Drillers also use sensors to detect particularly promising rock intervals within the formation, and are able to move the drill string up or down, left or right as they drill through the horizontal section to target those intervals.

FORBES: Horizontal Drilling: A Technological Marvel Ignored

Each section has its own personality, but all share the same basic navigational template: horizontal lists piled atop one another.

ENGADGET: Steam Big Picture beta hands-on HD