Objectives Your day-to-day activities are geared to maximizing the resource and profit of your operation. This training course has been designed with the specific goal of teaching you how Studio RM can be used to assist you in achieving these business objectives.
Prerequisites
It is not essential to have prior experience with Datamine software. However it is expected that you are familiar with standard exploration and/or mining practices and have experience with computers on a operating system. The training exercises can be completed using either your own data or a specific set of data that is distributed with the software.
Acronyms and Abbreviations
The following table includes acronyms and abbreviations used in this document. Abbreviation
Description
VR
Virtual Reality
DTM DSD
CAD RL
.dm file
Using This Training Manual
Digital Terrain Model Data Source Drivers
Computer Aided Drawing Reduced Level
A Datamine format file
To make information as accessible and as easy to understand as possible each module is divided into standard sections with each module comprising the following: Principles This section contains background information and outlines the underlying principles pertaining to the module.
Exercises This section contains a number of step-by-step guided exercises using the tutorial data set supplied with the Studio RM installation.
Additional exercises This section contains a number of additional course exercises that your course instructor may ask you to perform during the course or on your own time.
The following boxes appear throughout the manual: Notes
Notes provide supplementary information to the topic and give you a broader understanding of the item being discussed.
Introduction
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Tips Tips are used to provide hints and suggestions about how best to achieve an end result. Tips will be used to provide alternative methods, or shortcuts that may be useful.
Warnings Warnings are used to highlight potentially destructive actions and raise awareness of how not to use the application.
More information Studio RM includes a wide range of online information available from the Help menu.
Further information on Datamine software and services can be obtained from the web site at www.dataminesoftware.com.
Introduction
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Datamine is a world leading provider of the technology and services required to seamlessly plan and manage mining operations. With operations in thirteen countries, Datamine provides solutions ranging from exploration data management and orebody modelling to mine planning and operations to over 1,400 companies worldwide. Our software solutions integrate with our consulting and training services to ensure that we provide our clients with industry-leading support and expertise.
Established in 1981, Datamine revolutionised the industry as a pioneer of 3D computerised resource modelling and estimation tools. Over a period of almost 30 years of continued investment and growth, Datamine became a leading global supplier of geology and mine planning software. In 2010, CAE Inc purchased the Datamine business and made significant investments to create an end-to-end portfolio of products, acquiring Century Systems Technologies and developing several new products including the innovative Summit cloud-based technical mining platform. In July 2015, Datamine was acquired by Constellation Software Inc., company. Building on history of domain expertise, coupled with Constellation Software apabilities in the software industry, Datamine continues to develop the mining
Software Datamine ntire value chain from exploration field work, database storage, resource modelling and all levels of mine planning from strategic optimisation to detailed design and short term decision-making.
Figure 1: Datamine software
We work collaboratively with customers and leading research groups to ensure that we continue to advance our products to solve industry problems, improve productivity and help our customers maximise the value of their mining assets. Datamine Background
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Training Datamine conducts regular training programs that enable users to build proficiency in the use of our mining engineering and geological software products.
Figure 2: Training
These programs are designed to provide users with technical familiarity of the Datamine software suite and the applied knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate the use of the available tools into daily mining activities.
Consulting
Datamine provides a comprehensive range of consulting services for the mining industry with a team of over 100 industry recognised experts.
Our consultants have the experience and depth of knowledge to provide practical advice for extracting the optimal value from existing operations, potential projects and mine expansions. Areas of expertise include geology, resource modelling, mine planning and financial analysis.
Datamine Background
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In this chapter, you will learn to: Work with Studio RM projects Organize data files in a logical manner so that information can be accessed quickly Create and save Studio RM projects Open and close Studio RM projects Add and remove data files to a Studio RM project Save and delete data files in a Studio RM project
Principles The Project File When you first start Studio RM a project file is created which stores all the settings that define and control the access, appearance, views and data relevant to your project. The file is created in the project folder when you start a new project. The project file has the ability to link a range of different data categories (e.g. Text, CAD, databases, other mining and exploration applications) as well as link in data from various locations (project folder or data external to the project folder).
Figure 3: The Studio RM project file is a container
The project file indexes all Datamine binary format files and details for imported files. The project file controls how and when data is refreshed from their data source as well as retaining all the information necessary to load and display data as it was when the project was last saved.
The project file embodies the idea that Studio RM can be used to perform different types of work, and that different user-groups will require access to different data to perform different tasks. Depending on the circumstances of the implementation, specific users will have control over more or fewer aspects of the Studio RM project. A consultant doing a feasibility study, for instance, will probably wish to work in a data environment that gives greater control and flexibility than a technician producing weekly plans and sections for an operation. All the settings that define and control the
Getting Started
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access, appearance and views of data relevant to any Studio RM project are stored in a project file. Studio RM project files have a .dmproj extension. You will not be able to load a Studio RM project file in Studio 3. Datamine products do not support backwards-compatibility for previous versions, even between the same products.
Data files created in Studio RM can be opened and used in a Studio 3 project. You can load other project files from the Studio family (e.g. Studio 3, Studio OP, Studio EM, etc.) into Studio RM, but if they are single-precision, they will be automatically converted to extendedprecision.
Studio RM enables access to data from a wide variety of sources according to the task in hand and the extent to which the data need to be manipulated. The project file may contain the following main categories of information: Links to data sources (external data)
Links to physical .dm files (internal data) Archived data for records and auditing
Settings for the various application views Legends specific to the project
The project file also maintains the concept of a current working folder, or project folder. This is used for the batch processes which require file storage and it also defines the default location for the creation of new file based data. Extended precision versus Single precision files Studio RM creates and supports only extended precision project files (sometimes referred to as 'double' precision'). Single-precision and extended-precision data files (files with .dm extension) continue to be supported and can be both created and loaded in Studio RM. It is the project file itself (the file with a .dmproj extension) that will be saved as extended-precision or automatically converted to extended precision. This is a departure from the model supported by Studio 3, where it supported the creation of both single precision and extended precision projects. This resulted in conflicts, because extended precision Datamine data files (*.dm) could not be used in single precision Studio 3 projects. This problem does not exist in Studio RM.
