A method and apparatus for reliable and low-cost acquisition of offset
checkshot survey data using tube wave conversion. An acoustic receiver is
deployed in a fluid-filled well, preferably at or near the top thereof. At
least one tube-wave conversion point is used, such as an interface between
two immiscible fluids, a change in casing geometry or a wellbore
constriction. The traveltime of a tube wave from the tube-wave conversion
point to the acoustic receiver is determined. Then, a seismic signal is
generated at a laterally offset location. The total seismic signal
traveltime along a raypath from the source location to the tube-wave
conversion point and then upwardly through the fluid-filled well to the
acoustic receiver is measured. The previously determined tube-wave
traveltime from the conversion point to the acoustic receiver is then
subtracted from the total traveltime to obtain the seismic signal
traveltime from the source location to the tube-wave conversion point.