Surpac Structural Suite – Part 3

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How to generate DTM Gradient Data, how to locate drillholes and how to create structural planes from surfaces, solids or selected points.

 

In the last part of the 3 part Structural Suite blog we look at the functions that help users assess slope directions, Generate DTM Gradient Data and locate drillholes.

 

 

 

1) How to generate and display DTM gradients?

Before starting this workflow, you will need a database open and DTM displayed within the graphics window (e.g. topography or EOM surface).

Then navigate to Database > Structural Suite > Generate DTM gradient data.

Click on the DTM within the graphics and in the following form (see below), enter a suitable grid cell edge length, this will control the grid node spacing across the area, click Preview to see the spacing on screen. Then choose an output file format and enter suitable name.

In this example we will export to CSV format so that the file can be later imported into a table within the database. The output file is also shown as an example below:

 

 

 

 

Next, use Database > Database > Administration > Create Table, to create a new table in the drillhole database with the same headings as the output file shown above. Table type should be a discrete table.

Then use Database > Database > Import Data, to import the data from the CSV file into the drillhole database. The data once imported can be viewed by using Database > Edit > View table.

 

 

 

Now the DTM gradient data is in the database, Database > Structural Suite > Data Visualizer, can be used to display 3D or 2D arrows, to show the direction and amount of inclination. See part 1 of this GEOVIA Blog series on the GEOVIA Surpac Structural Suite to learn how.

 

 

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2013.

 

 

 

 

2) How to locate a drillhole using the GEOVIA Surpac structural suite?

The Drillhole Locate function, is a simple but effective tool for locating a drillhole of interest quickly and effectively. To complete this task, open a drillhole database within GEOVIA Surpac and go to Database > Structural Suite > Locate Drillhole. This function saves time by highlighting and zooming in on the selected hole, avoiding manual panning or the use of drillhole constraints.

 

 

 

In the form above select the hole of choice, the zoom level, marker, constraint options. The selected hole is then presented in the graphics, as shown below.

 

 

 

 

3) How to create structural planes from surfaces, solids or selected points?

Structural planes can also be generated from the trend of a DTM surface or solids, using the function Database > Structural Suite > Fit Plane to selected DTM or solid. Additionally, structural planes can also be created from selected points using Database > Structural Suite > Fit plane to selected points. An example of each is shown below.

 

 

 

*Solid

*Surface

 

 

 

 

*Selected Points

 

 

This ends this 3 part GEOVIA blog post series on the GEOVIA Surpac Structural suite. There are many more functions within this suite and for a detailed demonstration of its full capability please contact your local GEOVIA representative.

 

 

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Ross Pemberton

Mining Knowledge Consultant, GEOVIA at Dassault Systèmes
Ross is a qualified Resource Geologist with 9 years' industry experience in database management, geological modeling, grade control, geostatistics, resources estimations and process mapping. Since joining GEOVIA, Ross has worked with and assisted mining clients across Europe, Middle East and Africa. His commodity experience includes gold, copper, lead, zinc, iron, coal, bitumen and various industrial minerals. He regularly delivers support, training and consultancy services in GEOVIA Surpac, GEOVIA Minex, GEOVIA MineSched and various roles on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. Ross is based in Coventry, UK.