Import ASCII data file

Main: Project > Import > Generic ASCII (Spreadsheet)

The Generic ASCII File tool is one of the most useful tools in Petra, since it can load a wide variety of data. Petra stores this information in an internal project database. Especially for corrupted or oddly-configured datasets, its often useful to first work with the dataset in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel.

The UWI (or API number) field must be defined for every row of data. This tool can import data from either tabular (fixed column) or character-delimited ASCII data files.

In addition to the file format, ASCII files can store data for a single well in either:

Single rows, where different columns reflect different pieces of information. In the example below, each well is a single row, with petrophysical measurements in individual columns.
Multiple rows, where each data item and identifier are in separate rows. In the example below, each line has an API number, a top name, and a MD value.

Import ASCII Data dialog tabs

Import File tab	Selects the desired file for import. Select the Open File button and navigate to the desired file.
Data Format tab	Establishes the link between data in the import file and the project database.
Options tab	Controls overlapping data between the project and imported file are loaded.
Locations tab	Sets the format of location data, and how LatLons and XYs are calculated.
Fm Substitution tab	Sets up a formation substitution file. For more information on formation substitution files, see Common Import Options
PDCum tab	Controls how cumulative production data is imported and updated.
Pay Data tab	Sets a source code for all imported pay intervals.
Units tab	Sets how feet and meters for directional survey data and Fm Tops are interpreted.
Velocity tab	Controls how the importer brings in seismic velocities.
Elevation Translation tab	Sets up an elevation substitution file. For more information on formation translation files, see Elevation Translation Codes
Protected tab	Sets certain types of data in the project as protected. When importing data, Petra will not overwrite protected data. Unlike locked data, protecting data here is only relevant for importing data; protected data can still be manually overwritten.

How To Guides

Importing Log Curves from ASCII Files

Importing Monthly Production from ASCII Files