ABSTRACT A new method for estimating interval velocities without picking is proposed. The first step consists in applying a normal moveout correction with a v, (z, ) stacking velocity on common mid-point gathers. In the second step we estimate local stepouts at every offset and time for each gather. We then integrate the local stepouts across offset to obtain local time shifts. The integration is done in the Fourier domain for increased speed. Finally we estimate the interval velocity in the t space by fitting the time shifts with a tomographic inversion procedure based on a straight rays geometry. This approach is tested on a Gulf of Mexico dataset with flat geology; we demonstrate that lateral velocity variations across faults can be recovered.