Skip to content
Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1446 New

Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
23 Nov 2026
View dates & register Download brochure

We use your details only to answer this enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Overview

Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis Training Course equips oil and gas professionals with the technical expertise to interpret borehole image logs, identify bedding planes, and calculate reliable formation dip measurements for subsurface evaluation. Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this specialised programme to strengthen the interpretation of borehole imaging data and improve the geological understanding required for exploration, reservoir characterisation, well planning, and structural analysis.

Accurate interpretation of bedding orientation and formation dip is essential for understanding subsurface geology and making informed decisions throughout the exploration and production lifecycle. Borehole image logs provide high-resolution visual information about geological features intersecting the wellbore. These images reveal bedding boundaries, sedimentary structures, fractures, faults, breakouts, and other geological characteristics that conventional wireline logs do not always resolve with the same level of detail.

However, extracting meaningful geological information from borehole images requires more than recognising visible features. Geoscientists must understand image acquisition principles, tool orientation, borehole geometry, image quality, geological feature identification, and the relationship between image observations and true subsurface orientations. Inconsistent bedding plane identification, inaccurate dip picking, and incorrect formation dip computation introduce uncertainty into structural interpretation and reservoir models.

The Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis Training Course addresses these technical challenges through a structured approach to borehole image analysis. Participants develop practical capabilities in recognising bedding features, establishing bedding orientation, distinguishing geological structures from drilling-related artefacts, and evaluating structural dip patterns across different geological settings.

The programme places particular emphasis on the interpretation of electrical and acoustic borehole images. These imaging technologies provide complementary information about formation characteristics and geological structures. Understanding their strengths, limitations, image presentation formats, and interpretation requirements enables professionals to select appropriate interpretation techniques and evaluate the reliability of geological measurements.

A major focus is the relationship between individual dip measurements and broader stratigraphic geometry. Participants examine how bedding attitudes change with depth, how structural dip varies across geological intervals, and how interpreted features contribute to understanding depositional environments, structural deformation, stratigraphic relationships, and reservoir architecture.

The course also develops an understanding of image orientation, depth matching, borehole deviation, tool reference systems, and quality control considerations. These elements are essential for ensuring that interpreted dips represent geological conditions rather than errors introduced by image acquisition, processing, or interpretation.

Institute For Oil & Gas Training connects technical interpretation principles with operational applications in exploration, development, and production environments. Participants examine realistic borehole imaging scenarios and develop a consistent workflow for evaluating image quality, identifying bedding planes, selecting reliable dip measurements, and communicating interpretation results.

For organisations operating in complex geological environments, dependable borehole image interpretation supports better subsurface characterisation and more informed technical decisions. The knowledge gained through this programme strengthens collaboration between petrophysicists, sedimentologists, structural geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling professionals.

By completing this training, participants gain a practical foundation in Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis and the ability to apply systematic interpretation methods to real-world oil and gas subsurface challenges.

Objectives

  • Explain the operating principles and applications of electrical and acoustic borehole imaging technologies.

  • Understand borehole image presentation, orientation references, depth matching, and azimuthal conventions.

  • Identify bedding planes and distinguish sedimentary features from fractures, faults, breakouts, and borehole-related artefacts.

  • Apply systematic bedding plane identification techniques to different borehole image datasets.

  • Perform dip picking using recognised geological interpretation principles and appropriate measurement conventions.

  • Interpret sinusoidal bedding traces and relate image characteristics to subsurface geological orientation.

  • Calculate formation dip magnitude and azimuth from interpreted borehole image measurements.

  • Understand the influence of borehole deviation and tool orientation on formation dip computation.

  • Recognise the differences between true dip, apparent dip, and other directional measurements.

  • Evaluate structural dip patterns and their significance for geological interpretation.

  • Interpret bedding orientation and stratigraphic geometry across different geological intervals.

  • Assess image quality, measurement reliability, and uncertainty in geological interpretation.

  • Apply quality assurance procedures to improve the consistency and repeatability of dip measurements.

  • Integrate borehole image interpretation results into structural, sedimentological, and reservoir characterisation workflows.

  • Communicate bedding and dip interpretation findings through clear technical documentation and geological reporting.

