Many users who wish to convert a block model to an alternative format or to change the size of the blocks, often use the block model converter. However, there is another simpler method within GEMS that will allow you to re-block a model into smaller blocks. The Update from Existing GEMS Workspace command works best when the block models have the same origin and outer dimensions.

This is a useful method for geologists that need to subdivide the original block size into smaller sub-blocks and assign the original block attributes e.g. grade, density or qualities to the smaller sub-blocks without having to re-estimate the block model. The below image illustrates the before and after using the Update from Existing GEMS Workspace command.

To be able to perform this functionality, you require the block model module to be enabled on your GEMS license.

1. First, create a new block model workspace with the same folder and attribute structure as the block model you wish to re-block. This can be done manually or you can export and import the original block model to copy the format. The names of the folders and attributes must match exactly, or the update will not work. See the steps below:
   • Export the block model you want to re-block to BLK files.
   • Right-click on the Block Model heading in the project view window an select “Import Block Model Project“
   • In the Import Block Model Project dialog select the option “From a GEMS binary block-model” and browse to the exported block model.
   • Click on the “Create Workspace” button to create a new blank model workspace. You do not have to work about setting up the properties.
   • Click Import and save the block model workspace.
   • Initialize the block model attributes to default values.
2. Right-click on the new block model workspace in the project view window and open the properties.

   
   

3. Change the block size to the desired values and adjust the number for each direction accordingly so that the model remains the same size.
   
4. Save the block model.
5. Right-click on the block model workspace and choose “Update from Workspace“
   
6. Select the original block model workspace.
7. In the Define Models to Update dialog, select all the desired model attributes to update. Click OK.
   
8. Check the results of the update and save the workspace.

You may also be interested in more GEMS tips:

• Converting Solids into Surfaces in GEMS
• Displaying Linked Files in GEMS

We also recently released GEMS 6.8 with new upgrades to drillhole functionality and block caving modules. Read more