Abstract Exploration for new reserves of oil and gas today demands a thorough analysis of all available geologic data. A knowledge of geologic structure alone is no longer adequate. To successfully delineate favorable prospects, an understanding of the stratigraphic attributes of an area is necessary. Stratigraphic elements important in localizing hydrocarbon reservoirs can be determined by preparation and interpretation of paleo-environmental, structural, and stratigraphic cross sections; paleogeologic, isopach, paleoenvironmental, and lithofacies maps; panel, block, and triangular diagrams; and special-purpose maps.