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training adopts an applied, industry-focused training methodology that combines technical presentations, guided image interpretation, geological case studies, practical exercises, and structured group discussions. The delivery approach reflects the analytical requirements of borehole image interpretation and connects technical principles with the practical responsibilities of subsurface professionals.

The training progresses from image acquisition fundamentals to geological interpretation and formation dip analysis. This structured approach enables participants to understand how borehole images are generated, recognise the information contained within different image types, and apply appropriate techniques to extract reliable geological measurements.

Technical Presentations and Interpretation Demonstrations

Specialist presentations establish the technical foundations of electrical and acoustic borehole imaging. Participants examine image orientation, depth references, azimuthal presentation, borehole coverage, image resolution, and the visual characteristics of geological features.

Interpretation demonstrations explain how bedding planes appear on unwrapped borehole images and how their sinusoidal traces relate to geological orientation. Particular attention is given to image display conventions and the effects of borehole deviation and tool orientation on interpretation accuracy.

Practical Bedding Identification Exercises

Participants work with representative borehole image examples to identify bedding boundaries and distinguish sedimentary features from fractures, breakouts, washouts, and acquisition-related artefacts.

These exercises strengthen participants' ability to recognise continuous and discontinuous bedding traces, evaluate image clarity, and establish confidence in geological feature identification. They also examine how lithological variations and depositional characteristics influence image appearance and bedding recognition.

Dip Picking and Measurement Exercises

Guided interpretation exercises introduce systematic dip picking procedures. Participants examine how sinusoidal bedding traces are selected, how dip measurements are recorded, and how the quality of individual picks influences the resulting formation dip interpretation.

Practical activities cover consistent feature selection, measurement validation, rejection of unreliable picks, and the interpretation of bedding orientation. Participants also develop an understanding of the distinction between apparent image characteristics and actual geological measurements.

Formation Dip Computation and Structural Analysis

Technical activities demonstrate the relationship between image-based observations and computed formation dip. Participants examine dip magnitude, dip azimuth, directional references, borehole trajectory, and the importance of applying appropriate coordinate conventions.

Industry-based case studies demonstrate how multiple dip measurements contribute to interpreting structural dip patterns and stratigraphic geometry. The emphasis is on understanding geological relationships and using individual measurements to develop a more complete picture of subsurface formation orientation.

Real-World Case Studies and Group Exercises

Industry-based scenarios provide opportunities to evaluate borehole image datasets from different geological settings. Participants discuss interpretation challenges associated with inclined bedding, structural deformation, variable image quality, and complex stratigraphic sequences.

Group exercises encourage technical discussion and comparison of interpretation decisions. Participants explain the geological evidence supporting their dip picks, identify potential uncertainties, and develop consistent approaches to communicating their findings.

Interpretation Quality Assurance

The final stage integrates the techniques developed throughout the course into a structured interpretation workflow. Participants review image quality, check measurement consistency, assess geological plausibility, and organise interpretation outputs for technical reporting.

The quality assurance approach reinforces accuracy, repeatability, and professional judgement in borehole image interpretation. It also helps participants establish consistent procedures for evaluating bedding identification, validating formation dip measurements, and documenting interpretation limitations.

Organisational impact

Reliable borehole image interpretation improves subsurface understanding and supports more effective exploration and development decisions. Organisations operating in the oil and gas sector require accurate geological measurements to evaluate structural complexity, understand reservoir geometry, and reduce uncertainty in well-based geological models.

The Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis Training Course strengthens the technical capabilities required to extract consistent and reliable geological information from borehole imaging datasets.

Improved Subsurface Characterisation

Accurate bedding plane identification and formation dip computation provide a stronger foundation for understanding subsurface structural relationships. Trained personnel recognise bedding changes, inclined strata, structural variations, and stratigraphic boundaries more consistently. This improves the geological information available for exploration evaluation, reservoir description, and field development planning.

Better Structural Interpretation

Understanding structural dip patterns enables technical teams to assess geological deformation, bedding continuity, and changes in formation orientation. Improved interpretation supports structural framework development and helps organisations evaluate the relationship between geological structures and reservoir distribution.

Reduced Interpretation Uncertainty

A systematic approach to dip picking reduces inconsistencies associated with subjective feature selection and unreliable image measurements. Participants learn to identify poor-quality image intervals, distinguish geological features from artefacts, and evaluate confidence in individual measurements. This supports more transparent interpretation decisions and improves the reliability of subsurface datasets.

