Link copied to clipboard # Petrel E&P Software Platform vs Surfer Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/surfer/export.csv) Petrel E&P Software PlatformSurfer[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Petrel E&P Software Platform** No pricing available **Surfer** Free Trial **$659.00** 1 License Per Year · Surfer® single -user subscription **$110.00** 1 License Per Month · Surfer® single-user subscription **$1,599.00** 1 Seat Per Year · Surfer® concurrent-use subscription **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough reviews yet **Surfer** $$$$$ Average Discount **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough reviews yet **Surfer** Not enough reviews yet Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Petrel E&P Software Platform** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Surfer** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Petrel E&P Software Platform** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Surfer** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough data **Surfer** Not enough data Integrations **Petrel E&P Software Platform** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6cd4e0d49d7ae144e35676d8f0ef0ff8/ihs-kingdom.png "Product Avatar Image") IHS Kingdom ](https://www.g2.com/products/ihs-kingdom/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/integrations) **Surfer** Not enough data Screenshots **Petrel E&P Software Platform** No screenshot available **Surfer** ![Surfer screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/43183/expirable-direct-uploads_2F21a54e46-f8bd-496a-a56d-a7e938d0f392_2FSurfer_contourmap-oceansalinity.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Petrel E&P Software Platform** **9.4** /10 Based on 11 responses **Surfer** **8.6** /10 Based on 102 responses Ease of Use **Petrel E&P Software Platform** **8.3** /10 Based on 11 responses **Surfer** **8.7** /10 Based on 106 responses Ease of Setup **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough data **Surfer** **9.1** /10 Based on 48 responses Ease of Admin **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough data **Surfer** **8.9** /10 Based on 47 responses Quality of Support **Petrel E&P Software Platform** **8.5** /10 Based on 10 responses **Surfer** **9.2** /10 Based on 90 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Petrel E&P Software Platform** Not enough data **Surfer** **9.3** /10 Based on 45 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Petrel E&P Software Platform** **8.8** /10 Based on 10 responses **Surfer** **8.4** /10 Based on 107 responses **Features** ratings from reviews GIS Not enough data **7.9** /10 Based on 8 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 35.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 35.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 29.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 53.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 25.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 21.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 53.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 25.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 21.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Petrel E&P Software Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_eb44e7f38828e8cd816292354dc45ada/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform.png "Petrel E&P Software Platform")](https://www.g2.com/products/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/reviews) Petrel E&P Software Platform Oil & Energy 70.6% Research 5.9% Mining & Metals 5.9% Higher Education 5.9% Apparel & Fashion 5.9% Other 5.9% [![Surfer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ab311f30fa76587408489170d4624c/surfer.png "Surfer")](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews) Surfer Environmental Services 29.0% Oil & Energy 15.3% Research 12.9% Mining & Metals 11.3% Civil Engineering 9.7% Other 21.8% Alternatives **Petrel E&P Software Platform Alternatives** ![My Quorum](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2e6aa860d2288f4c2b6e6ccdf442859d/my-quorum.png "My Quorum") [ My Quorum ](/products/my-quorum/reviews) ![OpendTect](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_bc766fd2ed34e436d9b9d837a352e831/opendtect.png "OpendTect") [ OpendTect ](/products/opendtect/reviews) ![Aspen HYSYS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9559b073cabbd8f5db1d7e5636e38ee9/aspen-hysys.jpg "Aspen HYSYS") [ Aspen HYSYS ](/products/aspen-hysys/reviews) ![Leapfrog Geo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/34845539d965d7acc64626fe30e5ceef/leapfrog-geo.svg "Leapfrog Geo") [ Leapfrog Geo ](/products/leapfrog-geo/reviews) **Surfer Alternatives** ![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS") [ Esri ArcGIS ](/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) ![GEOVIA Surpac](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_4c5297c6ba5e34de0a4732d584ad6258/geovia-surpac.png "GEOVIA Surpac") [ GEOVIA Surpac ](/products/geovia-surpac/reviews) ![Google Earth Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1b503776988799afd39b27ecbf029a24/google-earth-pro.png "Google Earth Pro") [ Google Earth Pro ](/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS") [ QGIS ](/products/qgis/reviews) ## Petrel E&P Software Platform vs Surfer FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Surfer vs Petrel E&P Software Platform? Surfer is distinguished by its higher Ease of Setup and Quality of Support scores, while Petrel E&P Software Platform is rated slightly higher overall and excels in meeting requirements. | | [Surfer](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews) | [Petrel E&P Software Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.6/5 (126 reviews) | 4.7/5 (17 reviews) | | Ease of Setup score | 9.1 | — | | Quality of Support score | 9.2 | 8.5 | | Meets Requirements | 8.6 | 9.4 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Powerful and easy-to-use contouring, gridding, and surface mapping with automation capabilities | Comprehensive end-to-end solution with advanced 2D/3D visualization and AI/ML-driven interpretation | ### How do the pricing models of Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform compare? Surfer is considered the stronger value by reviewers, as reflected in its higher satisfaction with price and cost-related dimensions. - **Surfer:** In recent reviews, many users highlight Surfer as a great product for the price, noting its affordability and strong feature set for mapping and analysis. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers frequently mention that Petrel E&P Software Platform is very expensive, making it difficult for smaller companies to procure for smaller projects. