Machine Learning
Get started with Machine Learning in OpendTect. Free datasets are available on TerraNubis — including F3 offshore the Netherlands, Penobscot and the FORCE competition sets — with all plugins available to all users.
OpendTect Machine Learning Developers' Community on Discord
Join the OpendTect ML Developers' Community on Discord. For more information on how to become a member, please read the FAQ.
Blogs
Machine Learning Workflow Blogs
| Publish Date | Author | Title | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 March 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows – Quick UVQ Waveform Segmentation | Video |
| 23 March 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows - Using AI for Salt Detection | Video |
| 30 March 2023 | Marieke van Hout | Machine Learning Workflows - Ready to go AI workflows - Apply Pre-trained Model | Video |
| 06 April 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows - Fast and Simple Seismic Facies Analysis - 3D UVQ Waveform Segmentation | Video |
| 20 April 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows - De-risking charge and seal issues with AI - Neural Network Chimney Cube | Video |
| 04 May 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows - Seismic Inversion using AI - Machine Driven Seismic Inversion Workflow | Video |
| 25 May 2023 | Paul de Groot | Machine Learning Workflows - Supervised AI Seismic Facies | Video |
Machine Learning Blogs
OpendTect webinar: New AVO Formulation and Advances in Bayesian Inversion with the LTrace Bayesian Linear Inversion 'BLI' Plugin
July 3, 2025 · Webinars
Transforming 2D seismic data into Pseudo-3D using cutting-edge machine learning techniques
April 17, 2025 · Webinars
This year marks dGB's 30th birthday — a perfect moment to reflect on where it all began.
April 10, 2025 · Functionality, features and workflows
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.8
November 20, 2024 · Releases
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.7
October 8, 2024 · Releases
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.6b
July 25, 2024 · Releases
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.6
July 16, 2024 · Releases
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.5
May 1, 2024 · Releases
Lessons learnt for tuning a Machine Learning fault prediction model
February 13, 2024 · News
OpendTect Patch Release 7.0.4
February 6, 2024 · Releases
Creating labels for supervised geoscience applications
January 18, 2024 · Functionality, features and workflows
odbind Python Module - an open source Python binding to OpendTect project data
January 11, 2024 · Webinars
Can AI Outshine Human Expertise in Seismic Analysis?
October 19, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Join us at the SBGf International Congress in Rio de Janeiro Brazil from October 16th to 19th, 2023!
October 5, 2023 · Events
Join us for an Exclusive Presentation on Seismic Diffraction Imaging in Malaysia!
September 28, 2023 · Events
Introducing our new Pre-trained Fault model (Fault Net)
September 21, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Optimizing Thinned Fault Likelihood (TFL) through Advanced Filtering and Computing RMS of TFL
September 14, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Data Enhancement of 2D Seismic
September 7, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Come see us at IMAGE '23 and check out what's new in OpendTect 7!
August 17, 2023 · Events
OpendTect Noise Filters Comparison: Cast your preference
July 27, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Pioneering in Machine Learning
July 20, 2023 · General
OpendTect Pro supports two OSDU formats: OpenVDS and OpenZGY
July 13, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Have you upgraded to version 7 yet?
June 29, 2023 · Releases
Two free ML webinars back to back
June 15, 2023 · Webinars
Free webinar on 'Machine Learning and OpendTect: Building and Training your 2D CNN Model'
June 9, 2023 · Webinars
New Major OpendTect release
June 1, 2023 · Events
Machine Learning Workflows - Supervised AI Seismic Facies
May 25, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Free webinar on Approaches to Data Conditioning in OpendTect
May 17, 2023 · Webinars
Machine Learning Workflows - Seismic Inversion using AI - Machine Driven Seismic Inversion Workflow
May 4, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Workflows - De-risking charge and seal issues with AI - Neural Network Chimney Cube
April 20, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Workflows - Fast and Simple Seismic Facies Analysis - 3D UVQ Waveform Segmentation
