Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing known data, storing the known data in a pattern database (“PDB”) as a template is provided. Additional methods are provided for comparing new data against the templates in the PDB. The data is stored in such a way as to facilitate the visual recognition of desired patterns or indicia indicating the presence of a desired or undesired feature within the new data. Data may be analyzed as fragments, and the characteristics of various fragments, such as sting length, may be calculated and compared to other indicia to indicate the presence or absence of a particular substance, such as a hydrocarbon. The apparatus and method is applicable to a variety of applications where large amounts of information are generated, and/or if the data exhibits fractal or chaotic attributes.