In a single precision Datamine data file (*.dm), numeric data is stored as real numbers to a precision of 7 significant digits whereas in an extended precision file it is 16 significant digits. Being more specific; the difference between single precision and extended precision is in the way numeric values are stored. Both store numbers as floating point values, but in single precision files, this is restricted to 24 bits of precision, representing 6/7 significant digits, whilst in extended precision files, this is extended to 53 bits, representing 16 significant digits. To put this into context consider that 16 significant figures is sufficient in metres to compare the circumference of the earth (4e7 metres) to a human hair (1e-4 metres), and still have a few significant figures left over. Single precision files permit a maximum of 64 data columns, whereas extended precision files extend this to 256 possible columns.
Getting Started
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Files versus Objects Studio RM data objects file" refers to data that is stored on a physical device, such as a disk, that can be accessed and manipulated as a single-named unit. Files that form part of a Studio RM project are listed in the Project Files control bar. When a files is loaded into memory in Studio RM, it becomes an object. This can be either be a "table" or "3D object". A table is a collection of data in rows and columns which has no spatial context. A 3D object can also be viewed as a table but additionally has a spatial context (X, Y, Z coordinates). Examples of 3D objects are: points, strings, drillholes, wireframes and block models. When a file is loaded into memory in Studio RM, the data remains separate from any other loaded data (or data objects), and can be formatted, filtered and selected independently. Data objects can be merged and split on attribute fields or by using a filter expression to either combine or create new objects. A restriction of earlier versions of Studio, was that data could only be separated within the application by type, e.g. points, strings, wireframes, drillholes and block models. If two files containing string data were loaded into Studio 2 they were effectively appended to each other within the application whereas in later Datamine products, they are separate objects which can be formatted, snapped to, and manipulated independently.
Working with Data Objects Studio RM has the very powerful capacity to create and modify data. All data loaded into Studio RM are regarded as objects whether it represents tables, drillholes, points, wireframes or anything else. More than one instance of a single data object type can be loaded at any time and any one of these instances can be added to or edited. Data objects can be merged and split on attribute values stored in attribute fields or by using a filter expression to either combine or create new objects.
Studio RM Current Objects objects that are currently being created or edited. The concept of current object is to cater for the fact that more than one object of a specific type (e.g. two string objects) can be loaded in memory at the same time. It is the current object that will be modified when a save command is executed. There will be a current object for each object type that has been loaded or created as a new object. If strings are being linked, for instance, the triangles will be added to the current wireframe object. There are three ways in which the current object for any data type can be identified: The Sheets control bar, where a current object is displayed in bold text.
The Loaded Data control bar, where a current object is displayed in bold text. The Current Object toolbar, where the current object of each type is named.
The current object can be changed using the Current Object toolbar, the Sheets control bar or the Loaded Data control bar. In the Sheets control bar or the Loaded Data control bar, the current object can be changed by right-clicking an object and selecting Make Current. In the Current Object toolbar the same can be achieved by selecting the desired Object Type and object from the Object Name field (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: The Current Object toolbar
Getting Started
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In terms of current objects, the following should be considered:
Every data type (wireframe, string, drillhole, block model, points, planes), if it exists in memory, will have a current object associated with it.
If current objects are unloaded from memory (and this action is confirmed), the next object in the list (of the same data type) will automatically be assigned as the current object.
Overlays of current objects can be rendered invisible (using the Format Display dialog, or by disabling their view in the Sheets control bar). If you try to add data to a 'hidden' current object, data will be added in the form of a new independent data object, which will also be set to the new current data. If an object is hidden, it cannot be set as the current object.
If no current object is set, one will automatically be created if subsequent operations require one. Digitizing a string in a new project, for example, will automatically create a "New Strings" object and default overlay (sheet). Similarly, creating a DTM will create a new wireframe object if none is currently set. You can create a new current object at any time using the Current Object toolbar or using the relevant Create Object button
The Current Object toolbar has four drop-down lists (see Figure 4). The first allows you to select the object type: points, string, wireframe etc. The second lets you choose which of the objects of the selected type you wish to modify (using the name of the loaded object). In addition to these boxes there are buttons for creating a new object saving to the current object and deleting the current object. To change the current object using the Loaded Data control bar double click on the object name to change its status to "current object".
Figure 5: The Data Object Manager window
The Data Object Manager utility (as shown in Figure 5) is accessed either by right-clicking on an object in the Sheets (or Loaded Data) control bar and selecting Data Object Manager from the drop down list or alternatively using the Data ribbon, select Objects | Manage Objects. The utility contains a host of functions that relate to the control and analysis of loaded object data. The screen is divided into 3 main areas. Command buttons: o
Import Data: brings data into Studio RM, using the selected Data Source Driver.
o
Refresh All Data: refreshes all currently listed objects.
o o o
Getting Started
Refresh Data: refreshes (redraws) the currently selected object. Reload Data: reloads the selected object.
Unload Data: remove the selected object from memory. Note that this does not remove the file from the project.
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o
Export Data: allows you to export the selected file to a variety of different formats.
o
Extract From Object: select a property or properties of an object to extract.
o
Combine Objects: displays the Combine Data Objects dialog. This dialog is used to join two or more loaded objects together.
Loaded Data Objects list: displays all currently loaded objects, and is used to add a data column to the selected object.
Object Details panes: two tabs exist: Data Object - shows a summary of the currently selected object's statistics and functions relating to object filtering, and Data Table - which shows a view of the contents of the selected object's database table.
