The standard measure of severity or directional change throughout a well
bore hole is Dog Leg Severity, which is expressed in total degrees of change per 100 feet.
While direction drilling is based upon the creation, control, and direction of gradual changes in inclination and/or hole direction, dog legs
also occur in “straight hole” drilling. Gravity is the chief force pulling the drill string to towards vertical ( pendulum effect ) while other
opposing forces act to prevent it. They include:
• Formation. Dipped formations, folded formation, and stratified formation ( alternating hard & soft ).
• Weight on Bit. Excess weight can cause Drill Collars to flex near the bit, usually building angle.
• Under sized drill collars relative to hole size.
• Hard rock causing slow drilling and excess weight application.
Problems occur when the changes become too abrupt or the changes are concentrated in certain hole sections. Detrimental effects of a dog
leg include fast wear on tool joints, key-seats, and worn areas in casing. The amount of acceptable dog leg severity varies, depending on
depth, size of hole, the drill stem, casing, tubing, sucker rods, and other parameters with more severe dog legs possibly being tolerated near
the surface or the hole bottom. The customer sets the maximum allowable dog-leg guideline. As a general rule dog-legs should be limited to
as low an angle as is practical and still be within the parameters and objectives of the well.
Dog-Leg and Dog-Leg Severity is calculated at every survey. Not only does this decide if dog-leg parameters are being followed, it aids in
the orientation of deflection assemblies in directional well by the assumption that the forces that created the dog-leg will create a similar
dog-leg and that the dog-leg can be redirected as necessary towards the target.

Dog Leg Calculation:

CRSL = Course Length between survey points The dog leg defines amount of hole curvature which usually consists of some
combination of both vertical and horizontal aspects.
Ix = Inclination Angle(s) at survey points
Bx = Bearing Angle ( Dr.) at survey points
DL = Dog-Leg in degrees per Course Length
DLS = Dog-Leg Severity in degrees per 100 feet.
Dog Leg between two survey points.
DL = cos -1 ( (cos I1 • cos I2) + (sin I1 • sin I2 • cos( B2 - B1)) ) Vertical Horizontal Vertical &
Dog Leg Severity ( per 100 feet ) Plane Plane Horizontal
The shorter the radius or the quicker the turn, the more
DLS = DL • 100 ÷ CL rapid and severe the dog-leg .
DD Survey Calculations 5.04.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Calculation Steps Summary - Common to all methods

Summary of Common Formulas for all Methods Common Formulas

Once one of the survey calculation methods has established Sum of N/S Rectangular Coordinate Differences
the course vertical depth as well as horizontal differences in RC.NS(S2) = RC.NS(SU) + NS.DIF (SL)
East/West (departure) and in North/South (latitude) from the
Sum of E/W Rectangular Coordinate Differences
previous survey’s Rectangular Coordinates, remaining
calculations are done by one set of formulas. RC.EW(SL) = RC.EW(SU) + EW.DIF (SL)
Horizontal Plane Plot Point: Survey.SL ( last survey )
PLOTPOINT.SL = ( RC.NS(SL), RC.EW(SL) )
Determination of vertical depth and rectangular coordinates of lower
survey allow it to then be assigned a tracking sequence number and be
3-D View
the upper survey in the next course
N Closure Horizontal Distance: ( Straight Line to Target )
W E
CLDIS = (RC.NS(SL) 2 + RC.EW(SL)2 ) 0.5
S ∆ VD
Closure Direction: ( Direction of Origin to Survey Point )
CLDIR = tan -1 (RC.EW(SL) ÷ RC.NS(SL))
Illustration:
not to scale Closure Section Difference: (Distance parallel to Proposed )
course CLDIF = cos (CLDIR – Proposed Direction) • CHD
enlarged Course Direction: ( Direction of Survey(SU) to Survey(SL) )
SU
CRSDIR = tan -1 ((RC.EW(SL) – RC.EW(SU)) ÷ (RC.NS(SL) – RC.NS(SU)))
Because curvatures are involved in some methods of arriving at NS and EW
CVD
differences, course direction should be recalculated for straight line direction.
Directional Difference: ( Course Actual vs Proposed Direction )
DIRDIF = (CRSDIR – Proposed Direction )
RC.EW Section Difference: ( Crse. Horz. Length parallel to Proposed Path )
CHD SECDIF = cos (DIRDIF) • CHD
CRSDIR NS .DIF Vertical Section: Sum of Course Sectional Differences
SL
Target
Dr
∆VS = SD1 + SD2 + SD3 , . . . . ., + SDX
RC.NS EW.DIF
Total Vertical Depth: Current Sum of Course Vertical Depths
∆VD = CVD1 + CVD2 + CVD3 +, . . . . ., CVDX
DD Survey Calculations 5.05.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Tangential Method

