Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition may include sending a first message to place a plurality of energy sources into an operating mode; sending a second message to place at least one of plurality of energy sources into a non-operating mode; and sending a third message from at least one energy source to a controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling seismic data acquisition includes synchronizing a sampling rate of at least one node configured to acquire seismic data with a GPS timing signal from a first GPS seismic device; and delaying sending a start signal to one or more seismic sources, the delay being with reference to a GPS timing signal from a second GPS device.

Abstract: A system for acquiring seismic information may include a seismic spread in signal communication with a central controller having a central recording system, a source encoder in signal communication with the seismic spread, and a source decoder in wireless signal communication with the source encoder. The source decoder and the encoder are each selectively responsive to a control signal and can be selectively configured to transmit the control signal.

Abstract: A seismic spread has a plurality of seismic stations positioned over a terrain of interest and a controller programmed to automate the data acquisition activity. In one embodiment, the controller forms a queue of sources that are ready to fire and initiating the firing of the sources according to a preset protocol. The sensor stations each include power management circuitry that may shift or adjust the power level of the sensor station during the data acquisition activity. During operation, the controller broadcasts data that the power management circuitry of each sensor station uses to determine the appropriate energy state for that sensor station. This determination may be made using the broadcast data alone or in conjunction with other data such as a GPS-determined position of the sensor station. Thus, in one aspect, each sensor station self-selects an energy state according to the broadcast status of the data acquisition activity.