A processor-based system utilizes analytical techniques that organize large volumes of hydrocarbon well data around spatial patterns, well characteristics, and/or calculated performance measurements in order to analyze the large volumes of well data faster and more efficiently. For example, one embodiment uses a custom-created library of metadata and rules that enables the underlying processor-based system to transform large volumes of oil and gas well data into a more organized and efficient database, saving many hours of labor. In particular, some of the organizational techniques include combinations of over 100 descriptors for each well, a variety of well-ranking regimes (such as Tiers, Quintiles, and Deciles), production profiles, and other groupings (such as Play Type, Operator Class, and the like).