Improved Reservoir Modelling Inputs

Borehole image interpretation provides valuable information about bedding orientation and stratigraphic geometry. These observations contribute to geological framework development and support the integration of well data with seismic interpretation and other subsurface information. Better-quality dip measurements strengthen the geological inputs used in reservoir modelling and structural mapping.

Greater Technical Consistency

Establishing common interpretation procedures improves consistency across geoscience teams and operating assets. Organisations benefit from standardised approaches to image quality assessment, bedding identification, dip selection, and technical reporting. This strengthens collaboration between petrophysics, geology, reservoir engineering, and drilling departments.

More Effective Well Planning

Understanding formation orientation and structural complexity supports geological assessment during well planning and execution. Borehole image interpretation helps technical teams recognise changes in bedding attitude and evaluate geological conditions encountered during drilling. This information improves communication between subsurface and well delivery teams.

Improved Operational Decision-Making

High-quality image interpretation strengthens the evidence available for technical reviews, geological evaluations, and development decisions. Organisations gain a more structured basis for comparing geological interpretations, identifying data limitations, and prioritising further subsurface investigations.

Stronger Knowledge Retention

Training internal personnel in borehole image interpretation reduces dependence on isolated specialist knowledge and strengthens organisational technical capability. Participants develop transferable interpretation skills that support future projects, technical reviews, and multidisciplinary subsurface activities.

Personal impact

Participants completing this programme develop specialist capabilities that strengthen their professional contribution to geological and petrophysical operations. The training improves their ability to interpret borehole imaging data, evaluate geological features, and apply consistent techniques to bedding and dip analysis.

Advanced Borehole Image Interpretation Skills

Participants gain a structured understanding of electrical and acoustic borehole images and their applications in subsurface geological evaluation. They develop greater confidence in recognising image characteristics, identifying bedding features, and assessing the geological significance of interpreted observations.

Greater Confidence in Bedding Identification

The ability to recognise bedding planes accurately is an important capability for geoscientists working with complex formations. Participants strengthen their understanding of bedding continuity, sedimentary structures, image characteristics, and the distinction between primary geological features and drilling-related artefacts.

Improved Dip Picking Capability

Participants develop a consistent approach to selecting and evaluating bedding dip measurements. They learn to interpret sinusoidal image traces, establish reliable measurements, and assess the quality of individual dip picks. This improves their ability to produce dependable formation orientation data.

Stronger Geological Interpretation

The programme improves participants' ability to connect individual borehole image observations with broader geological concepts. They develop a stronger understanding of structural dip patterns, bedding orientation, and stratigraphic geometry and their relevance to subsurface interpretation.

Better Technical Reporting

Participants improve their ability to document image interpretation procedures, explain dip measurement decisions, and communicate geological findings. These capabilities support clearer technical discussions, more structured reporting, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Enhanced Professional Capability

Specialist borehole imaging knowledge strengthens professional capability across petrophysics, sedimentology, structural geology, and reservoir characterisation. Participants gain practical knowledge that supports greater responsibility in well evaluation, geological interpretation, and technical project activities.

Who should attend

  • Petrophysicists: To strengthen borehole image analysis, bedding identification, and formation dip measurement capabilities.

  • Well Log Analysts: To improve the interpretation of image logs and integrate geological measurements with conventional wireline data.

  • Structural Geologists: To evaluate bedding orientation, structural dip patterns, and subsurface deformation.

  • Sedimentologists: To interpret sedimentary bedding features and understand their relationship with depositional architecture.

  • Reservoir Geologists: To improve geological framework development and understand bedding geometry within reservoir intervals.

  • Exploration Geologists: To strengthen well-based structural interpretation and subsurface geological evaluation.

  • Development Geologists: To improve the integration of borehole image observations into field development and reservoir characterisation activities.

  • Formation Evaluation Specialists: To develop specialist capabilities in electrical and acoustic image interpretation.

  • Geosteering Specialists: To understand bedding orientation and geological dip measurements relevant to well trajectory decisions.

  • Logging Engineers: To understand borehole imaging principles, acquisition considerations, and image quality requirements.

  • Reservoir Engineers: To improve their understanding of geological orientation data used in reservoir modelling and development planning.

