MPS – Multiple-Point Statistics simulations with Isatis.neo

Multiple-Point Statistics (MPS) is a geostatistical simulation technique based on training images. MPS can address many areas like hydrogeology, mining, remote sensing, or hydrocarbon reservoirs. It has its origins in geological facies modeling but can potentially be employed in any field requiring simulating complex spatial variability, categorical or continuous. 

The course, developed in collaboration with the University of Neuchâtel, aims to familiarize you with the fundamental aspects of the Multiple-point Statistics approach and give you a hands-on experience through a series of practical exercises on a variety of case studies. 

At the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• select the appropriate training image according to your knowledge of the study area and the expected results, 
• produce realistic subsurface models, 
• prepare data and run MPS with Isatis.neo that integrates DeeSse, the advanced MPS code from the Swiss University of Neuchâtel. 

MPS is a well suited simulation technique in order to assess uncertainties on a traget region, by simulating realizations in respect with a geological concept described in a training image, and in accordance to conditional data. This technique is well adapted when the target problem is driven by the geological morphology. As examples, we can mention permeability in channel deposits, or ore grade in vein deposits.

This course aims at any scientist wishing to delve into MPS: academics, agricultural engineers, air quality engineers, climatologists, environmental consultants and engineers, epidemiologists, foresters, geologists, geophysicists, geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists, hydrologists, mining resource specialists, reservoir engineers, soil scientists, etc. 

Theory: 

• Overview of the MPS approach 
• Tools to manage non-stationarity (rotation, scaling, proportions and trends) 
• Advanced neighbourhood parameters optimization 
• Continuous MPS simulation 
• Multivariate MPS simulation 
• Multi-resolution MPS simulation 
• MPS simulations for gap filling 

Practice in Isatis.neo: 

• A first simple and historical application case 
• Simulation of geometric patterns to deeply understand MPS behaviour 
• Simulation of horizon depth as a continuous variable 
• Upscaled permeability as a multivariate dataset 
• Simulation of a fracture network with multi-resolution 
• Simulating sedimentary deposits in the Roussillon plain 
• MPS to fill undefined values of geophysical properties  

Training Materials:

• Theory: Slides will be communicated
• Practice: Training licence of Isatis.neo geostatistical software will be attributed to the participants; as well as typical datasets and batch files.

Half of the course is devoted to theoretical and methodological  presentations, the second half to practical exercises on real-life cases to deepen the understanding of concepts based on real data (geology, mining). The focus is on illustrations and practical contributions of the covered concepts.