The way ahead

Clearly, the methodology described in this paper is only weakly supported by the simple 2-D example presented here. The challenge lies in the implementation of the non-linear inversion process capable of computing the optimum source and receiver positions given all the geophysical, logistical and financial constraints for 3-D data.

The sensitivity of the acquisition geometry to the accuracy of the initial structural and velocity model is also clearly an important issue to be analyzed in detail. Extensive research will have to be done before clear guidelines can be established in that respect.