DALLAS, SEG International Exposition -- SGI today announced Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd. has installed Qatar's first SGI(R) Reality Center(R), a 3D visualization center enabling Occidental's engineers and geoscientists to interpret and evaluate seismic data with greater precision than ever before. The facility promises a significant improvement in exploration and production of oil in the region. "I would like to congratulate the entire team that worked on this impressive project," commented His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Energy and Industry, Qatar, at the recent inauguration of the Visualization Center. "The Reality Center facility will be an important asset in the development of Qatar's oil and gas industry." "The Reality Center environment is an advanced method of evaluating seismic data, allowing virtual walkthroughs of oil wells," said Carey Lowe, president and general manager, Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd. "For the work team, viewing multiple images simultaneously provides a much more comprehensive evaluation of data than crowding around paper maps or a small computer screen. The seismic data can be used to simulate cyber wells or rotations in space to test their effectiveness." "SGI is very proud to have implemented this Reality Center facility," added said Gilbert Soufan, general manager, Middle East, and North Africa, SGI. "The advanced visualization system developed for Occidental Petroleum will improve exploration and production in the region by allowing easy review of old and new oil wells." Reality Center incorporates the latest in digital light processing (DLP) projection technology, driven by a Silicon Graphics(R) Onyx(R) 3000 series visualization system, along with an integrated system of supercomputers, high-speed graphics systems, four screens and digital stereo projection equipment. Combined, they effortlessly transform large amounts of seismic and well data into sharp 3D models of the subsurface. The $1 million center is also being used to interpret seismic data for reservoir characterization and development planning, using the latest 3D seismic and geological modelling applications. Geoscientists can visualize multiple seismic attribute volumes, enabling them to more accurately interpret faults and structures in the subsurface, thereby minimizing drilling problems and enhancing production.