The 3D seismic method evolved as a natural outgrowth of 2D seismic exploration. This reprint volume attempts to chronicle both the evolution and the state-of-the-art of the 3D seismic method. Papers selected for this volume sample the literature from the early 1970s through 1998. They were drawn primarily from Geophysics, Geophysical Prospecting, The Leading Edge, and First Break. From these journals and publications alone, more than 200 candidate articles were identified dealing with some aspect of 3D seismic exploration. Selection criteria included historical significance, tutorial value, novelty, theoretical importance, practicality, and cost-benefit analysis. The papers are arranged chronologically. The papers in this volume and their rich reference lists cover virtually all of the relevant work on exploration 3D through 1998. The chapters are "The Early Work," "3-D Field Methods," "3-D Processing Imaging," "3-D Case Histories/Interpretation," "Shallow 3-D Seismic Methods," and "3-D Economics."