Program for one-dimensional interpretation of data obtained

by VES and VES-IP (ground and marine measurements)

ZONDIP1D

User manual

Zond geophysical software

 Table of contents

Program functionality ________________________________________________________________ 3

System requirements _________________________________________________________________ 6
Program installation and deinstallation __________________________________________________ 6
Value definitions _____________________________________________________________________ 6
Creation and opening of data file _______________________________________________________ 7
Data file format ______________________________________________________________________ 7
Dialog of field data entry (VEZ Notepad) _______________________________________________ 10
Interpretation results saving __________________________________________________________ 12
Data export ________________________________________________________________________ 12
Operation procedure of the program ___________________________________________________ 13
Main Window Toolbar _______________________________________________________________ 13
Style sheet _________________________________________________________________________ 14
Main Window Toolbar _______________________________________________________________ 15
Main Menu Functions _______________________________________________________________ 15
“Hot” keys _________________________________________________________________________ 16
Program setup dialog ________________________________________________________________ 17
Field data interpretation _____________________________________________________________ 26
Data inversion ______________________________________________________________________ 26
Program objects ____________________________________________________________________ 26
Model editor _______________________________________________________________________ 27
Data Editor (Graph of theoretical and experimental curves) ________________________________ 28
Model table ________________________________________________________________________ 32
Section ____________________________________________________________________________ 38
Pseudosection ______________________________________________________________________ 43
Profile plot _________________________________________________________________________ 45
Areal data and 3D visualization _______________________________________________________ 46
Aprior data entry ___________________________________________________________________ 51
Lithology file creation and insertion ____________________________________________________ 51
Set boundaries dialog ________________________________________________________________ 54
Color palette setup dialog ____________________________________________________________ 55
Axes editor _________________________________________________________________________ 56
Legend editor ______________________________________________________________________ 59
Graphics set editor __________________________________________________________________ 60
Graphics editor _____________________________________________________________________ 61
Print preview dialog _________________________________________________________________ 63
Bibliography cited___________________________________________________________________ 65
Appendix 1. Lithology data file format__________________________________________________ 66

Zond geophysical software

 Program functionality

«ZondIP1D» is a computer program for 1D interpretation of profile data obtained by

various modifications of VES. Friendly interface and ample opportunities for data presentation
allows solving assigned geological problem with maximum efficiency.
«ZondIP1D» is an easy-to-use instrument for automatic and semiautomatic (interactive)
profile data interpretation and can be used on IBM-PC compatible PC with Windows system.
Vertical electrical sounding method (VES) is one of the oldest methods of electrical
exploration. It was first used in the twenties of XX century. Relative simplicity and clearness of
VES caused its wide spread use and development all around the world [MSU, 2007].
Nowadays electrical soundings are still the most popular exploratory methods. Other
modern technologies are based on VES. For example, electromyography is based on the same
principles as “classical” electrical soundings. Contrast of object physical properties relative to host
medium is required to use geophysical methods. For electrical resistivity exploration which
includes VES it means that object (body, layer, stratum) resistivity must significantly differ from
host medium resistivity [MSU, 2007].
Electrical resistivity (ER) (units are the ohm*meter (Om*m)) is a measure of how strongly
rocks oppose the flow of electric current and is the most universal electromagnetic property. In
rocks and ores it varies within wide limits: from 10-3 to 1015 Om*m. For the most widespread
sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks ER depends on mineral composition, physical-
mechanical and water properties, salt concentration in groundwater, in a less degree on their
chemical composition, and on other factors (temperature, depth of occurrence, metamorphism
degree, etc.) [Hmelevskoj, 1997].
Electrical resistivity of minerals depends on their crystal bonds. Dielectric minerals (quartz,
micas, feldspars, etc.) which mostly have covalent forces are characterized by very high resistivity
(1012 - 1015 Om*m). Semiconductor minerals (carbonates, sulfates, haloids, etc.) which mostly have
ionic bonds are characterized by high resistivity (104 - 108 Om*m). Clay minerals (hydromicas,
montmorillonite, kaolin, etc.) have ion-covalent bonds and are characterized by quite low
resistivity.
Ore minerals (native and some oxides) have electronic conduction and carry current very
well. First two groups of minerals create “rigid” matrix solid material. Clay minerals create
“plastic” matrix solid material that is able to adsorb bound water whereas rocks with “rigid”
minerals can adsorb only solutions and free water (water that can be extracted from rock).

Zond geophysical software

 Electrical resistivity of free groundwater changes from Om*m unit fractions in case of high
total salt content to 1000 Om*m in case of low one. Chemical composition of dissolved salts does
not really matter that is why electrical exploration allows assessing only total salt content.
Electrical resistivity of bound water that is adsorbed by solid particles of rocks is very low and does
not change greatly (from 1 to 100 Om*m). Its constant mineralization (3-1 g/l) explains this fact.
Average mineralization of ocean water is 36 g/l.
Pore water (bound and free) has very low electric resistivity in comparison to matrix of the
majority rocks, that is why electric resistivity of rocks is almost independent of their mineral
composition but depends on porosity, fracturing, and water saturation. Increase of their values
causes decrease of electric resistivity because ion content in groundwater grows. This is the reason
why electroconductivity of the majority of rocks is ionic (electrolytic).
Rise of temperature in 400 causes resistivity decrease in half. It can be explained by ion
mobility increase. Resistivity of rocks increases unevenly at freezing as free water becomes almost
dielectric and electroconductivity is determined only by bound water that freezes at very low
temperatures (below -500 С). Increase of resistivity in different rocks while freezing varies: several
times in clays, up to 10 times in hard rocks, up to 100 times in clay and sandy loams, and up to
1000 times and more in sands and coarse rocks.
Despite the fact that resistivity depends on numerous factors and varies within wide limits
in different rocks, main laws of ER are well determined. Volcanic and metamorphic rocks are
characterized by high resistivity (from 500 to 10000 Om*m). Among sedimentary rocks high
resistivity (100 – 1000 Om*m) can be found in rock salts, gypsums, limestones, sandstones, and
some other rocks. As a rule, in detrital sedimentary rocks the more grain size is the higher
resistivity rock has, that is ER depends on clayiness on the first place. In passing from clays to clay
and sandy loams and sands resistivity changes from unit fractions and first Om*m to tens and
hundreds of Om*m [Hmelevskoj, 1997].
Polarizability coefficient expresses ability of rocks to polarize that is to accumulate charge
during passage of current and discharge then after current interruption. Coefficient is measured in
percents as ratio of voltage that remains in potential circuit some time after current interruption
(usually 0.5-1 sec.) to voltage in this circuit during passage of current.
Polarization is a complex electrochemical process that progresses in rocks during passage of
direct or low-frequency alternating (up to 10 Hz) current. Ores with electronic conduction
(sulphides, sulphosalts, some native metals, individual oxides, graphite, and anthracite) are
characterized by the highest polarizability. These IP potentials origin is connected with so called
concentrated and electrode polarization of ore minerals. Polarizability coefficient is up to 2-6 %
above water-encroached loose sedimentary rocks where clay particles are present. Their

Zond geophysical software

polarizability is caused by deformation of external plates of double electrical layers which form at
solid-liquid contact. The majority of volcanic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks saturated with
mineral water have low polarizability [Hmelevskoj, 1997].
The main idea of VES is quite simple. Electrical array is assembled on the ground. It
usually contains two current and two potential electrodes.
Electrical field and current respectively arises in the ground. Amperemeter cut in the circuit
is used to measure current strength in current circuit. Voltmeter is used to measure electric potential
difference which arises in potential electrodes M and N.
Electrical properties of rocks located within depth of current penetration can be judged by
exploration results. Depth of current penetration depends mainly on distance between current
electrodes.

Pic. 1. Scheme of VES measurements

Apparent resistivity is calculated on basis of measurement results [MSU, 2011].
The program solves forward and inverse problems for arbitrary arrays on the surface of
horizontally-layered medium. Layer thickness (in meters), electrical resistivity (in Om*m) and
polarizability (in percent) are layer parameters.
Potential of point source is calculated using the following equation when solving forward
problem:

  1  
U r      Rm   J 0 mr dm  .
 r 0 

Apparent polarizability is calculated using Komarov-Seigel:

 K  
к   100 % .
 K   1   / 100 

Zond geophysical software

 System requirements

«ZONDIP1D» program can be installed on PC with OS Windows 98 and higher.

Recommended system parameters are processor P IV-2 GHz, memory 512 Mb, screen resolution
1024 X 768, colour mode – True colour (screen resolution change is not recommended while
working with data).
As far as the program actively uses the registry, it is recommended to launch it as
administrator (right click on program shortcut – run as administrator), when using systems higher
than Windows XP.

