Frequently Asked Questions

Drillmark Energy is a Canadian research organization that documents and analyzes the physical impact of drilling-support operations on land surfaces. We combine satellite observation, field measurement, and terrain modeling to create comprehensive impact profiles that support responsible planning and environmental management.

Our work focuses on ground compression, access track formation, soil displacement, vegetation disruption, water flow redirection, and infrastructure placement requirements across petroleum-support environments.

Our research serves multiple stakeholder groups:

• Site planners – for informed site selection and corridor routing
• Environmental engineers – for impact assessment and compliance documentation
• Land-use analysts – for terrain suitability evaluation
• Reclamation specialists – for realistic restoration planning and target setting
• Infrastructure planners – for foundation placement and stability assessment

We conduct research across Canada's petroleum-support environments, with particular focus on western provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Our analysis covers diverse terrain types from boreal forest to prairie grassland, examining how operational impact patterns vary across different ecological and geological contexts.

Our mapping process involves four key stages:

• Baseline Documentation – Pre-operational imagery analysis to establish natural terrain conditions
• Operational Monitoring – Regular satellite and aerial observation during active operations
• Post-Activity Assessment – Comprehensive mapping of final operational footprint
• Change Detection Analysis – Comparative overlay to quantify total surface transformation

We utilize multi-spectral satellite imagery with resolution ranging from 30cm to 10m, validated with field GPS measurements and ground-level photography.

Our field documentation includes:

• Soil core sampling and compression depth measurement
• Vegetation coverage assessment and species identification
• Erosion pattern documentation and channel formation
• Water flow observation and drainage pattern changes
• Surface marking intensity and persistence evaluation
• Ground stability testing and load-bearing capacity analysis

Footprint area measurements are accurate to within ±5% for areas larger than 1 hectare. Linear feature mapping (such as access tracks) achieves ±2m positional accuracy. Temporal analysis requires imagery captured under similar conditions to ensure valid comparison.

All measurements are validated through ground control integration and cross-referenced with multiple data sources to ensure reliability.

Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity:

• Desktop analysis (satellite-only) – 2-4 weeks
• Standard assessment (satellite + limited field work) – 4-8 weeks
• Comprehensive study (multi-temporal analysis + extensive field documentation) – 3-6 months
• Long-term monitoring (ongoing change detection) – multi-year programs

Specific timelines are established during project scoping based on site size, data availability, and analysis requirements.

Yes. Post-operational analysis is one of our core capabilities. We can document current terrain conditions, quantify total surface transformation, map persistent features, and provide evidence-based reclamation guidance—even for sites where pre-operational baseline data is unavailable.

Historical satellite imagery enables change detection dating back 15-20 years for many regions.

Our role is analytical rather than prescriptive. We provide comparative terrain analysis showing impact patterns across different site configurations, but final site selection decisions remain with operational planners who must balance terrain considerations with operational requirements, access constraints, and regulatory frameworks.

Our analysis identifies terrain characteristics that influence surface disruption intensity, enabling informed decision-making.

We document terrain conditions that influence foundation stability—including ground compression history, soil displacement patterns, drainage alterations, and surface subsidence. This information supports infrastructure planning decisions, but detailed structural engineering remains outside our research scope.

Our analysis identifies favorable placement zones and areas requiring additional foundation support.

Yes. Our terrain analysis frequently complements environmental impact assessments by providing detailed surface transformation documentation. We collaborate with environmental consultants to integrate physical terrain data with ecological impact evaluation, creating comprehensive site assessment packages.

We utilize multi-spectral satellite imagery from various providers, selecting data sources based on required resolution, temporal frequency, and spectral band availability. Different analysis requirements benefit from different imagery characteristics—change detection requires consistent temporal coverage, while detailed feature mapping prioritizes high spatial resolution.

Seasonal factors significantly influence surface visibility and measurement approaches:

• Snow cover – Masks surface features but reveals winter access patterns
• Vegetation growth – Peak season imagery best shows coverage loss; dormant season reveals ground features
• Soil moisture – Affects spectral signatures and influences erosion detection
• Frozen ground – Reduces apparent compression but shows surface marking patterns

Multi-season imagery collection provides comprehensive terrain assessment across different environmental conditions.

Our analysis employs industry-standard GIS platforms and remote sensing software for imagery processing, spatial analysis, and mapping production. Specific tools are selected based on analysis requirements and data formats. Final deliverables are provided in formats compatible with standard GIS systems.

Initial inquiries can be submitted through our contact form or by emailing research@drillmarkenergy.com. Please provide site location, analysis objectives, required deliverables, and any timeline constraints. Our team will respond within 1-2 business days to discuss project scope and feasibility.

Minimum requirements include:

• Site location (coordinates or general area description)
• Approximate operational timeframe
• Analysis objectives and intended use of results
• Any existing baseline data or previous assessments

Additional information (operational details, site plans, environmental reports) enhances analysis depth but is not mandatory for initial scoping.

Generalized research findings (without site-specific details) are occasionally published in technical journals or presented at industry conferences. Client-specific analysis remains confidential unless publication is explicitly authorized. Our Insights section contains anonymized case studies and technical notes.

Yes. In addition to formal analysis projects, we provide expert consultation on terrain impact assessment methodologies, reclamation strategy development, and infrastructure placement optimization. Consultation engagements can be structured as hourly advisory services or integrated into comprehensive project delivery.