A method for locating casing string joints using a measurement while
drilling tool is disclosed. The method includes deploying an MWD tool in
a wellbore and measuring the magnetic field along a length of the
wellbore. Changes in the magnetic field along the length of the wellbore
are evaluated to determine the location of at least one casing joint.
Embodiments of this invention may be advantageously utilized, for
example, in sidetracking operations to avoid milling through a casing
joint. Use of this invention may obviate the need for a separate wireline
run to locate the casing joints.