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers cite cost as a key reason for preferring Surfer over more expensive platforms for mapping and 3D analysis. ### What are the best alternatives to Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform? The best alternatives to Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform are Esri ArcGIS, GEOVIA Surpac, and IHS Kingdom. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Surfer](https://www.g2.com/products/surfer/reviews) | 4.6/5 (126 reviews) | — | Inexpensive for the feature set | Powerful and easy-to-use contouring, gridding, and surface mapping | | [Petrel E&P Software Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/schlumberger-petrel-e-p-software-platform/reviews) | 4.7/5 (17 reviews) | — | Very expensive, especially for small projects | Comprehensive end-to-end solution with advanced visualization and AI/ML | | [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Industry-standard for spatial analysis and mapping | | [GEOVIA Surpac](https://www.g2.com/products/geovia-surpac/reviews) | 4.5/5 (23 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive geological modeling and mine planning | | [IHS Kingdom](https://www.g2.com/products/ihs-kingdom/reviews) | 4.4/5 (18 reviews) | — | — | Strong seismic interpretation and geoscience workflows | ### Which Geology and Seismic features should I prioritize when comparing Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform? Buyers should prioritize spatial analysis, 2D/3D visualization, automation capabilities, advanced modeling, and integration features when comparing Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform. - **Spatial Analysis:** Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform are both frequently cited for spatial analysis capabilities, with Surfer noted for its powerful contouring and mapping, and Petrel for advanced 2D/3D visualization and interpretation. - **2D/3D Visualization:** Petrel E&P Software Platform is highlighted for advanced 2D and 3D visualization, while Surfer is praised for easy-to-use 3D mapping and surface modeling. - **Automation Capabilities:** Surfer supports scripting and automation through VBA and other programming languages, enabling efficient repetitive task handling. - **Advanced Modeling:** Petrel E&P Software Platform is recognized for comprehensive geological and reservoir modeling, including AI/ML-driven interpretation. - **Integration Features:** Surfer reviewers mention integration with Matlab and other tools, while Petrel is noted for data transfer and connectivity with other E&P software. ### What are the pros and cons of Surfer vs Petrel E&P Software Platform? Surfer's headline strength is its ease of use and powerful mapping tools, while Petrel E&P Software Platform stands out for its comprehensive end-to-end geoscience solution and advanced visualization. - **Surfer strengths:** Easy to use for contouring, gridding, and 3D mapping; affordable for the feature set; supports automation and scripting; praised for customer support and rapid updates. - **Surfer trade-offs:** Limited advanced geospatial analysis compared to higher-end platforms; some users desire more direct integration with ESRI and additional CAD-like functionality; learning curve for advanced customizations. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform strengths:** Complete end-to-end solution for geoscience workflows; advanced 2D/3D visualization; AI/ML-driven interpretation; strong modeling integration across disciplines; supports large and complex datasets. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform trade-offs:** Very expensive, especially for small projects; requires significant hardware resources; steep learning curve for new users; interface can be overwhelming; limited platform compatibility (primarily Windows). ### Is Surfer or Petrel E&P Software Platform better for small businesses? Surfer is better suited for small businesses, as reflected in reviewer sentiment and pricing feedback. - **Surfer:** Reviewers consistently highlight Surfer's affordability, ease of use, and suitability for both undergraduates and consultants, making it accessible for small businesses. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers note that the high cost of Petrel E&P Software Platform makes it difficult for smaller companies to adopt, and it is more commonly used in larger organizations or for complex projects. ### Which Geology and Seismic platform has better integrations? Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform are at parity for integrations, with both products mentioned for connectivity but no dominant integration leader in recent reviews. - **Surfer:** Reviewers mention integration with Matlab and a desire for more direct ESRI integration. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers note data transfer and connectivity with other E&P software, but do not cite specific third-party integrations by name. ### How do Surfer and Petrel E&P Software Platform compare on customer support? Surfer has a higher Quality of Support score (9.2 vs 8.5), indicating a stronger reviewer sentiment for support experiences. - **Surfer:** Reviewers frequently praise Surfer's customer support, describing it as unmatched, responsive, and helpful, with many citing rapid assistance and continuous updates based on user feedback. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers describe support as generally good and helpful, but some mention challenges with documentation and finding relevant help, as well as occasional issues with software updates and platform compatibility. ### Which is easier to implement, Surfer or Petrel E&P Software Platform? Surfer is easier to implement, with a higher Ease of Setup score and consistently positive reviewer feedback on onboarding and usability. - **Surfer:** Reviewers describe Surfer as intuitive, easy to learn, and quick to set up, with many noting that even undergraduate students can become proficient in a single lab session. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers mention a steep learning curve and an overwhelming interface for new users, requiring several weeks of practice to achieve proficiency. ### Which product has better Spatial Analysis? Surfer is favored for Spatial Analysis, as reflected in reviewer sentiment and feature mentions. - **Surfer:** Reviewers consistently highlight Surfer's spatial analysis capabilities, with frequent mentions of powerful contouring, gridding, and mapping tools, and a strong focus on spatial data visualization. - **Petrel E&P Software Platform:** Reviewers note advanced 2D/3D visualization and interpretation features, but spatial analysis is less frequently cited as a core strength compared to Surfer. ## Petrel E&P Software Platform vs Surfer - Reviewers felt that Petrel E&P Software Platform meets the needs of their business better than Surfer. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Surfer is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Petrel E&P Software Platform over Surfer.