TANGENTIAL (TERMINAL) FORMULAS

Survey 1
Where:
Tangential Method
CRSL = Course Length
CVD = Course Vertical Depth
CHD = Course Horizontal Deviation
IX = Inclination Angle(s) at surveys
Assumed Well BX = Bearing (Dr.) angles at surveys
Bore Course NS.DIF = North/South Difference (Latitude)
EW.DIF = East/West Difference (Departure)
Projected
Actual then:
Well CVD = CrsL • Cos ( I2 )
Path Departure Error
TVD CHD = CrsL • Sin ( I2 )
Error NS.DIF = CrsL • Sin ( I2 ) • Cos ( B2 )
EW.DIF = CrsL • Sin ( I2 ) • Sin ( B2 )
TVD
error Notes applicable to this and following formulas:
• N/S.DIF may also be referred to as Latitude
Latitude
• E/W.DIF may also be referred to as Departure
Error
Survey 2 • CHD is horizontal deviation or distance - any direction
• Additional formulas complete computation. These are
common to all methods and are listed later.

The Tangential Method uses only the lower (Terminal) survey’s “drift” (inclination) angle and “direction of drift “ (bearing) angle to
calculate and plot the well bore course. It falsely assumes the well bore path in a straight-line path and thus introduces errors in Vertical
Depth, Horizontal Displacement, Latitude and Departure. These errors may be compounded over several surveys with the largest error
occurring in TVD as there is usually more change vertically than in direction.

This is the simplest of survey methods and was the first to be used in the field. It is still used today and can be done successfully with
frequent surveys over short course lengths.
DD Survey Calculations 5.05.02 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Average Angle Method

AVERAGE ANGLE FORMULAS

Survey Point 1
where:
I1 CRSL = Course Length
IX = Inclination Angle(s) at surveys
TVD BX = Bearing (Dr.) angles at surveys
Average IAVE = Average Inclination
Angle BAVE = Average Inclination
Calculated
CVD = Course Vertical Depth
Assumed that well Well Bore
CHD = Course Horizontal Deviation
bore is average of Actual NS.DIF = North/South Difference (Latitude)
angles, one being Well EW.DIF = East/West Difference (Departure)
less and one being Bore
Path Then:
more than actual.
IAVE = ( I1 + I2 ) ÷ 2
Survey BAVE = ( B1 + B2 ) ÷ 2
B1 Point 2 CVD = CRSL • Cos (IAVE )
LAT CHD = CRSL • Sin(IAVE )
NS.DIF = CRSL • Sin(IAVE) • Cos(BAVE)
DEP I2
EW.DIF = CRSL • Sin(IAVE) • Sin(BAVE)
B2

The Average Angle method of well computations is similar to the Tangential method and is only slightly more complex, but its
accuracy is approximately ten times greater. The course length is assumed to lie in a straight-line path between two survey points
with the calculated “ drift “ and “ direction of drift “ angles being the average of the upper and lower survey points. The rate of
curvature ( Dog-Leg Severity ) is assumed to be fairly small and constant. The calculated path is a good approximation of the actual
well bore path as long as the survey points are not too greatly spaced.
DD Survey Calculations 5.05.03 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Balanced Tangent Method

BALANCED TANGENT FORMULAS

Balanced
Tangent Where:
Method CRSL = Course Length
I1
IX = Inclination Angle(s) at surveys
TOTAL BX = Bearing (Dr.) angles at surveys
Actual VERTICAL
Well DEPTH CVD = Course Vertical Depth
Bore CHD = Course Horizontal Deviation
B1 NS.DIF = North/South Difference (Latitude)
EW.DIF = East/West Difference (Departure