Program installation and deinstallation

«ZONDIP1D» program is supplied on CD or by internet. Current manual is included in the

delivery set. Latest updates of the program can be downloaded from website: www.zond-
geo.com/english.
To install the program copy it from CD to necessary directory (for example, Zond). To
install updates rewrite previous version of the program with the new one.
Secure key SenseLock driver must be installed before starting the program. To do that open
SenseLock folder (the driver can be downloaded from CD or website) and run InstWiz3.exe file.
After installation of the driver insert key. If everything is all right, a message announcing that the
key is detected will appear in the lower system panel.
To uninstall the program delete work directory of the program.

Value definitions

U
Ro_a – apparent resistivity,  a  G  , where G is array coefficient.
I
U ВП
Eta_a – apparent polarizability,  a   100 % , in percent.
U ПР
Separation: AB/2 for Schlumberger, Wenner and symmetrical array; AМ for two-electrode
array; AO for three-electrode array; O’O for dipole-dipole array.
Pseudodepth – approximate investigation depth connected with array coefficient (array
separation in this case).

Zond geophysical software

 Sounding site – position of current circuit center for Schlumberger, Wenner and
symmetrical array; for other arrays sounding site is indefinite (usually it is position of fixed
electrode).
All geometric values are specified in meters.

Creation and opening of data file

To start up «ZondIP1D» it is necessary to create data file of certain format which contains
information on acquisition geometry and measured values of apparent resistivity and polarizability.
One profile data usually corresponds to one file.
In case of using multi-electrode arrays it must be remembered that sounding curve is
considered as data element in «ZondIP1D» program. That’s why data should be represented as a set
of sounding curves.
Text data files of «ZondIP1D» format have «*.zlf» and «*.zlp» extensions. See data file
format for details. The program also supports text files of IPI2WIN program.
For correct running of the program data file must not contain:
 curves with less than 3 separations;
 incorrect symbols of records separator (TAB and SPACE use only);
 absurd data values.
Desirably, total record number should be no more than 5000 in one file.
Model of previous interpretation loads together with field data while opening «*.zlp» file.

Data file format

Program presents universal data format which contains information on array geometry,
coordinates and relative elevations of sounding stations. «ZondIP1D» data files have *.zlf
extension.
First three lines contain information on measurement parameters which are the same for the
whole profile.
First line – must contain the following records separated by space or tab.
First record – is reserved by «ZondHED1d» program for frequency or seabed operations (8
values). Second record – (0-5) – type of array:“0” – Schlumberger, Wenner (length of potential
circuit must be specified for it), three-electrode array; “1” – dipole-axial array; “2” – two-electrode
array; “3” – three-electrode multi-purpose array; “4” – four-electrode multi-purpose array; “5” –
any multi-purpose array (pic. 2).

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 Sequence of records in line for different arrays is as follows:
“0” – 0 0 1 (third record specifies shift of potential circuit relative to current circuit along Y axis
(set if necessary, usually in case of IP measurements in frequency mode)).
“1” – 0 1 Len_dip, where Len_dip – length of current circuit.
“2” – 0 2.
“3” – 0 3 delt_y dircosX dircosY, where delt_y – shift of observations profile along Y axis, dircosX
and dircosY – direction cosines of potential circuit.
“4” – 0 3 Bx By delt_y dircosX dircosY, where Bx and By – coordinates of second current
electrode, delt_y – shift of observations profile along Y axis, dircosX and dircosY – direction
cosines of potential circuit.
Multi-purpose arrays (3,4). Coordinates of first current electrode is equal to zero.
Separations are set without regard to shifts relative to first current electrode. Measurements are
performed along X axis in positive direction. Direction cosines specify orientation of potential
circuit relative to profile. Shift of observations profile is performed in positive direction along Y
axis. Generally speaking multi-purpose arrays are not needed (in the latest version of the program).
They can be replaced by arbitrary array of type (5).

Pic. 2. VES arrays

If seabed measuring system is selected, that is all electrodes are located on the bottom, then
first line must contain number 8. Water resistivity is set in the next line after key “water”. Sounding
depth is specified in sounding description block instead of elevation value, with negative sign.
Example of bottom system description:
80
Water 30

Zond geophysical software

Second line – contains measurement separations. For arrays of type “0”, “3” and “4” separation is
equal to distance between first current electrode and center of potential circuit. For dipole-axial
array (1) it is equal to distance between dipole centers. User can define separations himself for
arbitrary array (5). For two-electrode array (2) it is equal to distance between potential and current
electrodes.
If arbitrary array is used then its description is as follows.
Arbitrary array of type “5” implies definition of current and potential electrodes positions
explicitly. When describing this type of array, X and Y electrode coordinates must be specified in
lines which follow separation description. Separations are user-specified, that is random (they are
used for curves visualization only). Electrode coordinates are set in lines which start with certain
key that explains the program what type of coordinate they contain and to which electrode they
refer. The following keys are available: Ax, Ay, Bx, By, Mx, My, Nx, Ny. If electrode is missing
then it value is replaced by * symbol. Y coordinates are specified only if necessary. Example of
type “5” array description:
0 5
12345 // separations – user-specified.
Ax -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 //Х –coordinates of A electrode for each separation.
Bx -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 //Х – coordinates of B electrode for each separation.
Mx 1 2 3 4 5 //Х – coordinates of M electrode for each separation.
Nx 2 3 4 5 6 //Х – coordinates of N electrode for each separation.
As you can see Y electrode coordinates are missing in this example. They can be specified
in the same way as X coordinates.
Third line – can contain values of potential line separations.
If third line is missing then potential line separation are considered infinitesimal. It is
recommended to specify potential line separations as long as the program takes into account
potential line length for forward problem solution. For arbitrary array (5) this line is not set.
User can view array geometry on plan (main menu option Electrodes array).
If complex arrays with changing from station to station separations are used then all unique
pairs (separations of potential and current line) present on profile must be specified in the second
and third lines according to above mentioned rules.
Sounding station description blocks follows. They contain information on each sounding
site on profile.
Sounding station description block
First line – indicates beginning of sounding station description block (must contain «{» symbol).
Second line – sounding station name.

Zond geophysical software

Third line – supplementary sounding parameters. First record – sounding station coordinate along
profile. Second record – relief elevation or depth (positive number for ground survey and negative -
for seabed (in meters)).
Fourth and fifth lines contain field data.
Each line must start with code-key which shows the program what type of data follows this
key.
Keys which control data type have the following values:
«Ro_a» – apparent resistivity.
If seabed system (8) is used then in order to avoid mistakes normalized signal (measured
signal to current ration) is specified in this line.
«Eta_a» – apparent polarizability.
If «_w» is added to the key then certain measurement weights are specified in current line.
Number and order of records in lines must strictly correspond to separation geometry
described in the second line of the file. If measurement at any separation is missing then its values is
replaced by «*» symbol.
Sixth line – indicates end of sounding station description block (must contain «}» symbol).
Description of the next sounding station follows starting with «{» symbol and so on.

Dialog of field data entry (VEZ Notepad)

The dialog is meant for new data entry and can be found in the main menu of the program
File/VEZ Notepad. Picture 3 shows dialog window of VEZ Notepad option.

Zond geophysical software

 Pic. 3. Dialog window VEZ Notepad
Main menu of the window contains the following buttons:
Open *.txt data file

Save file as *.txt

Select array type.

Add sounding point.

Delete sounding point.

Copy

Paste

Proceed to next point.

Start inversion.

Use XYZ field to specify coordinates of sounding station and its name (field «name1» in
pic. 3).
Table in the left part of the window contains the following graphs. First one or two columns
(depending on array type) are meant for array geometry specification. For Schlumberger array:

Zond geophysical software

AB/2 is equal to half of current line length, MN is potential line length; for three-electrode
Schlumberger array: AO is equal to AN/2, MN is potential line length; for Wenner array AB/2 is
equal to half of current line length; for dipole-dipole array OO is distance between centers of
current and potential line, MN is current line length; for pole-pole array AO is equal to distance
between current electrode and array center. Next columns contain measurement data: ∆U, mV –
voltage, I, mA – current strength, K – array coefficient (calculated automatically), ρa, Om*m –
apparent resistivity (can be specified or calculated automatically), ηa – apparent polarizability.

Use button to create new sounding site. When all parameters are set, press button
to start inversion.

Interpretation results saving

Profile interpretation result is hold in ZondIP1D project files (extension *.zlp). This file
contains name of file with field data, fitted parameters and parameters variation limits for each

sounding. Use button in the tool bar or corresponding menu option to save interpretation
result. If autosave option is on interpretation result is saved automatically in selected periods of
time. Theoretical curves can be also saved in *.zlf format.
There are a few options to save data:
Project data file Save measured values and current subsurface model.
Calculated data file Save calculates values.
XYZ model file Save subsurface model as table file.

