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REVIEW

Optimizing 3D seismic parameters in congested oil fields: A systematic and bibliometric review of research progress and challenges

Frank O. Ofowena1 ,  Akhmal Sidek1* ,  Yasir Bashir2 ,  Mingtao Nie3
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1 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
2 Geophysical Engineering, Faculty of Mines, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
3 BGP, China National Petroleum Corporation, Zhuozhou, Hebei, China
JSE 2026, 35(1), 1–13; https://doi.org/10.36922/JSE025430093
Submitted: 23 October 2025 | Revised: 12 January 2026 | Accepted: 13 January 2026 | Published: 26 February 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) seismic parameter optimization has become an essential component of subsurface imaging, especially in oil fields where space, safety, and environmental restrictions limit conventional survey design. This study critically reviews and synthesizes 87 English-language publications on 3D seismic parameter optimization retrieved from the Scopus database. The analysis combined a systematic literature review with bibliometric mapping, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Biblioshiny software to identify thematic patterns, research clusters, and methodological gaps. The results show that global research on 3D seismic optimization has grown steadily from 2003 to 2025, reflecting an increasing emphasis on survey efficiency and sustainable exploration. Early studies focused on geometric configuration and fold distribution, whereas recent works integrate environmental safety, vibration control, and cost efficiency. Three major thematic clusters were identified: Geometric and operational optimization, congestion and environmental management, and the integration of emerging sensing and modeling technologies. Despite this progress, most studies lack standardized congestion metrics, quantitative vibration thresholds, and comprehensive economic evaluations. The review concludes that 3D seismic optimization has evolved into a multidisciplinary framework that connects geometry, environmental protection, and operational safety. Future research should adopt measurable congestion indices, integrate distributed acoustic sensing technologies, and strengthen academic–industry collaboration to promote reproducible, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible seismic survey design.

Keywords
3D seismic optimization
Survey design
Congested oil fields
Vibration control
Sustainable exploration
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that there are no known financial or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.
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