CALC
WELL
PATH
I2
TOTAL Then:
LAT
CVD = (CRSL ÷ 2) • (Cos I1 + Cos I2)
LAT 1
CHD = (CRSL ÷ 2) • (Sin I1 + Sin I2 )
NS.DIF = (CRSL ÷ 2) • ((Sin I1 • Cos B1) + (Sin I2 • Cos B2))
LAT 2 B2
EW.DIF = (CRSL ÷ 2) • ((Sin I1 • Sin B1) + (Sin I2 • Sin B2))
DEP 1 DEP 2
TOTAL DEPARTURE

This method of calculation is based on the assumption that the well bore between the two survey stations lies in two equal distance
straight line segments. Each section is calculated based upon its respective inclination and bearing angles utilizing the tangent method.
While no more accurate than the Average Angle Method for closely spaced surveys, it has a higher degree of accuracy for longer course
length and higher angle changes. Its accuracy stems from the “canceling effect” when combining the two segment calculations which
( when building angle ) have too steep an angle in the upper survey and too flat an angle in the lower survey relative to the actual well
path. The same holds true for the bearing angle changes.
DD Survey Calculations 5.05.04 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Radius of Curvature Method

ng)
( Beari
rvature
s of Cu
Radiu
Calculated Bearing Arc
RADIUS OF CURVATURE FORMULAS
CRSL = Course Length
V CVD = Course Vertical Depth
D NS.DIF = Departure ( E / W )
E
Radius of I1 R E
P
EW.DIF = Latitude ( N / S )
T
Curvature I T Ix = Inclination Angle (s)
Well C H Bx = Bearing Angle (s)
Viewed as A
Path L
ARC = Arc Length ( Horz. Plane )
Small Arc Section
of huge vertical circle
The calculations involve solving for the rate of change
wrapped around huge
horizontal tube
and taking the inverse of this quantity.

B1 Latitude
B2 Keep signs in calculations, as signs
indicate direction.
Departure
I2

CHARC = (180 ÷ π) • (CRSL ÷ (I2 – I1 )) • (Cos I1 – Cos I2)

The Radius of Curvature method is one of the most involved. CVD = (180 ÷ π) • (CRSL ÷ (I2 – I1)) • (Sin I2 – Sin I1)
A constant curvature rate is calculated in both the vertical and NS.DIF = (180 ÷ π) • (CHARC ÷ (B2 – B1)) • (Sin B2 – Sin B1)
horizontal planes. It is among the most accurate, closely EW.DIF = (180 ÷ π) • (CHARC ÷ (B2 – B1)) • (Cos B1 – Cos B2)
following the well path while being relatively unaffected by
long course runs.
DD Survey Calculations 5.05.05 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Minimum Curvature Method

RF = Ratio ( smoothing ) Factor

The Minimum Curvature method
Minimum is one of the more complex as well

Curvature as accurate calculation methods of the

Well Bore
well bore path. Data defined by direction
Actual versus
Calculated Paths and inclination angles are “ smoothed ”
are too small to I1 onto the well bore curvature by the using
depict graphically a Ratio Factor from dog-leg calculations
Dog Leg is basis converted to radians which is applied to
for smoothing the other survey calculations to produce
factor a curved well bore result from the straight
I2 line segments which closely approximates
B1
the actual well bore path.
B2 Latitude

Departure

CRSL = Course Length DL = cos -1 ( ( cos I1 • cos I2 ) + ( sin I1 • sin I2 • cos ( B2 – B1 ) ) )

Ix = Inclination Angle (s) DLS = DL • 100 ÷ CL
Bx = Bearing Angle (s) RF = 1 ÷ ( DLS • (π ÷ 180 ) ) • Tan ( DLS ÷ 2 ) )
DL = Dog-Leg CVD = CRSL • ( cos I1 + cos I2 ) • RF
DLS = Dog-Leg Severity (dgs per 100’)
CHD = CRSL • ( sin I1 + sin I2 ) • RF
RF = Ratio Factor ( smoothing )
NS.DIF = CRSL • ( ( sin I1 • cos B1 ) + ( sin I2 • cos B2 ) ) • RF
CVD = True Vertical Depth
EW.DIF = CRSL• ( ( sin I1 • sin B1 ) + ( sin I2 • sin B2 ) ) • RF
NS.DIF = Latitude ( N / S )
EW.DIF = Departure ( E / W )
DD Survey Calculations 5.06.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Calculation Steps Projected to Target

Just as calculations must be done to establish the exact location of each survey point, a path must be projected to the target by similar
calculations. Consideration is given to the surveys current direction, drift angle, and location relative to the target in determining if any
corrections are required and what they are. While the well is drilled in 3-dimensions, it is calculated and plotted in 2-dimensional vertical
and horizontal planes.