Loading data
Studio RM will load any data stored in the native .dm file format or data from files that are supported by the Studio RM data source drivers. Once in memory, data is regarded by the program as objects. Studio RM supports numerous methods for loading data into memory. All methods, except the creation of a new object, support filtering of the data as it is loaded. Previous versions of Studio only permitted the loading of Datamine native format file (.dm files) into memory. Studio RM will load data directly from any files supported by the Studio RM data source drivers.
Saving changes to objects It is important to remember to save changes to objects before unloading the data objects from memory. When an object is saved in Studio RM, it is saved as a physical file (a .dm file that belongs to the project). Objects that have been modified, but not yet saved to a new or existing file, are listed in the Loaded Data control bar in Italics. As soon as the objects have been saved to file, the Italics are removed. If an object is unloaded or deleted before the changes are saved as a physical file, those changes will be lost.
Objects can be saved in the Studio RM project file without saving them out as physical files first. This is not best practice, but it can be done. If the project is closed while there are objects loaded in memory, the user will be prompted to save the changes to the project file and the user is also prompted to either Save or Auto Reload the individual loaded objects.
Working with files in a project Files that are created during the course of working in a Studio RM project are stored in the project folder and are automatically added to the Project File browser. The links to these files are stored in the project. Other files (also files stored in other folders) can be manually added to the project by Getting Started
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using on the Home ribbon the Project | Add Files button. Working with files and data in a Studio RM project is discussed in more detail in Data Management (Chapter 3). Summary A file is a term used to refer to data that is associated with a project file, and is listed in the Project Files control bar. An object is a term applied to a file when it is loaded into memory using one of the various data loading methods. Objects in memory can be edited and manipulated. The current object is the loaded data that is active, and currently being edited or created.
Exercises
Exercise 1: Create a new project Follow the steps in this exercise to create a new Studio RM
.
1. Open the Studio RM application by launching it from either the Windows Desktop or the Windows Start menu.
2. Create new project is created by selecting the New Project option in the Studio RM Start window (upper left part of the Start page).
Figure 6: New Project in the Studio RM Start window An alternative way to create a new project is to select New Project on the Project menu.
Figure 7: Studio Project Wizard dialog box
3. In the Studio Project Wizard (Project Properties) dialog, define the settings as shown in Figure 7.
4. You are given the option to add any existing files to the project. You can do this by clicking on the Add File(s) button in the Project Files dialog. Browse to the folder C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\Datamine, select all Datamine files (files with a .dm extension) and then click Open.
5. You can review the list of added files and remove any that are not required before proceeding to the next dialog. 6. The final dialog allows you to review the Project Summary details. Click the Finish button to exit the Studio Project Wizard. Congratulations! You have created your first Datamine Studio project!
Getting Started
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To configure general system-wide properties for Studio RM select the Project Settings button. The general settings are used to manage project updates and scripting files. The options are: Detect new files in the project folder when the project is opened:
Ensures that any files added to the project directory outside of Studio RM (for example, using Windows), since the project was last run, are added to the project. Detect files added to or removed from the project folder while the project is open:
Ensures that all files located in the project folder are automatically added to the project file. Automatically update project (no prompts):
The project file will be updated according to the settings above without user prompts. Automatically Compress Files:
This option allows you to compress tables when saving to conserve disk space. File Exclusions:
Allows you to exclude certain files from triggering the project update process. The list shows all currently excluded file types. Scripting (optional):
Allows you to display a script file each time a project is opened.
For more information on any of these options refer to the online Help.
Exercise 2: Add existing Datamine files to a project The following exercise show the procedure for adding links to existing Datamine format files (.dm files) to a project. Once a file has been added to the project, the file will appear in the file list in the Project Files control bar. 1. In the Home ribbon select Project | Add files.
2. Browse to the folder C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\Datamine, select the files in this folder. Click the Open button. 3. Open the Project Files control bar to view the files you have added to the project. Files can be added to the project at any time after the project has been created. stored in other folders (other than the project folder).
The files can be
Exercise 3: Load existing external Datamine files into memory The following exercise show the procedure for loading existing external Datamine format files (.dm files) into memory. Once a file has been loaded into memory in the project, the file will appear in the file list in the Project Files control bar. 1. In the Data ribbon select Load | Datamine | Wireframes.
2. Browse to the folder C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\ VBOP\DMDist, select the file _vb_faulttr.dm and click Open.
3. You will then be asked to identify the wireframe points file. In the case of this example select the _vb_faultpt.dm and click Open. 4. You can then select which data fields to load and define the coordinate fields.
A Datamine wireframe consist of two files, a triangle file (normally ending in tr.dm suffix) and a points file (normally ending in pt.dm suffix). More about this in Data Management (Chapter 3).
Getting Started
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Exercise 4: Load text files and CAD files to a project The following exercise show the procedure for adding other format files (in this case Text and CAD files) to a project. Once a file has been added to the project, it is possible to list it from within the Project Files control bar. 1. In the Home ribbon select Project | Add files to add the text files.
2. Browse to C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\Text, set the Files of Type dropdown option to "All Files (*.*)". 3. Select all of the listed files and then click Open.
4. The files can be viewed in the Project Files control bar under the All Files folder. 5. In the Home ribbon select Project | Add files to add the CAD files.
6. Browse to C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\CAD, set the Files of Type dropdown option to "All Files (*.*)". 7. Select all of the listed files and then click Open.
Exercise 5: Remove files from a project
The following exercise shows you how to remove files from a project. This procedure just removes the links to a file in a Studio RM project. Removing a file from a project does not delete the file. It still exists as a physical file on the storage drive and can be added to another project if necessary.
1. In the Project Files control bar, select the _vb_faulttr.dm and _vb_faultpt.dm files. 2. Right-click and select Remove from Project in the context menu.
If you select Delete in the context menu, the physical file will be permanently delete from the storage drive. A Confirm File Delete message box will warn the user of the consequences of this action.