April 6, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Workflows - Ready to go AI workflows - Apply Pre-trained Model
March 30, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Workflows - Using AI for Salt Detection
March 23, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Machine Learning Workflows – Quick UVQ Waveform Segmentation
March 2, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
XGBoost NPHI Prediction
February 23, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Finding Hydrocarbons with OpendTect's Fluid Contact Finder and Chimney Cube
February 9, 2023 · Functionality, features and workflows
Improving interpretability with Machine Learning
October 27, 2022 · Functionality, features and workflows
High-Resolution 3D Waveform Segmentation
September 8, 2022 · Functionality, features and workflows
5 Online Training Courses in one week - 26th to 30th September
August 29, 2022 · Webinars
dGB Earth Sciences at IMAGE 2022 - Houston
August 25, 2022 · Events
Machine Learning: Lundin GeoLab SimpleDenoise
August 4, 2022 · Releases
AJAX, an ML model to enhance the visual quality and interpretability of 3D seismic
July 28, 2022 · Releases
Desmile; another pearl in OpendTect's library of pre-trained Machine Learning models
July 21, 2022 · Releases
Sharing Trained Machine Learning Models is Redefining our Modus Operandi
July 14, 2022 · Releases
OpendTect patch release 6.6.8
July 14, 2022 · Releases
PyTorch added as development environment in OpendTect
July 7, 2022 · Developers
Sharing Trained Machine Learning Models will redefine our modus operandi
June 2, 2022 · Events
Integrated Machine Learning Rock Property Prediction Workflow
April 21, 2022 · Functionality, features and workflows
Fault Dip and Azimuth for Machine Learning Fault Likelihood
April 14, 2022 · Functionality, features and workflows
High-resolution unsupervised 3D segmentation of waveforms for quick geomorphological analysis - Free webinar
April 7, 2022 · Webinars
OpendTect Technology - Webinar series 2022
March 17, 2022 · Webinars
Machine Learning Fault Prediction Challenge
July 22, 2021 · Competition
One-day, in-person advanced and introduction courses are back in Houston, for as little as 250 USD per seat!
July 1, 2021 · Training
Join our Machine Learning challenge on a brand new free dataset from Delft, The Netherlands
June 29, 2021 · Competition
We are excited to invite you to join our OpendTect Machine Learning Developers' Community!
June 10, 2021 · Developers
The FORCE Machine Learning competition 2020
July 21, 2020 · Competition
OpendTect Technology - Webinar series 2020
May 21, 2020 · Webinars
MOL sponsors Machine Learning Project in OpendTect Pro
July 2, 2018 · News
Press: dGB Earth Sciences announces the release of the fully integrated E&P Machine Learning Platform
January 26, 2018 · News
Code Examples
On the OpendTect-ML-Dev GitHub repository you can find examples on how to develop your own Machine Learning tools and workflows as presented in the Machine Learning webinar videos. We keep updating this repository with relevant content.
Examples and PowerPoint from the webinar of 22nd of April 2021 by David Markus: develop your own Machine Learning tools and workflows with OpendTect
Jupyter Notebook and images from the webinar of 29th of April 2021 by Olawale Ibrahim: how to prepare well logs to get optimal Machine Learning results
Jupyter Notebook from the webinar of 22nd of September 2021 by Friso Brouwer: how to extract data from OpendTect into a Python environment by coding in Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook from the webinar of 17th of February 2022 by Olawale Ibrahim & Sergey Tsimfer: Porting Machine Learning horizon tracking Notebook to OpendTect
Jupyter Notebooks and Python script from the webinar of 15th of June 2023 by Hadyan Pratama: Building and Training your 2D CNN Model with OpendTect
Documentation
User documentation
System Requirements
Development
Workflows
FAQ
How do I use Machine Learning in OpendTect?
Please refer to the User Documentation Machine Learning.
I want to use the 'old' NeuralNetworks plugin. Where can I find it?
In OpendTect 7.0 and 6.6, the 'old' NeuralNetworks plugin is now nestled inside the Machine Learning Control Center. It functions in exactly the same way as did the standalone NN plugin in OpendTect 6.4 and previous versions.
Is there an overview page of all the OpendTect Machine Learning knowledge?
Yes — this page is that overview. You'll find links to the OpendTect 7.0 installer, free datasets, videos, documentation, FAQ, code examples and data here.