N
VERTICAL VIEW
W E Proposed Build to 400
TARGET S
DIRECTION
3-D View Survey
Vertical
∆ VD Depth
Illustration:
not to scale 380 S 55 E
course Survey
enlarged
CVD
SU RC.NS
Useable
Total Vertical
SL NS . DIF Vertical Depth
RC.EW Depth Target
EW.DIF
USEABLE
ADJUSTED VERTICAL
PROJECTED DEPTH HORIZONTAL VIEW
COURSE TO N
TARGET W E

Survey
S
45

SURVEY
S 55 E
E

COURSE
PROJECTED
Pr irec
op tio
D

os n

S Target
ed
DD Survey Calculations 5.06.02 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Unchanged Projections to the Target

Survey Course and Parameters Extended to Target Depth

N
W E Projection calculations of the current survey and its projected
TARGET S path are done to the targeted vertical depth to determine where
DIRECTION
3-D View the potential location of the well bore will be relative to the
∆ VD target and if any changes in inclination angle and/or direction
Illustration: are needed to arrive within the target boundaries with required
not to scale inclination and direction.
course
enlarged Non-Adjusted Straight Line Projections to target depth
CVD Useable Vertical Depth: Target Depth less Survey Depth.
SU RC.NS UVD = TVD - SVD
Extended Survey to Target Depth: Measured Distance
SL NS . DIF
EXT.MD.TVD = UVD ÷ cos Sα
RC.EW
EW.DIF
Extended Survey to Target Depth: Horizontal Distance
USEABLE
VERTICAL EXT.HD = UVD x tan Sα
DEPTH Extended Survey to Target Depth. Coordinate Differences
Ext.NS.RC = (EXT.HD • cos SΦ ) + RC.NS.S
Ext.EW.RC = (EXT.HD • sin SΦ ) + RC.EW.S
Extended Survey to Target Depth: Directional Difference
SURVEY EXT.DIR.DIF = SΦ – PΦ
COURSE
PROJECTED Extended Survey to Target Depth: Closure Distance to rig site
Ext.CLDIS = (Ext.NS.RC2 + Ext.EW..RC2 ) 0.5
Extended Survey to Target Depth: Closure Direction to rig site
Ext.CLDIR = tan -1 (Ext.EW.RC ÷ Ext.NS.RC)
Extended Survey to Target Depth: Distance parallel to plan path
Ext.SECDIF = cos (Ext.CLDIR – PLAN DIR ) • Ext.CLDIS
DD Survey Calculations 5.06.03 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Adjusted Projections Direct to the Target

Survey & Projections Adjusted Projections to target depth

to Target Survey to Target: Differences of Rectangular Coordinates
NS.RC.DIF = NS.TARGET – NS.SURVEY
Previous Surveys EW.RC.DIF = EW.TARGET – EW.SURVEY
Survey to Target: Projected Horizontal Distance
SURVEY TRG.HD = ( NS.RC.DIF 2 + EW.RC.DIF ) 0.5
Survey to Target: Inclination angle direct to target.
αα
TRG.INCL(α) = tan -1 ( (TRG.HD ) ÷ UVD )
TAR

EX
TE

Survey to Target: Inclination angle change direct to target.

GE T

S
ND Y

Pr
UR

ED

op
VE

os TRG.INCL.DIF = TRG.INCL(α) – SURVEY.INCL

PAT

ed
Ta Survey to Target: Inclination (hole) Direction to target.
H

r ge
tD Φ
ire TRG.DIR(Φ) = tan -1 ( EW.DIF ÷ NS.DIF )
ct
io
n Survey to Target: Target direction versus Survey direction
South TARGET TRG.DIR.DIF(Φ) = TRG.DIR(Φ) – SURVEY.DIR(Φ)
RATE OF CHANGE FORMULAS:
Survey
Survey to Target: Inclination Rate of Change per 100 feet
ANGLE ψ INCLR0C = ( 2 • α • 100 ) ÷ Measured Depth
CHANGES 2ψ Survey to Target: Direction Rate of Change per 100 feet
TENDENCIES
DIR.R0C = ( 2 • φ • 100 ) ÷ Measured Depth
Survey to Target: Maximum Direction Rate of Change per 100 feet
MAX.DIR.ROC = ( 180 ÷ INCLINATION ANGLE )
Inclination Angle
& Direction of Angle
Rate of Change ψ • tendency of direction to resist change as inclination angle increases.
• Rate Of Change: tendency of angle changes to not be instantaneous
ψ
but to be doubled especially without a motor. Keep records of all
ψ Target
BHA’s used and tendencies.
DD Survey Calculations 5.07.01 Well Bore Survey Calculations: Overview of Possible Adjustments to reach Target