Exercise 6: Save a project Follow the steps in this exercise to save changes to the Studio RM 1. In the Project menu, select Save.
T
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2. All changes to the project in terms of the files that have been added and removed have been saved in the project file. The next time you open the project, you will see the same list of files in the Project Files control bar. It is good practice to regularly save changes to a project. When you exit Studio RM without saving the project first, you will be prompted to save the project before exiting.
Additional Exercises Please complete the following additional exercises as instructed by the course instructor. Getting Started
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Additional Exercise 1: Save a project with loaded objects Check the size of the project file (Training.dmproj) in Windows Explorer. Open the project. Load a block model in the 3D window. Save the project. Close the project. Check the size of the project file again in Windows Explorer. Can you explain the change in the size of the project file? Additional Exercise 2: Automatically detect files added to or removed from the project folder
Activate the setting to automatically detect files added to or removed from the project folder. Remove all files that are currently in the project. Copy Datamine files from the folder C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\ to the project folder. Additional Exercise 3: Rename file in a project
Rename files in the project folder using the Studio RM file renaming functionality. Additional Exercise 4: Describe the purpose of a project file
Describe the purpose of a Studio RM project file. What is stored in a project file?
Additional Exercise 5: Describe differences between loaded objects and files Name and describe three differences between loaded objects and physical files. Additional Exercise 6: Questions about loaded objects and files Please answer the following questions:
1. How can a file become an object in Studio RM? 2. How can a Studio RM object become a file?
3. What are the differences between these Studio RM objects: tables and 3D objects? 4. Describe two ways in which the current object can be set in Studio RM. 5. How can one tell, when changes have been made to an object?
Getting Started
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In this chapter, you will learn to: Navigate around quickly in the Studio RM interface Use the various control elements in the Studio RM interface Configure the Studio RM interface
Principles Studio RM has a sophisticated interface that allows the user to utilize the powerful capability of the software optimally. It is essential for the user to understand the various elements of the interface in order to access the full power of the software. This chapter provides an overview of the various elements that make up the user interface.
Figure 8: Studio RM user interface elements
The following user interface elements are discussed in this chapter. Windows
Project Menu Ribbons
Quick Access toolbar Navigation toolbar Control bars Status Bar
Popup Menus
The Studio RM Interface
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Windows In Studio RM there are several view windows that can be activated by clicking on the tabs as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Windows that are displayed by default General notes about working with windows in Studio RM:
By default the different windows are in a tab view format.
To view multiple windows, on the Home ribbon select Window | Arrange | Cascade. This allow you to maximise and close windows to suit your preferred set up.
You can also tile the different windows using Window | Arrange | Tile Vertically on the Home ribbon or using Window | Arrange | Tile Horizontally. To return to the original tabbed view simply maximise any of the open windows.
Windows provide different views of loaded data as summarized below: 3D window
The 3D Window is the primary design window and is used to render realistic, simulated worlds using your core data as building blocks. It is also a functional design area allowing you to create and modify your 3D data directly within a richly-detailed visualization environment, using one, two or four linked viewing windows. This visualization environment allows for an immersive view of data including draping of aerial photos, simulations etc. For more information about working in this window, please see Data Visualization (Chapter 4). Plots window
The Plots window provides the tools required to create high quality plots in plan section and 3D views. The Plots window with its comprehensive suite of data source drivers, can use data from a huge variety of sources and bring it all together into a single model showing all the characteristics and properties you choose, and in whatever format you select to maximize the presentational impact. For more information about working in this window, please see Data Presentation - Plotting (Chapter 15). Logs window
The Logs window provides the tools required to create high quality strip logs. The Logs window is used to configure the contents of the log sheet using a host of formatting functions. Similar in behaviour to the Plots window, a log sheet can be enhanced using a selection of Plot Items, from a
The Studio RM Interface
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library, to ensure that data presentation is effective and informative. For more information about working in this window, please see Data Presentation Strip Logs (Chapter 16). Tables window
The Tables window displays loaded data as columns and rows. The Tables window provides another way to view data that is loaded in memory. The content of a table is completely definable by the user and, as such, does not necessarily represent the entire contents of any source data file. Fields may be duplicated, displayed as text or graphs or fields from more than one table source can be viewed in the same table view including composited and system fields. An alternative table view can be found using the Table Editor facility.
Reports window
The Reports window displays various reports including drillhole summary and data validation reports. External 3D window
The External 3D window displays a 3D visualization window outside the Studio RM window. This is ideal for working on multiple display monitors. There can be more than one External 3D window open. One of the great improvements made with the advent of Studio RM is the ability to create a standalone, floating 3D window that is dynamically linked to all other views, including locked sections. All of these windows are 'live' in that they can be used for digitizing, editing and other purposes. Once set up, you can digitize in true 3D by using multiple windows to create data points, even within the same command Start window
The Start window is a web browser window that displays useful information about the software and it also shows recent projects. This is the window that is active when Studio RM is first opened. The Start Page window can be set to update information with a live link to the internet. This allows the user to always get the latest news. This option can be activated in the Home ribbon using Project | Options.
Project Files window
The Project Files window displays the list of files that belong to the project. The Design, Graphics and Screen windows are legacy functionality in Studio RM and have been deprecated to the background in the Studio RM interface. If you need to activate these legacy windows you can on the Home tab click on Window | Show and select them from the list. The use of legacy functionality is not covered in this training course.
Project menu The Project menu contains all the functionality to manage Studio RM projects, i.e. create new projects, open existing projects, close projects and save projects. The printing functionality (for plots and reports) are also accessed in this menu. The Datamine License Manager and Plugins can also be accessed from this menu. Figure 10 shows the Project menu.
