Overall, the ability of these flattening schemes to flatten 3-D volumes of data in complex geology is steadily developing. A method for handling faults has been defined but needs more testing. The issues related to unconformities and pinch-out are being addressed but still need more development and testing.
The T-X domain approach was able to flatten the faulted model. This was possible because half of the fault's tip-line was encased within the data cube. If the fault were to cut all the way across the data cube then it would be necessary to first calculate the slip distribution along the fault and use the slip values as dips.
Multiple iterations of the flattening method were able to remove the residual structure from the test case with structure varying with depth. The data cube was essentially flat after four iterations. The anticipated issues of multiple data points mapping into a single point associated with pinch-outs have not yet been addressed because the dip becomes too small to be sensitive to this.
The two possible solutions for dealing with angular unconformities, need to be tested. The first solution is to merely identify the unconformity, break the data into different cubes, flatten separately, and then recombine. The second solution requires solving a challenging differential equation but may require less picking.
The present procedure for applying the shifts to cubes is very simplistic and needs enhancement. The current approach is to hold the central trace constant and shift all other traces vertically to match it. However, a procedure for actually applying the shifts in the presence of numerous non-vertical faults, over-turned beds, pinch-outs, and unconformities needs to be developed.