Currently, the selection of receiving traces in geometry design is mostly based on the horizontal layered medium hypothesis, which is unable to meet survey requirements in a complex area. This paper estimates the optimal number of receiving traces in field geometry using a numerical simulation based on a field test conducted in previous research （Zhu et al., 2011）. A mathematical model is established for total energy and average efficiency energy using fixed trace spacing and optimal receiving traces are estimated. Seismic data acquired in a complex work area are used to verify the correctness of the proposed method. Results of model data calculations and actual data processing show that results are in agreement. This indicates that the proposed method is reasonable, correct, sufficiently scientific, and can be regarded as a novel method for use in seismic geometry design in complex geological regions.
