Paper Summary

Delayed Imaging Time (DIT) scans based on Reverse Time Migration (RTM) are often used in production to update velocity models, particularly in subsalt or other low signalto-noise (S/N) areas (Wang et_al, 2009). This approach has been recently enhanced in two ways. Firstly, an automated model building approach has been developed which enhances the quality of the resulting velocity model update with significant reduction in turnaround time. Secondly, the automated approach is used as an effective tool for improving the salt interpretation process. This ability is enhanced by use of properly relaxed constraints. In this paper, we first briefly describe the automated RTMbased DIT scan methodology and then show real data examples which demonstrate the effectiveness of DIT scans for building better salt models in complex areas.