Section file Save current model in Section format. This file type can be used as
background.
Model with calculated Save current model and calculated values.
Model in columns Save current model as parameters table.

Data export

«ZONDIP1D» program allows exporting data to Microsoft Excel. This function can be
found in File/Export to tab. It is possible to export two types of data. Function Export to / Excel
report creates file which contains information on each sounding site, measured and calculated
values, its coordinates, models of parameters, etc. Function Export to / Excel map creates file
which contains names of stations, their coordinates, resistivity values (calculated), and positions of

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layers bottoms in each sounding station (it is useful for creation of areal parameters slices). Option
Export to/CAD Section is meant for model export to AutoCAD files in *.dxf format.

Operation procedure of the program

Main Window Toolbar

When «*.zlf» file is created, load it using button or corresponding menu item. After
successful loading of the file functional buttons to work with data are activated in the main window
toolbar and short information on first sounding station appears in the right section of status panel.
While moving the cursor in created windows, coordinates which correspond to axes in every

window are displayed in the left section of status panel. Use the first system button of the
window, marked in plan as “objects setup”, to open context menu which allows running setup
dialog for each object in the window. Methods of editing are described in detail in the following
chapters (Model editor, Section, Parameters table, Pseudosection, Profile plot, Graph of
theoretical and observed curves).
Second and third buttons serve to proceed from one sounding station to another.

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.
Pic. 4. Program main window. Numbers mark the following windows: 1 – pseudosection,
2 – section, 3 – profile plots, 4 – model editor, 5 – graph of theoretical and observed curves, 6 –
parameters table; 7 – buttons to proceed from one sounding station to another, 8 – objects setup
button, 9 – advanced options button.

Style sheet

Use tab Widow in program main window to select style.

Library has four options of objects configuration.
In Interpretation style (pic. 4) user simultaneously operates with four windows: first one
contains pseudosection, section and profile plots (displayed parameter can be chosen), spaced by
floating slider; the second one contains graphs (from one to three) of model setup; the third window
contains parameters table, and the fourth - graph of theoretical and observed curves.
Graph of theoretical and observed curves and profile plots window are absent in Standart
style.
Graph of theoretical and observed curves is absent in Profile style.
One window is used instead of two first windows in User style. User specifies parameters
to display objects.

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 Main Window Toolbar

The toolbar is meant for quick run of the most frequently used functions. It contains the
following functional buttons (from left to right):

Open «*.zlf» or «*.zlp» data file.

Save interpretation result or calculated curves.

Run parameters setup dialog.

Merge two layers with summary thickness.

Add layer. User-selected layer is divided into two layers with equal
thicknesses (in logarithmic scale).
Delete selected layer.

Run inversion process for current station [left click] or for following
stations [right click] – profile inversion.
Copy model at current stake to buffer.

Paste model from buffer and use it at current station [left click] or at
all following stations [right click].
Cancel previous step.

Select profile (when working with areal data).

Main Menu Functions

The following table lists items found in the Menu with their corresponding functions:

File Open data Open «*.zlf» or «*.zlp» data file.

File Save data Save interpretation result or theoretical curves.
File Edit data Open and edit currently used data file in Notepad.
File Program setup Run parameters setup dialog.
Export field data or calculated data to Microsoft
File Export to
Excel or AutoCAD (see for details).
File Print preview Run print dialog of model and data (see for

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 details).
File Registration file Create registration file.
File Registration Enter registration password.
File Русский Program menu in Russian.
File English Program menu in English.
File Recent Open one of recently opened projects.
File Exit Exit program.
Options VEZ Notepad Open field data entry dialog (see for details).
Options Survey configuration Open survey configuration mapping window.
Options Set lines Set profile line (when working with areal data).
Display contour map of selected parameter (see
Options Plane section
for details). Recommended for areal data.
Run dialog of 3D model visualization. Works with
Options 3D sections
areal data (see for details).
Options Load borehole data Load lithology file.
Create/Edit borehole
Options Create/edit lithology file (see for details).
data
Remove borehole
Options Delete lithology file.
data
Options Set boundaries Set geological boundaries (see for details).
Window Tile vertical Order windows vertically.
Window Tile horizontal Order windows horizontally.
Window Zond “Standart” Load “Standart” style.
Window Zond “Profile” Load “Profile” style.
Window Zond “User” Load “User” style.
Window Display array Display array (separations).
Window Zond“Interpretation” Load “Interpretation” style.
Help About About program.
Help Context Display manual.

“Hot” keys

[Space] Run data inversion process for current station.

[S] Add layer. User-selected layer is divided into two layers with

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 equal thicknesses (in logarithmic scale).
[M] Merge two layers with summary thickness.
[D] Delete selected layer.
-> Proceed to next station.
<- Return to previous station.
[Escape] Stop inversion process.

Program setup dialog

The dialog serves to adjust autosaving options and specifics of starting model definition, set

default values and inversion parameters. Use button in the toolbar or corresponding menu
item (File/Program setup) to run it.
Tab Options

Pic. 5. Window Program Setup, tab Options

Field Project AutoSaving – sets autosaving mode for open project.
Option Autosave enables autosaving for open project in certain time intervals.
Field Time interval sets time interval (in minutes) for autosaving (file is saved with the same name
but with “Temp” added).
Field Labels – sets parameters of used fonts.
Field Font sets font style for marks on axes, curves, etc.
Field Label size sets font size for marks on axes, curves, etc.
Field Legend size sets font size used to display parameters names.
Field Utils – sets additional parameters.

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Field Linear axis step sets necessary step for axes. This option is used for axes scaling.
Field Alarm if error > runs confirmation dialog of profile inversion if station value of RMS error
exceeds specified in the field value.

Tab Defaults
This tab serves to set different parameters used while working with model. Rows correspond
to types of layer parameters (properties and thickness), columns correspond to options (pic. 6).
First row Value – default values (used for starting model).

Pic. 6. Window Program Setup, tab Defaults

Second column Minimum – smallest extreme of default parameters (used for parameters fixing).
Third column Maximum – superior limit of default parameters (used for parameters fixing).
Forth column Fixed – defines if parameter of specified type should be fixed after file reading or not.
This option is not available in case of loading project file.
Fifth column Invert – defines if parameter is corrected during inversion or not.

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Tab Start model

Pic. 7. Window Program Setup, tab Start model

Current tab is used as starting model constructor during field data reading.
Field Construct layers from sets algorithm which determines positions of layer boundaries.
Value Curve extremums – boundary positions are determined by field curves (from extremum
analysis). Maximum number of layers is specified in Layers number field.
Value incremental factor – default values are used to specify thickness of layers. Thickness of each
layer is equal to thickness of the previous one multiplied by Thickness incremental factor. Number
of layers is specified in Layers number field.
Field Constructor options contains options used to specify starting model parameters.
Field Parameter factor sets coefficient which maximums are multiplied by and minimums are
divided by (ranges from 1 to 4). This coefficient increases starting model contrast which is very
important if curves do not have asymptotes.
Field Thickness incremental factor – sets coefficient which layer thicknesses are multiplied by
(ranges from 0.2 to 1) or coefficient of thickness increase for each following layer in incremental
factor mode (ranges from 1 to 2).

When starting model parameters are set use button to apply them to current project without
closing parameters setup window.

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Tab Inversion

Pic. 8. Window Program Setup, tab Inversion

Field Profile style sets inversion style of profile inversion.
Value Current station’s model – current station model is used as starting model for inversion.
Value Start station’s model – model of inversion start station is considered to be starting model for
inversion for all other points.
Value Previous station’s model – previous station model is used as starting model for inversion.
Field Smoothing factor sets staring value of smoothing parameter. It depends on many
factors: condition number of Jacobian matrix, signal to noise ratio of data, and number of model
parameters definitions. It is an empiric value. For noisy data or for smooth parameters distribution
greater values of smoothing factor are chosen: 0.05 – 10; for precise measurements it ranges from
0.005 to 0.01.
Models created using three different values of smoothing factor (0.01 – blue, 0.1 – red, 1 –
black) are shown below (pic. 9).