Is it possible to develop your own Machine Learning models?
Yes. You can read documentation online, view webinar videos and download example code from GitHub:
To develop in OpendTect - Machine Learning, do I need a license for OpendTect Pro and the Machine Learning plugin?
No. You need to install OpendTect Pro and Machine Learning, but you can develop new models and workflows on a number of free datasets from TerraNubis. These special datasets do not check for licenses.
Can I test my models free-of-charge on my own datasets?
Yes, if you are willing to release the datasets under the Creative Commons License via TerraNubis. If you cannot share the data, you need a license for OpendTect Pro and Machine Learning. Universities can get free licenses under our Academic License Agreement.
What are my options for sharing trained models?
Our goal is to build a world-class library with trained models that can be imported into OpendTect — Machine Learning so users can apply these to solve similar problems on their own datasets. You have complete freedom to decide if you want to share your trained model free-of-charge and in the public-domain, under your own commercial terms, or to keep it proprietary.
Why does the GPU not use all its resources during certain Machine Learning processes?
Within the Machine Learning plugin, it is the Python application that runs training or prediction, not OpendTect itself. Within Python, performance depends entirely on the module being used: very different between Sklearn (CPU only, small memory footprint) and Tensorflow (GPU or CPU, large memory utilization). We monitor updates for these packages and implement newer versions as they become available.
GitHub Repositories
A framework for research and deployment of machine learning models from seismic and well data
A framework for research and deployment that allows for basic interactions with the OpendTect software and database
Examples on how to develop your own Machine Learning tools and workflows. Also includes examples used in webinars.
Published Articles
de Groot, P. and van Hout, M. [2021]. Filling gaps, replacing bad data zones and super-sampling of 3D seismic volumes through Machine Learning. EAGE 2021 Annual Conference
Jaglan, H., Kocsis, G., Lakhliffi, A., and de Groot, P. [2021]. Experiences with Machine Learning and Deep Learning Algorithms for Seismic, Wells and Seismic-to-Well Applications. EAGE 2021 Annual Conference
Saadat, M., Hashemi, H., Nabi-Bidhendi, M. and de Groot, P. [2021]. Incorporating acquisition geometry in deep learning-based full waveform inversion. EAGE 2021 Annual Conference
de Groot, P., Pelissier, M., Refayee, H., and van Hout, M. [2021]. Deep Learning Seismic Object Detection Examples. DEW Journal, July 2021
Download PDFde Groot, P., Pelissier, M., and van Hout, M. [2021]. Seismic classification: A Thalweg tracking/machine learning approach. First Break, Vol. 39, pg. 59-64, March 2021
Gogia, R., Singh, R., de Groot, P., Gupta, H., Srirangarajan, S., Phirani, J. and Ranu, S. [2020]. Tracking 3D Horizons with a New, Hybrid Tracking Algorithm. Interpretation Journal, Nov. 2020
Kocsis, G. and Jaglan, H. [2019]. Pseudo-Wells based HitCube 'trace-matching' and Machine Learning Inversions: Seismic Reservoir Characterization in a Challenging Environment. EAGE Subsurface Intelligence Workshop, Bahrain
Download PDFKumar, P. C., Sain, K., and Mandal, A. [2019]. Delineation of a buried volcanic system in Kora prospect off New Zealand using artificial neural networks and its implications. Journal of Applied Geophysics 161, p. 56-75
Download PDFRefayee, H., and Hemstra, N. [2019]. The Use of Machine Learning to Enhance Faults and Fractures Detection in Seismic Data. 1st Applied Geoscience Conference
Download PDFRimaila, K. [2019]. Interpretation of Hydrocarbon Migration Pathways Using Latest Developments in Machine Learning - Green Canyon, Gulf of Mexico. GeoGulf (GCAGS)
Download PDFSingh, D., Kumar, P.C. and Sain, K. [2016]. Interpretation of gas chimney from seismic data using artificial neural network: A study from Maari 3D prospect in the Taranaki basin, New Zealand. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering
Download PDFRimaila, K., Mustaqeem, A. and Baranova, V. [2015]. Neural Network Application of Curvature Attribute for Fracture Analysis. GeoConvention 2015: New Horizons
Download PDFRahimi Zeynal, A., Aminzadeh, F. Clifford, A. [2012]. Combining Absorption and AVO Seismic Attributes Using Neural Networks to High-Grade Gas Prospects. SPE Western Regional Meeting, Bakersfield, California