The Studio RM Interface
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Ribbons
Figure 10: The Project menu
Studio RM uses a ribbon interface to provide access to the majority of its core functionality. This is in line with many other commonly used Windows® applications, like Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Excel®, etc. The basic concept of ribbons as a user interface element is graphical buttons, grouped by functionality on tabbed toolbars. Studio RM also makes use of contextual ribbons, meaning that contextual tabs are tabs that only appear when the user needs them. Tab information is listed in a left-to-right order, by command group. On the ribbons are large and small buttons with text labels and some buttons open up in expanding menus providing access to more functionality. Buttons linked to expanding menus have down arrows associated with them to indicate that there are more options available. In terms of its user interface, Studio RM represents a major departure from previous version of Studio, Fluent User Interface User Interface consist of the following major elements: a single Project menu, a miniature toolbar known as a Quick Access toolbar and tabbed ribbons. Another big change in Studio RM is the grouping of functionality (on the ribbons) according to task domains rather than grouping according to functional domains as was the case in the menu system of previous versions of Studio.
In the following section each ribbon is described briefly. For more information, please consult the online Help. The Home ribbon
The Home ribbon contains general commands that are useful throughout the system. From here, the user can manage data behaviour (snapping, selection etc.), query data in memory and access an automation interface for running scripts and macros. Figure 11 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 11: The Home ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Home ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, only a few of the buttons on the Home ribbon are available.
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The Sample Analysis ribbon
The Sample Analysis ribbon contains commands related to the investigation of sample data; a wealth of statistical and geochemical analysis functions, charting options, drillhole data building and compositing plus a range of drillhole data editing commands. Figure 12 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 12: The Sample Analysis ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Sample Analysis ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Sample Analysis ribbon are available. The Structure ribbon
The Structure ribbon is a useful place to be when you're interpreting, creating and/or editing structural data such as strings, points and wireframes. Studio RM's powerful Boolean commands are here, plus a wide range of string editing commands. Figure 13 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 13: The Structure ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Structure ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Structure ribbon are available. The Model ribbon
The Model ribbon contains commands related to the definition, preparation and creation of a block model file, from prototype to estimated orebody model. Figure 14 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 14: The Model ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Model ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Model ribbon are available. The Estimate ribbon
The Estimate ribbon focuses on the operation of estimating resources/reserves using a wide range of estimation techniques from simple Inverse Power of Distance estimation to more advanced techniques like Conditional Simulation, Dynamic Anisotropy and many more tools to provide reliable, pragmatic estimation results. Figure 15 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 15: The Estimate ribbon
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Some of the buttons and groups on the Estimate ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Estimate ribbon are available. The Report ribbon
The Report ribbon contains functions related to the evaluation of reserves and analysis through detailed reporting and visualization. Figure 16 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 16: The Report ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Report ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Report ribbon are available. The Format ribbon
The Format ribbon contains commands relating to the visual formatting of the current display and loaded data objects, including filtering and legends configuration. Figure 17 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 17: The Format ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Form ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, only some of the buttons on the Format ribbon are available. The Data ribbon
The Data ribbon focuses on all commands related to the input and output of data objects and files, and complements the commands found in the Project menu. Figure 18 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 18: The Data ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Data ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, only some of the buttons on the Data ribbon are available. The Edit ribbon
The Edit ribbon contains many commonly-used point and string CAD-type editing commands, including modification of point and string objects in memory. Figure 19 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 19: The Edit ribbon
Some of the buttons and groups on the Edit ribbon may be greyed-out depending on the window that is open, e.g. when the Start window is open, none of the buttons on the Edit ribbon are available. The Studio RM Interface
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The View ribbon
The View ribbon is a contextual ribbon and its display and contents will vary depending on which window is the active window.
When the 3D window is the active window, the contextual View ribbon contains a variety of commands related to the formatting of the 3D viewing window, including definition of views, sections, window arrangements and clipping. Figure 20 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 20: The View contextual ribbon associated with the 3D window
When the Plots or the Logs window is the active window, the View ribbon contains all the tools you need to format the view of your plot sheet, log or table display, including tools to define your sectional view, scale, zoom and pan settings. Figure 21 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 21: The View contextual ribbon associated with the Plots window In Studio RM the Design window is part of the legacy functionality that is deprecated to the background. It is worthwhile to note the contextual View ribbon in the Design window provides access to functions associated with the legacy Design window, including overlay management, view settings and control over clipping.
The Manage ribbon
The Manage ribbon is a contextual ribbon that is specific to the Plots and Logs windows, and will only appear when one of these windows is the active window. The Manage ribbon contains functions to allow the user to construct a report-ready plot, including projections, sheets and plot items. It also allows the user to insert table views into your project. Figure 22 shows the groups and buttons that appear on the ribbon.
Figure 22: The Manage contextual ribbon associated with the Plots window
Quick Access toolbar
The Quick Access toolbar can be used to create your own group of favourite commands. The toolbar is always visible regardless of which ribbon or window is active and it is therefore easier to get access to commands on this toolbar. It is a good practice to add commands that are regularly used to this toolbar.
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Figure 23: Customize the Quick Access toolbar The Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu can also be activated by right-clicking on any of the ribbons.
Current Object toolbar The Current Objects toolbar is located at the bottom of the Studio RM window (see Figure 8). The Current Objects toolbar is used to set the current object, set attributes and values for the current objects when digitizing new data; create, save and delete current objects. For more information about current objects, please see Data Management (Chapter 3).
Figure 24: The Current Object toolbar
The Current Object toolbar have the following controls:
Object Type: select an object type from the drop-down. The following object types are available: Block Model, Drillholes, Planes, Points, Strings, Wireframe.
Current Object: select an object name from the drop-down; only those objects which are currently displayed and which belong to the object type selected in Object Type will be listed.
Attribute Field: select an attribute field from the drop-down; this field and the Attribute Value field below are used to set attributes when digitizing new data. Attribute Value: type in a value or select a value from the drop-down list or palette.