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 Pic. 9. Models with different values of
Smoothing factor (0.01 – blue, 0.1 – red, 1 – black)
Field Stop conditions sets rules which stops inversion.
Field Iteration’s number sets maximum number of iterations. Automatic interpretation process stops
when it’s achieved.
Field RMS value sets minimum RMS error. Automatic interpretation process stops when it’s
achieved.
Field Reduction error sets discrepancy value. Inversion process stops if this value repeatedly
increases (in specified value (%)) for three sequential iterations.
Option Depth smoothing sets degree of model depth smoothing (if this option is on). The
greater its value is (1 – 10) the more parameters of adjacent layers are averaged with depth. This
option is used if Smooth field is chosen in procedures of section parameters recovery window
Style.
Option Robust – this option is used if data contain certain significant errors, connected with
systematic measurement errors.
Option Style sets type of procedure for section parameters recovery.
Value Smooth – inversion by least-square method using smoothing operator and complementary
contrast minimization. This algorithm results in the smoothest parameters distribution. This type of
inversion is recommended for initial stages of interpretation. But number of model layers must
significantly exceed number of layers in real model. It is preferable to have more than 10 layers of
fixed thickness.
Value Standard – inversion by least-square method using damping factor regularization. It
results in model with sharp boundaries. Careless usage of this algorithm leads to results instability
and increase of RMS increase. The best option is to consider this algorithm specifying and use it
after inversion by Smooth algorithm.

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 Value Focused – inversion by least-square method using smoothing operator and additional
contrast focusing. It results in piecewise smooth parameters distribution, that is model consists of
layers with equal resistivity. This type of inversion is recommended for initial stages of
interpretation. But number of model layers must significantly exceed number of layers in real model.
It is preferable to have more than 10 layers of fixed thickness.
Careless usage of this algorithm leads to algorithm discrepancy and model instability.
Picture 10 shows models created using three different inversion algorithms (standard –
black, focused – blue, smooth – red).

Pic. 10. Models created using different inversion algorithms (Standart – black, Focused – blue,
Smooth – red)
Option Threshold sets maximum contrast value of adjacent layers. When this value is
achieved parameters of adjacent layers are not averaged (thus boundary is considered to exist
between layers). It’s an empiric value (0.001-1). Low values of this parameter lead to algorithm
discrepancy (it’s recommended to increase it). High values result in smooth distribution.
Picture 11 shows models created using two different values of parameter Threshold (0.01 –
black, 0.1 – red).

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 Pic. 11. Models created using two different values of contrast parameter Threshold
(0.01 – black, 0.1 – red)
Option Layers minimize sets minimum number of layers. It is used combined with
multilayered section and focusing inversion. This algorithm minimizes number of layers.
Multilayered (10-15 layers) model and focusing inversion are chosen (smoothing factor~0.1).
During inversion layers with similar parameter are merged and inversion process continues with
lower number of layers.
Option Thick/depth sets thickness (if this option is active) or depth (if not) fitting. Depth
fitting is useful if depths of boundaries are known and fixed. It is recommended to assign depth
default values for profile inversion with depth fitting.
Option Filter sets the way to create focusing filter.
Value from Resistivity/from Polarizability – filter for all types of parameters is created
basing on apparent resistivity/apparent polarizability model.
Value from any – filter for each type of parameters is created basing on this parameter
model.

Button runs dialog of special profile inversion algorithm.

For this algorithm subsurface model is considered to be horizontally layered or near-
horizontally layered (with smooth boundaries) at the bottom. Top part of the section can change
greatly from point to point (pic. 12). A few adjacent soundings which have common bottom part
and variable top part are used for inverse solution. Fitting is conducted simultaneously for all
curves in the window and central point has the greatest weight for discrepancy calculation (pic. 13).

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 Pic. 12. Sunsurface model for 1.5D inversion

Pic. 13. Scheme of 1.5D inversion

Additional parameter - offset to prevent P-effect is assigned to each curve in the window.
This parameter is minimized for all curves during fitting and thus it significantly decreases P-effect
influence.
Current algorithm differs from standard inversion in additional parameters and construction
of smoothing operator. Parameters which model P-effect have less weight compared to the others.
Main characteristics of the algorithm are given below.
• Fitting is conducted simultaneously for all curves in the window and central point has the
greatest weight for discrepancy calculation.
• P-effect of each curve is selected during inversion process.
• Own model with common bottom part and variable top part corresponds to each curve.

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 Pic. 14. Parameters window of 1.5D inversion
Option Enabled enables current algorithm.
Option Window size sets window size for the algorithm. Value 1 means three soundings in
the window, 2 - five soundings in the window.
Option Layers number sets number of layers which model top (heterogeneous) part of the
section.
Option Inverse thickness indicates if thicknesses of first layers which model top
(heterogeneous) part of the section are fitted or not.
Option Weight power thickness sets coefficient of curve weight decrease depending on the
distance from the central curve in the window (0 – all curves in the window have the same weight).
Option Shift reduce indicates if P-effect is taken into account during inversion or not.
Picture 15 shows results of this algorithm (A) compared to results obtained by standard
procedure (B).

Pic. 15. Results of 1.5D inversion algorithm (A) compared to results of standard 1D inversion (B)

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 Field data interpretation

«ZondIP1D» program allows solving 1D forward and inverse problems of VES. Program
automatically selects resistivity values and layer thicknesses. It is also possible to fix parameters
and specify their variation limits and define weights of certain measurements.
Linear filtering algorithm is used for forward modeling and Newton's method is used for
inverse modeling.
Interpretation mode is available when data file is read.

Data inversion

This option is used for quick data inversion of one or all profile stations. Newton’s method
is used for minimization of least-square deviation between calculated and observed curves. Left

click on button to invert current sounding station data, right click on it to invert the whole
profile. Information on current relative divergence between calculated and observed curves is
shown in the status bar. Inversion stops when current relative divergence between calculated and
observed curves or number of iterations is equal to specified beforehand.
Inversion gives non-unique solution since calculated curves can be identical for different
models. So it is necessary to take into account aprior information on geoelectrical section when
specifying starting model. If aprior information is reliable it is advisable to fix known parameters or
limit their change range in starting model and to add geological boundaries.

Program objects

Interactive interpretation is performed in the following objects: Model editor, Section,

Parameters table, visualization is performed in the following objects: Pseudosection, Profile plot,
Graph of theoretical and experimental curves. These objects appear automatically as soon as
data is loaded.

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 Model editor

It serves to display observed and calculated sounding curves and to visualize and edit
calculated model parameters curve.
Model editor window is shown in picture 16. Red and blue lines with filled circles are
experimental curves of apparent resistivity (left red axis) and polarizability (right blue axis) versus
separation in meters (bottom horizontal axis). Calculated model is displayed in red solid line.

Pic. 16. Model editor window

Graphical parameters of observed, calculated and model plots are specified in graphics
editor dialog (right click+[SHIFT] on plot). Axis parameters are specified in axes editor (right
click+[SHIFT] on axis).
Window can contain one, two or three similar graphs which allow editing models at three
neighboring stations at once.
Model parameters can be changed via mouse. In order to do that place mouse cursor on

model curve (cursor shape must change at that moment) and with left button pressed drag
selected part of curve. Green circle on selected curve indicates active layer.
Alteration of vertical curve pieces positions corresponds to alteration of model geometry (that
is thicknesses [right button] and depths of layers tops [left button]).
Alteration of horizontal curve pieces positions corresponds to alteration of model layer
parameters.
Double click in object area to run context menu which contains the following options:

Print preview Run print dialog.

Display legend Display/hide legend.
Setup Run object parameters setup dialog.

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 Left axis resistivity Display apparent resistivity for left axis.
Right axis polarizability Display apparent polarizability for right axis.

Option Setup runs curve parameters setup dialog (pic. 17).

Pic. 17. Curve parameters setup dialog

Field Marks Style sets positions of graph’s marks.
Value Left points – to the left of graph.
Value All points – from point to point.
Value Right points – to the right of graph.
Field Curves shift sets shift (in percent of logarithmic decade) between adjacent curves.

Data Editor (Graph of theoretical and experimental curves)

It is displayed if Interpretation style is selected (tab Window). Window can contain one,
two or three similar blocks – graphs. On default left axis usually corresponds to red curves and
right one corresponds to blue ones. If only one measurement type is used in the program then right
axis is missing (pic.18).

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 Pic. 18. Graph of theoretical and experimental curves
Double click in object area to run context menu which contains the following options:
Print preview Run print dialog.
Display weights Display/hide point weight.
Display legend Display/hide legend.
Setup Run object parameters setup dialog.

Option Setup runs curve parameters setup dialog (pic. 19).

Pic. 19. Curve parameters setup dialog

Field Marks Style sets positions of graph’s marks.
Value Left points – to the left of graph.
Value All points – from point to point.

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Value Right points – to the right of graph.
Field Curves shift – sets shift (in percent of logarithmic decade) between adjacent curves.

[Options] button runs complementary context menu.

