Well Status & Classification

Clear, well-defined reference value lists which convey information with precision and clarity are essential to unambiguous communication, integration, and interoperability. Members of the PPDM Association expend considerable energy and attention to identifying and resolving key areas where current reference lists are conflicting or unclear. Well status and classification reference lists used today usually combine many kinds of information in one list, to the extent that one value in a list may explicitly convey more than one kind of information in a complex code, imply (but not state) critical information, or even leave important information out entirely.

Faceted Taxonomy

One approach to creating useful reference lists is to assemble various relevant properties into a logical set as has been done in “Well Status and Classification”. The set is a faceted taxonomy, and each list is one facet in the taxonomy.


Each facet is constructed according to some simple rules that we have outlined in this work for you and offers some powerful functionality.

  • Objects can be retrieved from one or more datasets according to their value in a single facet
  • By combining information from many facets, users can group objects for many business purposes
  • A properly constructed set of facets allows rapid retrieval of data objects according to criteria that are familiar to users, without requiring complex queries or knowledge of the data structure. While this information is derivable from a good data store, facets can be helpful shortcuts
  • Facets can be used to develop symbol sets or dashboard displays as appropriate

Thank you to our many volunteers and sponsor for seeing the Well Status and Classification Version 3 through to completion.

Well Status & Classification Update

James Pipe, PPDM’s Well Status & Classification Work Group