METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TIME-EFFICIENT SEISMIC PROSPECTING

A seismic survey uses a central control and a seismic source. The seismic source has a vibrator that acoustically couples to the ground using a moveable pad. A method for performing a seismic survey includes sending a first message from the seismic source to the central control indicating a time at which the pad is being lowered; estimating a time at which the pad will be acoustically coupled to the ground based on the first message; and sending a message from the central control to the seismic source to begin a sweep, the sweep beginning no sooner than the estimated time. Another method includes: mapping a surface of a terrain to be traversed by the truck using at least one sensor carried by the truck; positioning a moveable pad based on the mapped surface to provide a physical gap between the surface and the moveable pad; and traversing the mapped terrain with the truck.