Change orientation option changes positions of sounding curves for adjacent points: top-
down and left-right.
MultiCurves Plot Setup option (pic. 19) runs curve parameters setup dalog described above.
Set MultiCurves Plot number option sets number of adjacent sounding stations to display
their curves simultaneously (from 1 to 3).
Right click in points of observed curves to run context menu which allows specifying
weights of observed data:
Good point Set weight 1 to active point.
Bad point Set weight 0.5 to active point.
Very bad point Set weight 0 to active point.
Good points >> Set weight 1 to active point and to all points to the right of it.
Bad points >> Set weight 0.5 to active point and to all points to the right of it.
Very bad points >> Set weight 0 to active point and to all points to the right of it.
Good points << Set weight 1 to active point and to all points to the left of it.
Bad points << Set weight 0.5 to active point and to all points to the left of it.
Very bad points << Set weight 0.5 to active point and to all points to the left of it.
Delete point Delete point.
Delete point>> Delete point and all points to the right of it.
Delete point<< Delete point and all points to the left of it.
Edit data Edit curves.
Right or left click with [ALT] button pressed to increase or decrease point weight
respectively.
Use scroll wheel with [ALT] button pressed to delete points. Change limits of deletion using
scroll wheel.
Point weights are very important for model parameters inversion. Points with weight equal
to 0 are not taken into account. Weight is calculated in the following way: = 1-dispesion/(observed
value). Data weight can be specified in data file and is saved in project file.
Edit data option is used to edit sounding curves manually. When this option is selected
dialog window Edit data appears (pic. 20).

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 Pic. 20. Sounding curves setup window Edit data
Window toolbar contains the following buttons:
Return to previous curve.

Move the whole curve or its piece.

Redraw curve in other windows.

Exit editing mode with saving.

The window consists of two parts. Editing curve is displayed in the left part. Separations
and values of editing parameter are shown in the right one. Right click to delete point on the curve.
Deleted point will be highlighted in grey in the table then. Left click to recover point. Use scroll
wheel with [ALT] button pressed to delete points. Change limits of deletion using scroll wheel.

After editing, press button in the toolbar to start inversion.

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 Model table

Table editing window is used to change model parameters via keyboard. Table contains 3 or
4 columns. Each table row contains properties of one layer only.
First column contains resistivity values of layers, the second one (if present) – apparent
polarizability values, the third – thickness, and the last one – depth to layer top with sounding
station elevation taken into account. The cell is light grey on default (color can be specified) if
parameter variation limit is set. The cell is dark grey on default (color can be specified) if layer
parameter is fixed.
Right click on table cells to run context menu (pic. 21). If you right click on the first row
(table heading) then selected menu option will be applied to specified parameter of all layers (cell
is changed into col then). If you right click on the first column then selected menu option will be
applied to all parameters of specified layer.

Pic. 21. Window Model table

Lock Fix parameter.

Free Unfix parameter.
User limits Set user-specified variation limits.
Default limits Set variation limits (on default).
Default values Set default values.
Lock >>> Fix parameter in current model and in all following models.
Free >>> Unfix parameter in current model and in all following models.
Set user-specified parameter variation limits in current model and in
User limits >>>
all following models.
Set default parameter variation limits in current model and in all
Default limits >>>
following models.

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 Set parameter default values in current model and in all following
Default values >>>
models.

Tab Limites
This tab serves to set parameter variation limits (pic. 22). Toolbar buttons are used to select
parameter type to specify limits to. [Auto] button sets limits to all parameters of selected type
automatically, according to their values and specified divergence percent. Model of selected
parameter (black), its lower (red) and upper (blue) variation limits are shown in the graph.

Pic. 22. Window Model table, вкладка Limites

Lower and upper limits of model parameters are edited via mouse. Variation limits can be
edited in the table situated to the left of the graph.
Use button in the top right corner of the window to run complementary context menu
(pic. 23).

Pic. 23. Window Model table, complementary settings

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 Significant digits Set parameter accuracy.
Start model Return to starting model.
Display limits Display/hide parameter variation limits.
Options Run graphical parameters setup dialog.
Save table Save current model as *.MDL file.
Open table Load model from *.MDL file.

Correlation matrix Display correlation matrix and confidence limits of

model parameters.
Correlation plot Run correlation plot window for two parameters.
Equalence plot Run equivalent models cloud plot window.
Layers summarization Run layer summarization dialog.

Layers summarization dialog is used to convert multilayered models obtained by Smooth

or Focused inversion into simpler geological models which contain less layers. Multilayered model
which consists of 14-20 layers is convenient at the beginning of interpretation (pic. 24).

Pic. 24. Example of multilayered model

It is advisable to consider results of Smooth and Focused inversion as starting
approximation for further more conscious interpretation. They give understanding of approximate
geoelectrical subsurface geology. Layer summarization dialog helps to obtains simpler model
(pic. 25) which is displayed in black line above initial model.

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 Pic. 25. Dialog Layers summarization (red line – multilayered model, black line –
integrated model)
When specified in the field contrast parameter is achieved, two layers are merged.
After that some parameters can be fixed and Standart inversion or manual fitting is
performed (pic. 26).

Pic. 26. Inversion results after usage of Layers summarization function

Equivalence analysis. In electrical exploration unicity theorem of inverse problem is proved if

there are no mistakes in continuous measurements. In practice measurements are conducted within
finite intervals with certain discretization and besides they contain mistakes. Presence of mistakes
and incomplete data turn theoretical solution unicity into practical solution non-uniqueness which
means equivalence of different inverse problem solutions. Two geoelectrical sections are considered
equivalent if relative data discrepancy does not exceed accuracy of field measurements or inversion
mistie. Practically equivalence principle means that some section parameters can not be defined
during interpretation if some other section parameters are not known. Equivalence principle effect

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complicates data interpretation. Fixing certain parameters (on the basis of aprior data) can solve the
problem.
Equivalence principle analysis is based on two approaches – information-statistical for all
model parameters by means of correlation matrix of coupling creation and direct calculation of
equivalence domain for couple of section parameters with visualization.
One more option of equivalence analysis is creation of equivalent models cloud that is set of
model curves which give similar theoretical curves.
Usually statistical estimation of equivalence for all parameters is performed first, then certain
pairs of parameters with high correlation coefficients are studied.
Use Correlation matrix (pic. 27) option to run correlation matrix. Main diagonal of correlation
matrix contains ones. If correlation coefficient modulo is significantly less than unity then section
parameters which were used to calculate it influence data differently and are defined with high
accuracy. Thus their separate estimation is made possible.
If correlation coefficient modulo of parameters is close to unity then these parameters are
jointly indefinable. In this case it is recommended to fix one of equivalent parameters if it is
possible to receive independent information on it. In case of strong parameter correlation of
adjacent layers it is advisable to fix one of correlative parameters or merge these two layers in one
that is to simplify the model.

Pic. 27. Window Correlation matrix

Last two columns of the table show confidence intervals for each parameter. Confidence
intervals are considered reliability criterion for parameters definition and are connected with
summarized sensitivity of section parameters. In case of large confidence interval parameter value is
considered unreliable.
Double click on matrix cell to run correlation map (Correlation plot) of selected pair of
parameters (pic. 28).

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 Correlation map of parameters pair represents contour map of discrepancy between
theoretical data of current and calculated model. Assuming that current parameter values are
centers of equivalence field, a few more forward solutions for parameters close to current point are
calculated and maximum error of discrepancy between them and central point is estimated. In order
to create correlation map for two parameters they are assigned set of values in certain range, data
discrepancy with current model is estimated and contour map is generated. If parameter distribution
is logarithmic then all above-mentioned actions are performed using parameters logarithms.
Contours of maximum error values which represent equivalence principle domain geometry and
range validity are shown in the equivalence map. Isometric equivalence domains indicate that there
is no correlation between parameters estimations, oblong domains mean the opposite. Correlation
analysis promotes successful revealing of equivalence between two parameters.

Pic. 28. Window Correlation counter plot

Color bar represents discrepancy to color ratio.
Field p1 - sets type of first parameter for correlation analysis performance.
Field p2 - sets type of second parameter for correlation analysis performance.
Following fields specify indexes of these parameters.

- create correlation map.

Use Equalence plot option to run equivalence model cloud plot window. It implements
quite resource-intensive algorithm of equivalence model access scan within specified error range
using curve-fitting method (pic. 29).

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 Pic. 29. Window Equalence plot
Minimum error values to consider model equivalent to current (field 0.1) must be specified.
If Calc option is not ticked then equivalence models are calculated for model inversion error.
Usually default values are specified so that they exceed current inversion error. Parameter for

calculation is chosen then (Resistivity). After that access scan can be started . Algorithm result in
set of model curves. Use scrolling to proceed from one curve to another.
Table graphical parameters setup dialog (Options)
Option Lock sets fixed parameter cell color.
Option Range sets cell color for parameter with specified variation limits.
Option Free sets cell color for parameter without specified variation limits.
Option Min sets color of parameter minimum limit.
Option Max sets color of parameter maximum limit.
Option Active sets frame color of active cell.
Option Font sets cell font.
Option Cell height sets cell height.