  • Drilling Engineers: To understand the geological interpretation of borehole images and their relevance to wellbore conditions.

  • Subsurface Team Leaders: To strengthen technical oversight of image interpretation workflows and geological reporting.

  • Geoscience Managers: To improve their understanding of borehole image interpretation outputs and their contribution to subsurface decision-making.

  • Technical Consultants: To enhance specialist knowledge supporting geological evaluation, formation assessment, and well log interpretation assignments.

Course outline

This module introduces the technical principles of borehole imaging and establishes the foundation for interpreting geological features from electrical and acoustic image logs. Participants examine how imaging tools acquire formation information and how the resulting data is presented for geological analysis.

The module also addresses image orientation, depth references, borehole geometry, and data quality. Understanding these fundamentals enables participants to distinguish reliable geological information from limitations associated with image acquisition and processing.

  1. ISO 16530-1

    • Establishes lifecycle management principles for well integrity and provides relevant context for understanding wellbore conditions during subsurface operations.

    • Supports awareness of well construction and operational considerations that influence borehole data acquisition.

    • Provides a recognised industry reference for understanding the integrity context surrounding well-based formation evaluation activities.

    • Reinforces the importance of considering well conditions when evaluating borehole imaging measurements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the basic operating principles of electrical and acoustic borehole imaging tools.

    • Identify the main components and characteristics of borehole image datasets.

    • Understand image orientation, azimuthal references, and depth registration.

    • Explain the relationship between borehole geometry and image presentation.

    • Recognise the visual differences between electrical and acoustic images.

    • Identify common image quality limitations and acquisition-related artefacts.

    • Understand the importance of data quality assessment before geological interpretation.

This module focuses on recognising bedding planes and identifying geological features visible on borehole images. Participants examine the appearance of bedding traces, sedimentary boundaries, lithological variations, and other geological structures across different image types.

Particular attention is given to distinguishing bedding from fractures, faults, borehole breakouts, washouts, and other features that influence geological interpretation. Participants develop a systematic approach to identifying valid bedding observations and evaluating their geological significance.

  1. ISO 14689

    • Provides internationally recognised principles for the identification and description of rock and geological materials.

    • Establishes terminology and descriptive approaches relevant to geological feature classification.

    • Supports consistent communication of lithological and geological observations.

    • Provides a recognised reference for describing rock characteristics during geological interpretation.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Recognise bedding boundaries and sedimentary structures on borehole images.

    • Apply systematic bedding plane identification techniques.

    • Identify continuous, discontinuous, and irregular bedding traces.

    • Distinguish bedding features from fractures, faults, and drilling-related artefacts.

    • Understand how lithological variations influence image appearance.

    • Evaluate the geological significance of identified bedding features.

    • Develop consistent criteria for selecting bedding observations for further interpretation.

This module develops the practical understanding required to convert borehole image observations into meaningful geological dip measurements. Participants examine sinusoidal bedding traces, measurement conventions, orientation references, and the relationship between image geometry and formation orientation.

The module also addresses dip picking consistency, dip magnitude, dip azimuth, and formation dip computation. Participants explore how borehole deviation and tool orientation influence measurement interpretation and learn to evaluate individual picks before incorporating them into geological analysis.

  1. ISO 1101

    • Defines geometrical tolerancing principles and terminology for describing geometrical characteristics and relationships.

    • Provides useful context for understanding directional references and geometric representation.

    • Supports consistent communication of measurement concepts and orientation information.

    • Reinforces the importance of clearly defined measurement references when interpreting geometric data.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Interpret sinusoidal bedding traces on unwrapped borehole images.

    • Apply consistent procedures for dip picking.

    • Determine dip magnitude and dip azimuth from interpreted image features.

    • Understand the distinction between true dip and apparent dip.

    • Perform formation dip computation using appropriate orientation references.

    • Evaluate the effects of borehole deviation on dip measurements.

    • Recognise measurement errors associated with image orientation and tool reference systems.

    • Assess the reliability and geological plausibility of individual dip picks.

    • Organise interpreted dip measurements for subsequent structural analysis.

This module examines how individual bedding measurements contribute to the interpretation of broader geological structures and stratigraphic relationships. Participants evaluate changes in dip magnitude and azimuth across geological intervals and consider their significance for understanding formation orientation and structural deformation.