The drop-down list's values are controlled by the data legend associated with the column. When an object is loaded or created in memory, each column is automatically assigned a default legend. This can be changed. Right-clicking in this field displays a context menu with the following menu items:
Show Fill - this option only applies if a non-system legend has been selected; select this option to show a preview of the fill type associated with the value/legend combination.
Show Line - this option only applies if a non-system legend has been selected; select this option to show a preview of the line style associated with the value/legend combination. Show Symbol - this option only applies if a non-system legend has been selected; select this option to show a preview of the symbol associated with the value/legend combination. Change Legend - click this display the Default Legend dialog, for changing or creating a new data legend.
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Navigation toolbar The Navigation toolbar is one of Studio RM's three static toolbars, and its default position is on the right of the screen (see Figure 8). The functions on this toolbar allows the user to orientate the user view or a section.
Figure 25: The Navigation toolbar
The Navigation toolbar is always visible, regardless of the active window. However some tools may be greyed-out depending on the active window, e.g. the Interactive Section Editor is only available in the 3D window and is greyed-out when the Plots window is active. Figure 25 shows the layout of the Navigation toolbar. The Navigation toolbar can be moved, floated, customized or docked. Command toolbar The Command toolbar is used to run, cancel and search for commands and processes. In a default system setup, this toolbar is docked at the bottom left of the main application window (see Figure 8). The Command toolbar is used in conjunction with the Command control bar (see Figure 29) which displays the progress of a command and also supplies additional prompts when running certain processes e.g. PROTOM. The Studio RM Interface
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The Find Command button, on the far right of the Command toolbar, can be used to display the Find Command dialog. This dialog is used to search for, select and run a process. To get access to the required command quickly, type in the first letter of the command, page down or use the slider bar on the right.
Figure 26: The Find Command window. The Find Command functionality in Studio RM has been enhanced significantly. The Quick Key of each command as well as a full description of what the command does is also shown.
Quick keys are what most advanced users use in Studio RM use to work quickly and efficiently. In order to get the full value out of quick keys, the user has to memorize the quick keys. The user can find the quick keys for a command or process in the Find Command window or the Status Bar.
Commands and processes can be run using one of the following methods:
Typing in the name of the command or process in the Run Command field clicking Run Command button. Selecting a previously run command or process from the drop-down list.
Using the Find Command dialog and running the command from the list. If a process or command requires additional user input, the Command control bar will display a text message prompt, and the Command Line will be highlighted in yellow. This indicates that the information required must be entered before the next step is accessed. Each time a process is run, its progress is reported in the Command control bar.
Whenever you run a process, check the Command control bar for: additional process input prompts (this does not happen for all processes), warning or error messages, or a message indicating that the process has run to completion and that an output file has been generated.
Commands and Processes Commands and processes underpin the core functionality of Studio RM. It is important to understand the role of commands and processes and how these could be accessed via the Studio RM interface. The functionality available within Studio RM (including all the commands and processes) can be accessed using ribbons, shortcut keys, command syntax and process syntax. In essence, commands are used for loaded objects and processes are used for data files (not objects). The Studio RM Interface
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There are three main categories of commands and processes: Commands Processes
Macro Commands Commands, such as make-the-dtm, link-single-outline, circle-from-edge-to-edge are all accessible from the ribbons and the command line i.e. the Run Command box in the Command toolbar. In addition, most commands can also be run via the toolbar or via quick keys (where relevant) in the 3D window. These commands typically act on currently loaded (into memory) data, optionally with additional parameters supplied using further dialogs. Processes, such as HOLES3D, ESTIMA, PERFIL are similar to commands, in that they can also be accessed via the ribbon or command line, but instead of activating a function directly, they provide an interface to allow you to specify the files, fields and parameters required to run the process. These dialogs all have a standard layout, and differ only in the contents of each tab. A number of processes are what are termed 'Superprocesses'. Each is made up of a specific group of processes, grouped together in a specific order in a single file, like in a macro, which make use of input file(s), associated fields and also parameters in order to process data and generate an output file(s). These superprocesses are run just like any other process, use the same interface and also have the maximum 8 character name format. Superprocesses create temporary Datamine (*.dm) files which all start with the 3 characters '_SP' or '_SQ'. At the end of every superprocess all of these temporary files are deleted. Examples of superprocesses include: APTOTRUE, BHCOUNT, CHECKIT, COGTRI, DECILE, DECLUST, ELLIPSE and HOLES3D.
Macro Commands
Macro Commands is a special category of commands. These commands are used to enhance macros by providing simple programming functionality such as looping, conditional statements and data entry prompts. The macro commands cannot be accessed from the interface. These macro commands do not have any file output, but are instead used in conjunction with other processes within a macro. They function only within a macro. Please see more about macros in Introduction to Macros and Scripts (Chapter 12). Macro commands include the following commands: LOADCF, MACEND, MACST, MDEBUG, MENU, NOMENU, NOXRUN, OPSYS and XRUN. Please consult the online Help for more information.
Control bars Control bars provide context-sensitive information relating to the selected object or component. They are used to control and view the state and display of loaded data. There are a number of control bars which contain application controls. They can be floated, docked, auto-hidden or hidden.
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Control bars can be positioned anywhere in the main Studio RM window. They can be grouped, they can be docked and they can be made to hide and reveal themselves automatically. When a control bar has been selected and dragged away from a docked position, it can either be docked on the edges of the Studio RM window or it can be made a floating toolbar. As the control bar is dragged over one of the edges of the window, the position where it would be dropped is highlighted. If no docking location is selected the control bar will float. Once docked, the automatic hiding and showing can be toggled on or off using the pin icons.
