Patent is granted in U.S. for magnetic mapping technique

A patent for a new magnetic mapping technique has been granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Texaco.

The technique, known as STARMAG, can be utilized by mineral and energy companies alike, the oil company says. Co-developer of the technique is Pearson, deRidder and Johnson of Lakewood, Colo.

The two companies have been working to develop the computer technology since 1988.

STARMAG uses neural network artificial intelligence to expedite magnetic interpretation and provides greater accuracy in mapping basement features. A major advantage is the time it will save on mapping and the interpretation of aeromagnetic data.