Download PDFBrouwer, F.C.G., Connolly, D. and Tingdahl, K. [2011]. A Guide to the Practical Use of Neural Networks.
Download PDFHashemi, H., Tax, D.M.J., Duin, R.P.W., Javaherian, A. and De Groot, P. [2008]. Gas chimney detection based on improving the performance of combined multilayer perceptron and support vector classifier. Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, Volume 15, 863-871
Download PDFAminzadeh, F. and De Groot, P. [2005]. A neural networks based seismic object detection technique. SEG Technical Program, p.775-778
Download PDFAminzadeh, F., Ross, C. and Brouwer, F. [2005]. Assessing hydrocarbon risk with neural network classification methods. EAGE 67th Conference & Exhibition Madrid
Download PDFAminzadeh, F. and De Groot, P. [2004]. Neural network applications. Soft computing for qualitative and quantitative seismic object detection and reservoir property prediction. First Break
De Groot, P., Ligtenberg, H., Oldenziel, T., Connolly, D. and Meldahl, P. [2004]. Examples of multi-attribute, neural network-based seismic object detection. 3D Seismic Technology, GS Memoir No. 29
Download PDFHeggland, R. [2004]. Definition of geohazards in exploration 3-D seismic data using attributes and neural-network analysis. AAPG Bulletin, Volume 88, No. 6
Download PDFLigtenberg, H. [2004]. Sealing quality analysis of faults and formations by means of seismic attributes and neural networks. EAGE Proceedings of Fault and Top Seals conference, Montpellier
Ligtenberg, H. [2003]. Sealing quality analysis of faults and formations by means of seismic attributes and neural networks. EAGE Fault and Top Seal conference, Montpellier, Extended abstract
Download PDFLigtenberg, H. [2003]. Unravelling the petroleum system by enhancing fluid migration paths in seismic data using a neural network based pattern recognition technique. Geofluids magazine, 3, p.255-261
Download PDFLigtenberg, H. and Wansink, G. [2002]. Neural network prediction of permeability in El Garia Formation, Ashtart oilfield, offshore Tunesia. Developments in Petroleum Science, Volume 51, Chapter 19, p.397
Download PDFLigtenberg, H. and Wansink, G. [2001]. Neural network prediction of permeability in El Garia Formation, Ashtart oilfield, offshore Tunesia. Journal of Petroleum Geology JPG, vol.24(4), p.389
Download PDFWansink, G., Yang, L., et al. [2001]. A new confidence bound estimation method for neural networks, an application example. 63rd EAGE conference, Amsterdam
Download PDFAminzadeh, F., et al. [2000]. Reservoir parameter estimation using a hybrid neural network. Computer and Geoscience
Download PDFDe Groot, P. and Bril, A. [2000]. dGB-GDI Concepts & theory.
Download PDFHeggland, R., Meldahl, P., Bril, A. and De Groot, P. [2000]. Detection of Seismic Chimneys by neural networks, a New Prospect Evaluation Tool. 62nd EAGE conference, Glasgow
Download PDFMeldahl, P., Heggland, R., Bril, B. and De Groot, P. [2000]. Semi-automated detection of seismic objects by directive attributes and neural networks, method and applications. 62nd EAGE conference, Extended abstract, Glasgow
Download PDFOldenziel, T., De Groot, P. and Kvamme, L. [2000]. Neural network-based prediction of porosity and water saturation from time-lapse seismic; a case study. First Break
Yang, L., et al. [2000]. An evaluation of confidence bound estimation methods for neural networks. ESIT
Download PDFDe Groot, P. [1999]. Seismic Reservoir Characterisation Using Artificial Neural Networks. 19th Mintrop seminar, Muenster, Germany
Download PDFDe Groot, P. [1999]. Volume Transformation by way of Neural Network Mapping. 61st EAGE Conference, Helsinki
Download PDFMeldahl, P., Heggland, R., De Groot, P. and Bril, A. [1999]. The chimney cube, an example of semi-automated detection of seismic objects by directive attributes and neural networks: Part 1; Methodology. 69th SEG conference, Houston
Meldahl, P., Heggland, R., De Groot, P. and Bril, A. [1999]. The chimney cube, an example of semi-automated detection of seismic objects by directive attributes and neural networks: Part 2; Interpretation. 69th SEG conference, Houston
El Oul, J. [1998]. Neural networks introduction.
Download PDFBraunschweig, B., Bremdal, B.A. and De Groot, P. [1996]. Neural Network experiments on synthetic seismic data. Artificial Intelligence in the Petroleum Industry, p. 93-124
Download PDFDe Groot, P.F.M., Campbell, A.E., Kavli, T. and Melnyk, D. [1993]. Reservoir characterization from 3D seismic data using artificial neural networks and stochastic modelling techniques. 55th EAGE Conference, Stavanger
Download PDFVideos