The module connects borehole image observations with geological framework development. Participants examine structural dip patterns, bedding continuity, stratigraphic geometry, and the interpretation of inclined and deformed formations within exploration and reservoir development settings.

  1. ISO 19148

    • Provides internationally recognised principles for linear referencing and location along linear spatial features.

    • Supports the consistent positioning and referencing of geological observations along well trajectories.

    • Provides relevant concepts for organising spatially referenced information.

    • Supports traceability when correlating image interpretation measurements with well depth and spatial information.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Interpret variations in bedding orientation across geological intervals.

    • Identify consistent and changing structural dip patterns.

    • Understand the geological significance of dip magnitude and azimuth variations.

    • Relate bedding orientation to stratigraphic geometry.

    • Recognise evidence of structural deformation in borehole image datasets.

    • Evaluate bedding continuity and changes in geological orientation.

    • Understand the contribution of dip measurements to structural framework development.

    • Integrate borehole image observations into broader geological interpretation workflows.

    • Explain the relevance of structural dip interpretation to reservoir characterisation.

This module consolidates the interpretation techniques developed throughout the programme and focuses on producing consistent, defensible geological results. Participants examine image quality control, dip measurement validation, interpretation uncertainty, and the documentation of geological observations.

The module also addresses the integration of borehole image interpretation with other subsurface datasets. Participants consider how bedding orientation, formation dip measurements, and structural observations contribute to geological models, well evaluation, and multidisciplinary technical reporting.

  1. ISO 19157-1

    • Establishes principles for describing and evaluating geographic data quality.

    • Provides a structured basis for assessing data completeness, consistency, accuracy, and fitness for purpose.

    • Supports the documentation of data quality limitations and interpretation uncertainty.

    • Provides relevant guidance for evaluating the quality of spatially referenced geological information.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply systematic quality assurance procedures to borehole image interpretation.

    • Evaluate image quality and identify intervals unsuitable for reliable dip picking.

    • Validate bedding measurements against geological and borehole conditions.

    • Identify inconsistencies in interpreted dip magnitude and azimuth.

    • Document interpretation assumptions, limitations, and measurement uncertainty.

    • Integrate borehole image observations with other well and subsurface datasets.

    • Prepare clear technical summaries of bedding and dip interpretation results.

    • Communicate structural interpretation findings to multidisciplinary teams.

    • Apply a consistent workflow to future borehole image interpretation assignments.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis Training Course, attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in the programme and completion of its structured technical learning activities. Attendees are required to meet the minimum attendance requirement of 80 percent of the overall course duration to qualify for the Certificate of Completion.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,100

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis?

Borehole Image Interpretation for Bedding and Dip Analysis is the process of examining electrical and acoustic borehole images to identify bedding planes, determine geological orientation, and calculate formation dip measurements. It helps geoscientists understand subsurface stratigraphy, structural geometry, and formation characteristics. The course develops the technical knowledge required to interpret these images systematically and apply the results to oil and gas exploration and development activities.

Who should attend this borehole image interpretation training course?

The course is designed for petrophysicists, well log analysts, structural geologists, sedimentologists, reservoir geologists, exploration geologists, formation evaluation specialists, and other subsurface professionals. It is also relevant to drilling engineers, geosteering specialists, logging engineers, reservoir engineers, and technical managers who work with well-based geological information.

What technical skills will participants develop during the course?

Participants develop practical skills in bedding plane identification, dip picking, formation dip computation, image quality assessment, and structural interpretation. They also learn to recognise geological features, evaluate bedding orientation, interpret structural dip patterns, and understand stratigraphic geometry. These capabilities support more consistent borehole image interpretation and geological reporting.

Does the course cover both electrical and acoustic borehole imaging?

Yes. The course introduces both electrical and acoustic borehole imaging technologies. Participants examine their operating principles, image presentation characteristics, geological applications, and interpretation considerations. The training explains how these imaging methods reveal bedding features and provide information relevant to geological and structural evaluation.

What is the duration and certification arrangement for this course?

The overall course duration is 15 to 20 hours, structured across five learning modules. Participants who successfully complete the programme and satisfy the minimum attendance requirement of 80 percent receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

Next: 23 Nov 2026

4 dates available

Register Now

Related training courses

Get the training calendar in your inbox

New courses, dates and industry insight. No more than twice a month.