Section

Current object visualizes geoelectrical section variations along profile. Graph is created in
profile coordinate versus depth axes. Color bar represents correlation between displayed parameter
value and color (pic. 30).
If mouse cursor is located within geological section then use slider to select and highlight
layer which is located below it. Cursor shape changes when it is reaching boundary of layers which
can be edited then. To do that drag selected boundary with left button pressed. If right button is

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pressed then selected boundary along with underlying boundaries are dragged. Double click on
layer to run its parameter setup window.

Pic. 30. Geoelectrical section window

Zooming in or dragging some part is performed with pressed button (“rubber rectangular”
tool). To zoom in a segment move mouse cursor down and to the right with left button pressed (A).
To return to primary zoom do the same but with mouse cursor moving up and to the left (B).

Double click in the object area runs context menu with the following options:

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 Log data scale Use logarithmic scale in color bar.
Display labels Display labels (parameter values) on axes.
Display ColorBar Display color bar.
Refresh section Regenerate section.
Setup Run object setup dialog.
Print preview Print section.
Save picture Save section as graphics file.
Output settings Run output graphics scale parameters setup dialog.
Layered section Display section as layers.
Layered section [topo] Display section as layers with topography.
Contour section Display section as contours.
Smooth section Display smooth section.
Add background Add background image.
Remove background Delete background image.
Increase bottom Increase maximum vertical axis value.
Decrease bottom Decrease maximum vertical axis value.
Set bottom Set maximum vertical axis value manually.
Model interpolation Interpolate all models between two selected sounding stations.

Bad data interpolation Interpolate models (with large fitting error) between two
selected sounding stations.

Picture 31 shows four versions of geoelectrical section visualization.

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 Pic. 31. Options of geoelectrical section visualization
Option Setup runs section parameter setup dialog (pic. 32).

Pic. 32. Geoelectrical section parameters setup dialog

Field Box margins
Field Left margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window left edge.
Field Right margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window right edge.
Field Top margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window top edge.
Field Bottom margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window bottom edge.
Field Num levels sets number of colors. Levels are set using uniform linear or logarithmic step
depending on data type.

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Button [Palette] runs section layers color setup dialog (see for details).
Button [ColorBar font] runs color bar font setup dialog.
Button [Marks font] runs layer marks font setup dialog.

Field User data limits:

Option User limits specifies whether to use minimum and maximum data values or specified in
Minimum and Maximum fields values for color bar definition.
Field Minimum sets minimum value for color bar definition.
Field Maximum sets maximum value for color bar definition.
Field From pseudosection:
Option Box margins specifies to use Box margins field values which correspond to pseudosection.
Option ColorBar specifies to use corresponding to pseudosection color bar.
Dialog Output settings allows specifying vertical scale, horizontal scale, print resolution in
dpi and font size if Automatic box is not ticked (pic. 33).

Pic. 33. Output picture settings window

Option Add background is used to insert background in model. This function can be useful
if aprior information (geological section along profile) or data obtained by other methods are
present or to compare inversion results at different stages. Background picture file must be in bmp
format. When this option is selected, window appears to specify position of output file. Background
is displayed above model and background layer is transparent (pic. 34, 35).

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 Pic. 34. Example of geological section background

Pic. 35. Example of seismic section background

Pseudosection

Current object visualizes variations of observed values along profile as contour map
(pic. 36).

Pic. 36. Example of apparent resistivity pseudosection

Graph is created in profile coordinate versus separation axes. Color bar represents
correlation between values of displayed parameter and color.
Zooming in or dragging some part is performed with pressed button (“rubber rectangular”
tool). To zoom in a segment move mouse cursor down and to the right with left button pressed (A).
To return to primary zoom do the same but with mouse cursor moving up and to the left (B).

Double click in object area runs context menu with the following options:
Setup Run object parameters setup dialog.
Print preview Print preview dialog (see for details).

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 Smooth image Smooth pseudosection.
Log data scale Use logarithmic scale in color bar.
Display labels Display labels of measurement points.
Display ColorBar Display color bar.
Save XYZ file Save pseudosection as Surfer file.
Save picture Save pseudosection as graphics file.

Tab Setup is used to adjust pseudosection parameters (pic. 37).

Pic. 37. Окно настрой параметров псевдоразреза.

Field Box margins:
Field Left margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window left edge.
Field Right margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window right edge.
Field Top margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window top edge.
Field Bottom margin sets image indent (in pixels) from window bottom edge.
Field Num levels sets number of contour intervals. Contour intervals are set using uniform linear or
logarithmic step depending on data type.
Option Isolines specifies whether isolines are created or not.
Button [Contours] runs contour filling color setup dialog (see for details).
Button [Isolines] runs isoline colors setup dialog.
Button [Axis font] runs color bar font setup dialog.
Field User data limits:
Option User limits – specifies whether to use minimum and maximum data values or specified in
Minimum and Maximum fields values for contour intervals definition.
Field Minimum – sets minimum value for contour intervals definition.
Field Maximum – sets maximum value for contour intervals definition.

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 Profile plot

Pic. 38. Profile plot window

Current object visualizes profile graphs (theoretical and experimental) for different
separations (available for Profile and Interpretation styles only). Curve color corresponds to
certain separation.
Zooming in or dragging some part is performed with pressed button (“rubber rectangular”
tool). To zoom in a segment move mouse cursor down and to the right with left button pressed (A).
To return to primary zoom do the same but with mouse cursor moving up and to the left (B).

Move mouse with right button pressed to drag plots vertically.

Marks on experimental curves indicate separation numbers which they are created for.
When you left click on curve, curves for other periods disappear until you release the button. Plots
can be shifted vertically by mouse dragging with right button pressed. Left click on curves list with
[SHIFT] button pressed to display one curve only. Use scroll wheel to proceed to the next plots.
Use again left click on curves list with [SHIFT] button pressed to display all curves.
Right or left click with [ALT] button pressed to increase or decrease point weights
respectively.
Use scroll wheel with [ALT] button pressed to delete points.
Double click in object area runs context menu with the following options:
Setup Run object parameters setup dialog.
Print preview Print graphics plan.

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 Display calculated Display theoretical curves.
Delete invisible Delete invisible graphs.
X display Display pseudosection of parameter X.

Option Setup is used for profile plot setup (pic. 39).

Pic. 39. Profile plot parameters setup dialog

Option Marks style specifies marks style.
Value Left points – to the left of the plot.
Value All points – from point to point.
Value Right points – to the right of the plot.
Buttons [Observed] and [Calculated] – runs graphics parameters setup dialog for observed and
calculated curves.
Axis parameters can be specified in axes editor (right clock+[SHIFT] on axis).

Areal data and 3D visualization

Select Options/Set lines in the main menu to set a number of profile lines. Line settings
window appears then (pic. 40). It displays areal positions of sounding stations.

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 Pic. 40. Line settings dialog window for areal data

The main toolbar contains the following functions:

Load raster file of map.

Add profile line. Left click to set profile points, right click to specify the last point.
Delete all profiles.
Include sounding stations (located within rectangular area around selected line in profile
automatically.
Delete current profile.
Recalculate geographical coordinates to rectangular. When EDI files are loaded they are
recalculated automatically. If beforehand file is known to contain geographical
coordinates (latitude and longitude) then prior to interpretation they must be recalculated
to rectangular coordinates using this button.
Spsg,m: Set minimum and maximum separations respectively. Out-of-range measurements are not
Min- loaded to the program.
Max
Select image scale: equiaxial or maximum window filling.
perc Set size of sounding station automatic selection domain for profile.

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 Start data inversion for selected profile set.

A few profile lines can be specified in the program simultaneously. When profile and all
points around it are set, all included in profile points are displayed in blue. Left click to
include/exclude profile point. If profile line does not cross points then position of sounding station
projection is displayed in green.
Right click on necessary point to view and edit sounding station coordinates. Coordinates
which can be edited are displayed in opening window.

Press button to start data interpretation when profile is set. Main window of the

program appears then. Use window in the main window toolbar to switch
profiles.
Option Plane data (Options/Plane data) is used to create areal distribution maps of
selected parameter (resistivity, apparent resistivity, elevations, etc.) depending on depth or time.
Picture 41 shows example of apparent resistivity areal distribution map.

Pic. 41. Window PlaneXY. Resistivity contour map

Window toolbar contains the following buttons:
Load map raster file as background.

Create contours for model parameters (resistivity, conductivity or thickness).

Zond geophysical software

 Create contours for measured parameters (apparent resistivity or apparent
polarizability).
Create contours for elevations.

Redraw current plan.