22 May 2026
OpendTect Webinar: What's New In OpendTect 2026?

27 February 2026
OpendTect Webinar: From Data to Insight: Machine Learning Advances in Seismic Interpretation

21 March 2025
OpendTect Webinar: From 2D Seismic to Pseudo-3D with Machine Learning

06 June 2024
OpendTect Webinar: Past, present, and future of AI in seismic studies

18 January 2024
OpendTect Webinar: odbind Python module — open source Python binding to OpendTect project data

23 June 2023
OpendTect Webinar: Applying and Finetuning your Trained Model: From U-Net Architecture to Seismic Data Interpretation

15 June 2023
OpendTect Webinar: Building and Training Your 2D CNN Model with OpendTect

30 May 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Supervised AI Seismic Facies

25 May 2023
OpendTect Webinar: Data Conditioning

04 May 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Seismic Inversion using AI

20 April 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - De-risking charge and seal issues with AI - Neural Network Chimney Cube

17 April 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Quick UVQ Waveform Segmentation

17 April 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Fast and Simple Seismic Facies Analysis - 3D UVQ Waveform Segmentation

17 April 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Ready to go AI workflows - Apply Pre-trained Model

17 April 2023
Machine Learning Workflows - Using AI for Salt Detection

19 January 2023
OpendTect Webinar: Faults and Fractures

15 December 2022
OpendTect Webinar: Machine Learning with SynthRock Link

18 November 2022
OpendTect Webinar: Cleaning up your data - Dip steering and other filters
22 September 2022
OpendTect Webinar: Thalweg Tracker

15 April 2022
OpendTect Webinar: High-resolution 3D segmentation of waveforms for quick geomorphological analysis

25 March 2022
OpendTect Webinar: Accelerating the Time from Machine Learning R&D to Deployment
17 February 2022
OpendTect Webinar: Porting Machine Learning horizon tracking Notebook to OpendTect

16 December 2021
OpendTect Demo: Machine Learning workflows to create pseudo 3D from 2D seismic

07 October 2021
OpendTect ML Developers Q&A: how to use my own Keras model in the ML UI?

30 September 2021
OpendTect ML Developers Q&A: how can I add my own trained model and other Q+A

23 September 2021
Image '21 Master Class: How to extract data from OpendTect into a Python environment by coding in Jupyter Notebook
23 September 2021
Image '21 Master Class: Log-log Prediction Using ML, Seismic Classification a Thalweg Tracker & ML Approach

01 July 2021
OpendTect Webinar: OpendTect's Hybrid Machine Learning Solution

29 April 2021
OpendTect Webinar: How to prepare well logs to get optimal Machine Learning results

22 April 2021
OpendTect Webinar: Develop your own Machine Learning tools and workflows with OpendTect

26 February 2021
OpendTect Webinar: Machine Learning Applications for Seismic Interpretation
26 February 2021
OpendTect Webinar: Seismic Classification: a Thalweg Tracker / Machine Learning Approach

29 January 2021
OpendTect Webinar: Machine Learning workflows for seismic data interpolation

18 December 2020
Training workflow: Seismic Inversion - Neural Network Prediction

24 November 2020
Training workflow: Pattern Recognition - ChimneyCube

24 November 2020
Training workflow: Pattern Recognition - Waveform Segmentation - Quick UVQ

24 November 2020
Training workflow: Pattern Recognition - Waveform Segmentation - Standard UVQ

18 November 2020
Machine Learning Webinar Q&A - Demo Seismic Object Detection workflow

29 September 2020
Machine Learning Webinar Q&A - Demo Log-Log Prediction workflow

29 September 2020
Machine Learning Webinar Q&A - Demo Image to Image workflow

25 September 2020
Demo of OpendTect's Machine Learning Plugin

24 September 2020
Doodle: Machine Learning is here!

04 June 2020
OpendTect Technology Webinar: Fluid Migration Path Interpretations

23 April 2020
Machine Learning Webinars: Part 5: Creating and Adding New Models

16 April 2020
Machine Learning Webinars: Part 4: Synthesizing Training Data with SynthRock

09 April 2020
Machine Learning Webinars: Part 3: Applications: Seismic, Logs, and Seismic-to-log

02 April 2020
Machine Learning Webinars: Part 2: Theory: Deep Neural Networks and Other New Algorithms

27 March 2020
Machine Learning Webinars: Part 1: Theory: Introduction