The default view is of the US with only producing wells shown. Most of the wells are displayed as "fields" or 'clusters' until you zoom in closer.
This grouping of wells in large areas is limited for performance reasons. Data can be found for a well by clicking on the API number in the infobox that appears after clicking on a marker. Google maps (along with about any other web based map program) consumes a large amount of memory when faced with plotting as many points as oilwellmaps.com does. A new PC along with a fast network connection helps greatly. Restrating your browser after long periods of use can help too.
Clicking the checkbox next to "production only" will hide any nonproducing wells,
Use the F11 key to temporarily maximize the size of your web browser to see the most chart area. Pressing F11 again will return it to the previous size.
Use the "Zoom in" link in the pop-up ballon for a well to center the map at that location and zoom in. Switch to satellite view and "Zoom in" again to really get a close look at a well.
Detailed well information is available by clicking a marker and then clicking the API name in the pop-up balloon.
You must have javascript enabled in your browser for this site to work properly. Enabling bookmarks will also allow your settings to be saved between sessions.
Google Maps imposes some minimum requirements on the browser, which thus also apply to this site. Currently supported are IE 6.0+, Firefox 0.8+, Safari 1.2.4+, Netscape 7.1+, Mozilla 1.4+, and Opera 8.02+. IE 5.0 is not supported. Also, this site obviously uses lots and lots of images and data. It is really slow over dial-up.