When plotting model parameters there are two windows in the toolbar which are used to
select one of parameters and specify depth to display it at. Depth counting method is specified in the
right window: Depth from topo – depth values are counted off the ground, Absolute depth –
absolute depth values are used, Layer index – contour map is generated for specified layer.
When plotting contours of measured parameters, layer number corresponds to initial data
time grid.

Option 3D sections (Options/3D sections)

Current option is meant for 3D visualization of profile interpretation results. If this option is
selected 3D sections viewer window appears. Window toolbar contains the following buttons:
Print preview.
Rotate 3D model.
Display horizontal map. Plan depth from the surface is set in kilometers in the

window to the right .

Press this button to set equal scale for all axes. Window to the right appears then. It
allows specifying scale ratio for each axis.
Vertical axis Z setup.

Window 3D section viewer contains three tabs:

Tab Lines (pic. 42) is used to edit coordinates of profile beginning and end and to set
profile for 3D visualization. There is a table to the left which contains profile names and
coordinates of profile beginning and end. Tick box in the last column (V – visible) to display
profile in 3D. Profile plan is displayed in the right window. Active profile is highlighted in red.
Axes properties can be edited by right click with [Shift] button pressed. See Axes editor for details
on axes parameters setup.

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 Pic. 42. Window 3D section viewer, tab Lines

Tab 3D view (pic. 43) is used to view 3D model.

Pic. 43. Window 3D section viewer, tab 3D view

Tab Options (pic. 44) is meant for image parameters setup.

Field Color scale allows specifying filling parameters. [Palette] button runs filling setup
dialog (see for details). Field Color scale limits is used to specify color bar minimum and
maximum values manually or select automatic mode of range definition by ticking certain box.

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 Pic. 44. Window 3D section viewer, tab Options

Field Axis scales is meant for axes scale definition. Scales can only be set with pressed

button in window toolbar.

Aprior data entry

Aprior data (well data) availability helps to increase reliability of received geoelectrical
sections significantly. «ZONDIP1D» program has integral module which is used to visualize aprior
data graphically in sections.

Lithology file creation and insertion

Choose Options/Create/Edit borehole data option in the main menu to create stratigraphy
file. Dialog window of the module Add borehole data (pic. 45) appears.

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 Pic. 45. Dialog window of lithology file creation Add borehole data
Dialog window toolbar contains the following buttons:
Open lithology file.

Save lithology file.

Create new well.

Delete well.

Add new layer to well.

Delete layer from well.

Return to previous well.

Proceed to next well.

Refresh window.

Sort out wells by coordinate.

Select fill color of well display window (red in example).

Advanced options.

The main toolbar also contains fields used to specify horizontal coordinate of well (offset
from profile beginning) - horizontal position and elevation - Position from surface. Vertical and

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horizontal coordinates are set in kilometers. Empty square windows are used to create set of filling
patterns.
The module consists of two windows. Data window is located on the left. It contains table
with the following columns: N – number of layer, H – layer thickness in meters, Z – layer bottom
depth in meters, C – type of pattern. Well data is displayed graphically in the right window.

Press button in the toolbar to start creating lithology file. New table appears in Data

window. Use button to set number of layers, then edit table by specifying thickness and layer
bottom depth and select pattern type according to lithology. Double left click on C column to run
pattern setup dialog Pattern Color Editor (pic. 46). There is a wide range of lithology pattern in
the program. Use option Color to select pattern color.

Pic. 46. Pattern Color Editor window

When well data is entered, press button to display well graphically. Then specify
horizontal and vertical coordinate of well in kilometers in the toolbar and after that well is displayed
according to its coordinates. Active well is displayed in red in graphics window.
Palette can be saved to make work with large number of wells more convenient. In order to
create palette select pattern in pattern column of Data window, then right click on pattern domain

in the main toolbar. Set of patterns can be created in this way. To save it press button and
select Save default palette. Saved set of patterns can be used while creating new lithology and

logging data file ( - Load default palette).

Function Set percent, run via button , serves to change scale of well data graphical
representation.

Zond geophysical software

 When data file is saved a few files are created: *.crt – module project that can be loaded in
«ZONDMT1D» program and *.txt – file for each well, file names correspond to horizontal and
vertical coordinate. See Appendix 1 for details on lithology data file format.
Use Options/Load borehole data function to add well data. Well data is displayed in
geoelectrical section and in model editor window (pic. 47).

Pic. 47. Display of lithology data in geoelectrical section (A) and in model editor (B)

Set boundaries dialog

Use Options menu to run boundaries setup dialog Set boundaries. It allows taking into
account aprior geological information. Menu with the following buttons appear when this tab is
selected:

Enable/Disable editing Enable/Disable editing boundaries mode.

boundaries mode

Add new boundary Add new boundary.

Delete boundary Delete all boundaries.

Save boundaries to file Save boundaries to file.

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 Load boundaries from file Load boundaries from file.

Aprior data entry to inverse problem is extremely important to increase interpretation

quality. On one hand it increases problem stability and on the other – decreases equivalence field
and allows receiving more consistent structure. This is almost the only way to receive acceptable
result in models with low-sensitive parameters.
Prior to setting boundaries it is recommended to perform Smooth inversion (selecting type
of inversion (Style) in Inversion tab of program setup window) with enabled depth fitting (tick
Thick/depth). See Program setup dialog for details on inversion parameters.
Boundaries must be plotted in the geoelectrical section according to well data or on the
assumption of a priori conception of geological structure. Use left mouse button with enabled
boundaries editing mode to set boundaries. Right click to close boundary. It is not recommended to
use many nodes in boundaries. It is preferable to have as smooth boundaries as possible.
When boundaries are set run inversion again. It will take specified boundaries into account
(pic. 48B).

Pic. 48. Example of geoelectrical section after inversion without (A) and with (B) regard to
geological boundaries

Color palette setup dialog

The dialog is meant for object palette setup and can be run using [Palette] button (pic. 49).
The dialog allows choosing one of default palettes (forward and inverse rainbow, grey scale, etc.)
or creating own one. Right click with [Ctrl] button pressed to add slider to the scale. Use [Delete]

button to remove slider. Use button to save scale or load already existent scale using
button.

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 Pic. 49. Color palette parameters setup dialog

Axes editor

Pic. 50. Axes editor window

Axes editor is used to set graphic and scale axes parameters. Right click on necessary axis
with [SHIFT] button pressed to run it. Pop-up menu with two fields (options and default) appears.
The first one runs dialog, the second sets values on default.
First tab of Scales dialog contains options for axes scale parameters setup.
Option Auto defines how minimum and maximum axis values are chosen. If this option is ON axis
limits are set automatically otherwise values from Minimum and Maximum filed specified by user
are selected.
Option Visible shows/hides selected axis.
Option Inverted defines axis orientation.
Button [Increment change] runs dialog for axis label step definition.

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Option Logarithmic selects logarithmic or linear axis scale. In case of sign-changing scale
additionally use options from LinLog options field.
Option Base sets logarithm base for logarithmic axis.
Field LinLog options contains options for linear-logarithmic axis adjustment. Linear-
logarithmic scale allows representing sign-changing or zero containing data in logarithmic scale.
Option Dec Shift sets indent (in logarithmic decades) relative to maximum axis limit modulo to
zero. Minimum decade (prezero) has linear scale, others have logarithmic.
Option Min dec sets and fixes minimum (prezero) decade value if option is ON.
Option Rounded limits defines whether it is necessary to round minimum and maximum axis values
or not.
Fields Minimum and Maximum contain options for axis limits adjustment.
Option Auto defines whether axis limit is selected automatically or using [Change] button.
Option Offset sets percentage axis limit shift relative to its actual value.

Tab Title contains options for axis header adjustment.

Tab Style:
Option Title sets axis header text.
Option Angle sets header text rotation angle.
Option Size sets header text indent. If 0 value is specified it is selected automatically.
Option Visible shows/hides axis header.
Tab Text:
Button [Font] runs header font setup dialog.
Button [Outline] runs dialog for header letters outline adjustment.
Option Inter-char spacing sets letter spacing in axis header.
Button [Gradient] runs gradient fill setup dialog for header text.
Option Outline gradient specifies if gradient fill is used in outline or interior of letters.
Button [Shadow] runs axis header shadow setup dialog.

Tab Labels contains options for axis label adjustment.

Tab Style:
Option Visible shows/hides axes labels.
Option Multiline is used for setting multiline axes labels.
Option Round first rounds first axis label.
Option Label on axis hides labels that go beyond axis.
Option Alternate arranges labels in two lines.