The control bars include: Project Files control bar
The Project Files control bar is used to manage the files in the project folder. It categorizes them in folders according to a file type, e.g. points, strings, block models, macros, etc. This is the tool for adding or removing files from the project, previewing or opening a Datamine file in the Datamine Table Editor, loading files into memory, copying and exporting files. This works in conjunction with the Project Files window and allows the user to see the files contained within the project. Sheets control bar
The Sheets control bar is used to manage the various data window's sheets, projections, views and overlays. Only 3D data objects are listed in this control bar. Making extensive use of the right-click (context) menu system, the Sheets control bar can be used to access commands and functions related to both individual items, and groups of items, depending at which point in the data hierarchy a menu is selected. The window to which the selected item(s) relate (3D, Plots etc.) will also determine the functions that are available in a given menu. For example, you can access the Strings Properties dialog by right-clicking a string object (in the Strings sub-folder of the main 3D folder) and selecting Properties.
Figure 27: The Sheets control bar
It also allows you to manage the data objects from which the selected overlay is derived; you can save, load, unload, reload and refresh data objects as well as assign the "current object" (see the context menu in Figure 28 for an example).
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In Studio RM all of the functionality in the Loaded Data control bar for 3D data objects are available in the Sheets control bar. Only data table objects (non-visual objects) cannot be managed using the Sheets control bar.
Figure 28: The context menu for drillhole object in Sheets control bar
With regards to object overlays, the Sheets control bar manages displaying and hiding items, formatting overlays and editing the associated overlay visual settings. An overlay is just one representation of a data object, and possibly one of many in memory
Loaded Data control bar
The Loaded Data control bar is hidden by default. It is used to manage the data objects that are currently loaded in memory. This includes loading, unloading and refreshing objects; editing object definitions; accessing the Data Object Manager and performing object operations. In Studio RM all of the functionality in the Loaded Data control bar for 3D data objects are available in the Sheets control bar. Only data table objects (non-visual objects) cannot be managed using the Sheets control bar. The Loaded Data control bar is rarely needed and therefore hidden by default.
Holes Control Bar
The Holes control bar displays a list of currently loaded drillholes. The Holes control bar reports on dynamic drillhole data, containing a series of X,Y, Z sample centre points, lengths and directions representing hole traces. The Holes control bar shows all currently loaded dynamic drillhole objects, and a list of the borehole identifiers. The list displayed represents the drillhole data that is currently in-memory. For more information on working with drillholes, see Working with Drillholes (Chapter 7). Customization control bar
The Customization control bar is an HTML browser through which scripts can be run. It is a very powerful feature of Studio RM that can be used to deliver fit-for-purpose scripted systems. See Introduction to Macros and Scripts (Chapter 12). Data Properties control bar
The Data Properties control bar can be used to identify objects and display the values of properties associated with objects loaded in memory. Values shown in this view are displayed when an object is The Studio RM Interface
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selected in the 3D window note that selection of multiple objects is not supported. It is therefore a useful tool when, for instance checking attribute values in strings after the attribute has been edited or identifying which loaded object a particular string belongs to.
The window displays a number of object properties, including the object name, object type, X, Y and Z values at the start of the object, the values of any attributes, the length of the object (strings and drillholes) and the coordinate values of all points in the object. In addition, for string objects, the Data Properties control bar displays whether the string is planar and the dip and dip direction of the string. Properties control bar
The Properties control bar is a context sensitive settings table, updated on selection of data in the 3D, Plots, Tables, Logs and Reports windows. This control bar offers methods of formatting the selected property, using an object-browser style interface. The menu displayed depends on the type of object selected and in which window it has been selected. Compositor control bar
The Compositor control bar is used to interactively query static or dynamic drillhole segments or composites. The Compositor control bar is a powerful tool for analysing drillhole data. It provides the following functionality: Works with dynamic and static drillhole data.
Use the compositor in conjunction with drillholes in any Table, Plots, 3D window or Log view. Works in the 3D window after the composite-drillholes command has been run. Displays additional information such as horizontal and vertical thickness Select intervals interactively and display composite results.
Slide composite or composite limits up and down the hole and observe composite values. Select intervals by BHID and FROM - TO depth and display composite results.
Locate any interval on any hole on any section by synchronizing views from the compositor.
Save composited intervals to the intersections table with any selection of composite result fields. Composite samples over lithological domains.
Composite drillholes over fixed downhole lengths.
Command control bar
The Command control bar is used to record and display the progress of processes, and supply prompts for additional user input. Its default position in the Studio RM window is below the main windows area (see Figure 29). The Command control bar displays information that is relevant to the process being run and as such is used in connection with the Command toolbar when running processes.
Figure 29: The Command control bar
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If a process or command requires additional user input, the Command control bar will display a text message prompt, and the Command Line will be highlighted in yellow. This indicates that the information required must be entered before the next step is accessed. Each time a process is run, its progress is reported in the Command control bar.
Whenever you run a process, check the Command control bar for: additional process input prompts (this does not happen for all processes), warning or error messages, or a message indicating that the process has run to completion and that an output file has been generated.
Status Bar
Figure 30: The Status bar
The Status bar is situated at the bottom of the Studio RM window and is used for the following To display brief information relating to a specific icon or menu item. To show the progress of commands.
To display or set the position of the mouse in XYZ space. To show if a command is currently running.
To show the read status of the currently open file.
To see or set numlock, scroll lock and caps lock statuses.
Context menus
There are context sensitive menus available within each window, activated with a right-click of the mouse button. These context menus provide quick access to specific functions.
Figure 31: Context menus in Studio RM
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Help menu The Help menu provide access to various online information and training resources. It is located in the top right hand corner of the Studio RM main application window (see Figure 8). If you click on the Help button, it will open the online Help. If you click on the down arrow next to the Help button, the Help menu is displayed which provides access to various online tutorials.
Figure 32: The Help menu provides access to various online tutorials An additional Help feature in Studio RM is the new optional Cursor Messaging System that can be enabled to provide status information on-screen at the appropriate place, e.g. close to the active cursor.
