An Integrated Approach to Ranking the Development Potential of Petroleum Provinces

An expert-based methodology for constructing an integrated spatial ranking of oil fields within petroleum provinces is presented. The approach is based on the attributive integration of normalized geological and technological parameters together with a relative capital intensity index (CAPEX) implemented within a GIS environment. The proposed method enables consistent comparative ranking of development targets and their cartographic representation, supporting strategic planning of hydrocarbon resource development. The study demonstrates the differentiation of major oil fields based on a combination of reservoir properties, technological development parameters, and natural–climatic conditions affecting field operations. The results indicate that high values of the integrated index are typically associated with fields characterized by favorable reservoir filtration–capacity properties (porosity–permeability characteristics) and moderate burial depths, whereas complex deep carbonate reservoirs tend to exhibit higher relative capital intensity. The results confirm the applicability of the integrated ranking methodology for comparative evaluation and spatial prioritization of prospective areas within major petroleum provinces, including territories located in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.