Commencing in 1979, geochemical prospecting surveys carried out jointly by SADME and CSIRO in the southern Cooper Basin region showed that it was possible to determine hydrocarbon concentrations in soil samples in the field by gas chromatography, and that surface anomalies could be detected. For the 1980 survey a new sampling technique was used that enabled the gas chromatograph to be located at a central campsite, rather than being mobile in a vehicle. It was felt that this change would improve analysis and sampling efficiency. However, a comparison of the results gained in 1980 with those from the 1979 survey carried out over the same area showed few, if any, meaningful comparisons between the two sets of readings. Testing in 1980 to determine reproducibility of results also showed that this was poor. Lack of survey success in 1980 might be put down to the fact that the sample holes may have been too shallow, that no allowance was made for changes in soil type (i.e. sand vs clay), and that gases could have leaked from the traps or gas chromatograph during analysis. Recommendations for improvements to the survey methods and management are suggested.