Summary The application of a paradigm-changing Integrated Near-Surface Characterization (INSC) workflow to extract more knowledge about the near-surface zone, more general image quality, and more value from legacy and new onshore seismic data, is showcased. This new-generation INSC methodology was applied to a challenging 3D seismic legacy dataset from onshore Colombia, characterized by severe noise contamination and near-surface (static) effects, in a geologically complex setting. Here, we show the benefit of INSC in providing deep understanding of spatial behaviour of all near-surface related noise and data challenges, and in improving the quality-assurance and decision-making processes for the full time-domain onshore seismic data processing sequence. This reduced project turn-around. Through integrated spatial analysis between all INSC datasets, existing surface geological maps were successfully updated and delivered. The INSC GIS database and maps are additional products to asset teams and all stakeholders. The near-surface P-wave velocity model (VP) from refraction tomography was enhanced in key areas with a shallow structural framework, which aided parallel depth imaging and pushed the project from time-domain static to depth-domain near-surface solutions. The INSC deliverables can provide value to time-processing QC, depth imaging and near-surface VP modelling, geo-hazard assessment, EOR, unconventional E&P, near-field exploration, infill drilling planning, etc.