TOOL FACE ORIENTATION ORIENTATION OF TOOL FACE TO HIGH SIDE

By continuous calculation and plotting of survey points,
the current bottom hole location and path are known.
This, with the target location, enables a new hole
direction and angle to be determined to steer the hole
towards the target. This is done by turning the TOOL
FACE of the tool to the required position, relative to the
HIGH SIDE of the hole.
The tool face (TF) of a tool or assembly is the direction in which it is bent. The high side of a well
bore is simply the direction in which it is going. Orientation of the tool face for directional change
is normally done directly in relation to the magnetic bearing for those bores having inclination
angles of less than 5 degrees and is done relative to “high side” for inclination angles of 5 degrees
or more. The chart below ignores other factors and forces which make orientation difficult and are
“ideal” rule of thumb settings.

MAXIMUM MAXIMUM MAXIMUM MAXIMUM BUILD AND BUILD AND DROP AND DROP AND
ORIENT PER HIGH SIDE BUILD RATE DROP RATE RIGHT TURN LEFT TURN TURN RIGHT TURN LEFT TURN RIGHT TURN LEFT
H F CT
IG H

WHEN INCLINATION
O RE

HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH

H OL ION
DI

SI E

5 DEGREES OR MORE & SIDE SIDE SIDE SIDE SIDE SIDE SIDE SIDE
D

HIGH
E

SIDE MAGNETIC DIRECTION

TF T T

TF
TF
OF HOLE WHEN INCLINATION LESS

TF

TF
TF F F
THAN 5 DEGRESS

Rule of Thumb for Orientation of Tool Face Survey Example: Inclination 28 degrees, Direction S30W, Tool Face S54E
HOL E DIRECT IONAL CURRENT T OOL FACE PL ANNED SURVE Y'S NET DRIL L ST RING T URN
RE QUIREM ENT S AND HIGH SIDE ADJUST ME NT NEW CURRENT FOR CORRE CT POSIT ION
HIGH SIDE OF DRIL L ST RING
ADJUST ME NT NE EDED SURVE Y VE RSUS HOL E T OOL FACE
HOLE DIRECTION
FROM PRE SENT HIGH SIDE HIGH SIDE HIGH SIDE DIRECT ION POSIT ION RIGHT LE FT

Maximum Build Angle S 30 W S 30 W S 54 E

LEFT MAX BUILD RIGHT 0 84 276
450 INCLINATION 450
High Side plus 0 dgs 210 Az 210 az 126 az
Maximum Drop Angle S 30 W N 30 E S 54 E
BUILD INCL. BUILD INCL. 180 264 96
High Side plus 180 dgs 210 Az 30 az 126 az
TURN LEFT TURN RIGHT
Maximum Right Turn S 30 W N 60 W S 54 E
+ 90 R 174 186
High Side + 90 Right 210 Az 300 az 126 az
LEFT MAXIMUM MAXIMUM RIGHT Maximum Left Turn S 30 W
- 90 L
S 60 E S 54 E
354 6
900 TURN LEFT 900
TURN RIGHT High Side - 90 Left 210 Az 120 az 126 az
Right Turn & Build S 30 W S 75 W S 54 E
+ 45 R 129 231
DROP INCL. DROP INCL.
High Side + 45 Right 210 Az 255 az 126 az
TURN LEFT TURN RIGHT Left Turn & Build S 30 W S 15 E S 54 E
- 45 L 39 321
LEFT
High Side - 45 Left 210 Az 165 az 126 az
MAX DROP RIGHT
1350 INCLINATION
Right Turn & Drop S 30 W N 15 W S 54 E
1350 + 135 R 219 141
High Side + 135 Right 210 Az 345 az 126 az
Left Turn & Drop S 30 W N 75 E S 54 E
1800 + 135 R 309 51
High Side - 135 Left 210 Az 75 az 126 az