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Option Size sets axis label indent. If 0 value is specified it is selected automatically.
Option Angle sets label rotation angle.
Option Min separation % sets minimum percentage label spacing.
Tab Text:
Button [Font] runs label font setup dialog.
Button [Outline] runs dialog for label letters’ outline adjustment.
Option Inter-char spacing sets letter spacing in label text.
Button [Gradient] runs label gradient fill setup dialog.
Option Outline gradient specifies whether gradient fill is used in outline or interior of letters.
Button [Shadow] runs label shadow setup dialog.

Tab Ticks contains options for axis main ticks adjustment.

Button [Axis] runs axis line setup dialog.
Button [Grid] runs line setup dialog for main ticks’ grid.
Button [Ticks] runs external main axis tick setup dialog. Option Len sets its length.
Button [Inner] runs internal main axis tick setup dialog. Option Len sets its length.
Option Centered centers grid of axis ticks.
Option At labels only displays main axis ticks only if axis labels are present.

Tab Minor contains options for axis intermediate ticks adjustment.

Button [Grid] runs line setup dialog for intermediate ticks grid.
Button [Ticks] runs external intermediate axis tick line setup dialog. Option Length sets its length.
Button [Minor] runs internal intermediate axis tick line setup dialog. Option Len sets its length
Option Count sets number of intermediate ticks between main ones.

Tab Position defines axis size and position.

Option Position % sets axis indent relative to its standard position on graph (in percent to graph size
or in screen units depending on selected option Units).
Option Start % sets axis start indent relative to its standard position on graph (in percent to graph
size).
Option End % sets axis end indent relative to its standard position on graph (in percent to graph
size).

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 Legend editor

Pic. 51. Legend editor window

Editor allows adjusting graphic and legend interface. Right click with [SHIFT] button pressed
on legend to the right of the graph to run it.
Pop-up window with set of tabs will appear.
Tab Style contains settings of legend display, allows choosing data label format and
showing boundaries between legend labels and so on.
Tab Position serves for choosing legend position relative to graphics plan.
Tab Symbols sets legend symbols display parameters.
Tab Title specifies legend name and allows adjusting its format.
Tab Text serves for adjusting legend label format.
Tabs Format, Gradient and Shadow contain settings of legend window, its gradient fill,
and shadow.

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 Graphics set editor

Pic. 52. Graphics set editor window

Graphics set editor serves for colour adjustment of graphics set.
Option Style defines algorithm of graphic’s colour palette specification.
Interpolated palette is used if Interpolate is selected. It is created using colors specified in
fields min colour, 1/3 colour, 2/3 colour and max colour. Value const sets the same colour (option
colour) for all graphics. Value random assigns random colors for all graphics.
Option Line sets colour for graphic’s connecting lines. If this function is OFF palette colour
is used otherwise specified in Line field colour is used.
Option Pointer sets colour for graphic point’s colour fill. If this function is OFF palette
colour is used otherwise specified in Pointer field colour is used.
Option Border sets graphic point’s outline color. If this function is OFF palette colour is
used otherwise specified in Border field colour is used.
Button [Options] runs graphics setup dialog.
Button [Default] returns graphics default settings.

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 Graphics editor

Pic. 53. Graphics editor window

Graphics editor is used for graphic interface setup. Right click with [SHIFT] button pressed
on graphic to run it.
Tab Format contains connecting line settings.
Button [Border] runs connecting line parameters setup dialog.
Button [Color] runs colour setup dialog.
Button [Pattern] runs filling parameters setup dialog.
Button [Outline] runs graphic’s connecting line setup dialog.
Button [Shadow] runs shadows setup dialog.

Tab Point contains plot point settings.

Option Visible is used to show/hide plot points.
Option Style sets point shape.
Option Width sets point width in display units.
Option Height sets point height in display units.
Option Inflate margins defines if image size is zoomed in according to point size or not.
Button [Pattern] runs point’s colour fill setup dialog.
Button [Border] runs point’s outline parameters setup dialog.
Button [Gradient] runs point’s gradient colour fill setup dialog.

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 Tab Marks contains settings of graphic’s point marking.
Tab Style
Option Visible is used to show/hide plot point marking.
Option Draw every allows plotting every second, third and so on marking depending on selected
value.
Option Angle sets point marking rotation angle.
Option Clipped defines whether point marking is plotted or not if it is located beyond graphic
borders.
Tab Arrows allows adjusting arrow from marking to point.
Button [Border] runs arrow line parameters setup dialog.
Button [Pointer] runs arrowhead shape setup dialog (options in tab Point).
Option Length sets arrow length.
Option Distance sets distance between arrowhead and plot point.
Option Arrow head sets type of arrowhead. None – arrowhead specified by [Pointer] button is used.
Line – classic thin arrowhead is used. Solid - classic thick arrowhead is used.
Option Size sets arrowhead size if classic arrow is used.
Tab Format contains graphic settings of marking frame.
Button [Color] runs frame background colour selection dialog.
Button [Frame] runs frame line setup dialog.
Button [Pattern] runs background parameters setup dialog.
Option Bevel sets frame type: usual, elevated or submerged.
Option Size sets elevation or submergence level.
Option Size rounds frame corners.
Options Transparent and Transparency sets frame seamlessness degree.
Tab Text:
Button [Font] runs marking font setup dialog.
Button [Outline] runs marking letter outline setup dialog.
Option Inter-char spacing sets letter spacing for marking text.
Button [Gradient] runs gradient fill for marking text setup dialog.
Option Outline gradient specifies if gradient fill is used in outline or interior of letters.
Button [Shadow] runs marking text shadow setup dialog.
Tab Gradient contains gradient fill settings for frame around markings
Tab Shadow contains shadow settings of frame around marking.

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 Print preview dialog

Use File/Print preview function of the program main menu to run print preview dialog.
Double click on any program object also runs it. Two options are available when running via main
menu:
Option Station serves to print sounding curves and current station model (pic. 63). Model
parameters are displayed as table which contains number, resistivity value and depth of top layer
boundary.

Pic. 63. Window Print preview/Station

Option Section serves to print geoelectrical section (pic. 64).

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 Pic. 64. Window Print preview/Section

Use left button to move print object in the page.

Print Preview window of the main menu contain the following buttons:

- select printer. One of adapted printers can be

chosen in opening menu.

- print setup button. Size and page orientation, print properties, number of
pages per sheet and other parameters can be set in opening window.

- press this button to start printing when necessary parameters are specified.

- save in bitmap files

- close Print preview window.

Squares in the top part of the page are designed for company seals, stamps and symbols.
Right click on the square and choose raster image which you would like to insert in to opening
window. Use mouse to change square size.
Editing table is located at the bottom of the page. In order to add text, right click on the
table and type in necessary text in opening window. Comments can be also saved in table files

using button or already saved comments can be loaded using button.

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 Bibliography cited

1. Vertical electrical sounding. Laboratory course on “Basics of geophysical methods” for

geological students. Textbook of methodics. Moscow, 2007.
2. Hmelevskoj V.K. Geophysical methods of Earth crust investigations. Book 1. Methods of
applied and borehole geophysics. Dubna, 1997. 275 pages.

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 Appendix 1. Lithology data file format

Lithologic columns are hold in certain file formats. First type of files has txt extension.
The following file structure is used to create lithology data file:
First column contains depth (from ground surface) of layer boundary. Second column
contains zeros. Third column defines layer color for visualization, forth – type of pattern
Lift of first 23 patterns which can be used for lithologic column creation is given below.

Lithologic data sample-file is given below:

0 1 0 13 Top of layer 1
4 1 0 13 Bottom of layer 1
4 1 0 19 Top of layer 2
11 1 0 19 Bottom of layer 2
11 1 0 27 Top of layer 3
16 1 0 27 Bottom of layer 3

Second type of files has *.crt extension; these are control files which specify type of data and
way of visualization. Structure of CRT file for lithology data visualization for any number of wells is
described below.
2280.txt First line – logging or lithology data file
скв2280 Second line – Well name (is displayed on well)
18 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 Third line contains control parameters.
Data record 18 – well coordinate on profile.
2 – image width (in percents to profile length, usually 1 - 20).
2 – type of data visualization 0 - 3.
0 - logging data (as graph); carot1.crt
1 - logging data (interpolated colour column), section colour scale is used for visualization;
carot2.crt
2 - lithologic column; strati.crt
3 - logging data (colour column), colours for data visualization correspond to model colour scale,
column colours are selected in compliance with model colour scale;;

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1 - Logging data normalization parameter 0 - 2.
0,1 – the same minimum and maximum is used for all data;
1,2 - subtract average value from every well log;
0 - Logging method index (if different logging methods are displayed indices of all methods should
be specified) 0 – n-1, where n – number of methods.
1 – Plot colour.
0 – Data scale is logarithmic 0 or linear 1.
0 – Vertical well shift relative to ground surface.

3246.txt Description of the following well on profile

скв3246
102 2 2 1 0 1 0 0

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