This paper provides examples of the use of different approaches to obtaining paleorelief and their influence on the result of paleogeographic reconstruction of West Siberian Sedimentary Basin. For this purpose authors examined different methods of paleogeographic reconstructions. Most simple method is subtracting the depth of the top and base of the examined horizons. However, its accuracy is too low for petroleum exploration purposes. For more reliable prediction of hydrocarbon lithological traps distribution we need to consider uneven compaction of the rocks during the formation of the sedimentary cover. The use of this method allowed authors to increase reliability of paleostructural reconstructions.