Studio RM makes use of context-sensitive tooltips to get a new user up-and-running with the ribbons quickly. These are much more than the tooltips of old. All ribbon commands in Studio RM are introduced by a short overview of the command and pointers on how to use it, e.g.:
Exercises Exercise 1: Setup the Quick Access toolbar 1. In the View ribbon right-click the Sections | 1 Point button.
2. On the context menu select Add to Quick Access Toolbar. 3. Do the same for the following commands:
a. In the Edit ribbon, the Edit | New Object | New Strings button. b. In the Edit ribbon, the Edit | New Object | New Points button.
Exercise 2: Working with windows and control bars 1. In the Home select Show | Logs.
2. In the Home select Show | Reports.
3. In the Home select Show | Loaded Data bar.
4. Move the Properties and Data Properties control bars and group it together with the other control bars on the left side of the Studio RM application window.
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Additional Exercises Please complete additional exercises according to the instructions of the course instructor. Additional Exercise 1: Setup a custom Quick Access toolbar Setup a custom Quick Access toolbar with buttons for all the tools that you think you might use often. Additional Exercise 2: Change the look and feel of Studio RM
Change the look and feel of Studio RM. Change the display to the Carbon theme (or any theme that you like). Change the display of the windows tabs. Additional Exercise 3: Working with the Sheets control bar Please do the following tasks:
1. In the Sheets control bar, use the Load Drillholes button to load the _vb_holes.dm file.
2. In the Sheets control bar, use the Load Block Models button to load the _vb_mod1.dm file. 3. In the Sheets control bar, use the Load Strings button to load the _vb_stopo.dm file
4. In the Sheets control bar, right click on _vb_mod1 to display the context menu. Select Quick Section Controls. In the Section Control move the slider to move the quick section through the block model. Change the plane and move the slider to get a different section. Close the Section Control. 5. In the Sheets control bar, right click on _vb_mod1 to display the context menu. Select _vb_mod1 Properties. In the General tab of the Block Model properties dialog, change the Display Type to Blocks. Click the OK button. 6. In the same way, open the Drillholes properties. On the Lines & Symbols tab, change the Display Options to Default Cylinder. 7. Switch off the display of the vb_mod1 block model in the Sheets control bar. 8. In the Sheets control bar, unload the vb_stopo strings object.
9. In the Sheets control bar, use the Unload All Objects to unload the remaining objects.
Additional Exercise 4: Working with the Holes, Loaded Data and Compositor control bars Please do the following tasks:
1. Use the Hole Wizard to build a dynamic drillholes object using the following text files: _vb_collars.txt, _vb_surveys.txt, _vb_lithology.txt and _vb_assays.txt (in the folder C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBOP\Text). The Hole Wizard can be accessed in Sample Analysis ribbon Prepare Sample | Hole Wizzard.
When you setup the field mappings of the files, make sure the fields are mapped correctly. In the files used in this exercise, please check especially the mappings for the collar file.
2. View the Desurvey Report in the Desurvey Report window.
3. Check the Summary and Validation report in the Desurvey Report window. In the Sample Analysis tab select Prepare Samples | Build Dynamic | Validate and Prepare Samples | Build Dynamic | Summary to run the reports.
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4. Use the Interactive Compositor tool to dynamically change the composite length (and values) of any of the holes in the 3D window. Notice how the values change in the Compositor control bar. The Interactive Compositor can be accessed in Sample Analysis ribbon Edit Drillholes | Interactive Compositor.
Notice the behaviour of the Interactive Compositor tool in the 3D window. Dragging the edges change the size of the composite. Dragging the middle change the position of the composite.
5. In the Compositor control bar right-click and select Save Selection on some of the dynamic composites to save some of the composites to the Intersection table object. The Intersections object is a data table object (not a 3D data object). It can therefore only be accessed in the Loaded Data control bar (not in the Sheets control bar as with 3D data objects). In the Loaded Data control bar, right-click on the Intersections object. Select Data | To Excel from the context menu. View the saved composite values in the Microsoft Excel ® file.
6. In the Holes control bar, right-click and delete holes VB2675, VB2737 and VB2812. 7. Save the Dynamic Drillholes object as a holes file.
Additional Exercise 5: Questions about commands and processes Please answer the following questions relating to commands and processes:
1. How can you access commands and processes in Studio RM? Please describe more than one way. 2. Where can you find a short description and a quick key for commands and processes? 3. What is the major difference between commands and processes in Studio RM? 4. What do we record in a macro? Commands or processes?
Additional Exercise 6: Questions about the Studio RM interface Please answer the following questions relating to the Studio RM interface: 1. Describe how you would activate the Loaded Data control bar.
2. What type of objects are not displayed in the Sheets control bar? How would you unload these objects? 3. Where in the application will you find tools to navigate around in the 3D window?
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In this chapter, you will learn to: Manage data files in a Studio RM project Add data files to an existing project Import data using the Data Source Drivers Import data using Studio RM batch commands Export data to Excel Export data using the Data Source Drivers Reload/refresh data from external data sources Edit and view data tables
Principles Studio RM uses several types of data and it is important to understand the nature of each and how it is accessed. Studio RM also integrates with other system and data can be imported and exported to these other systems. The subject of data management, in the context of Studio RM, deals with all aspects relating to data exchange, data capture and data processing.
Figure 33: The Data ribbon in Studio RM
Once data has been loaded into the project, it is available for viewing, interpretation, modeling and plotting in all windows (see section on The Interface). The tasks involved with managing data within Studio RM are: Data capture
Importing data using the Data Source Drivers
Importing data using Datamine batch commands Digitizing from hardcopy plots, plans or sections Exporting data
Reloading/refreshing data from external sources Editing and viewing data tables
Data Types
Studio RM uses several types of data and it is important to understand the nature of each and how it is accessed:
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Data type A: Datamine file in the project folder
In general, these are working files such as strings and wireframes, which do not need to be stored in a central database. Your application can run using only this type of data. To improve performance, temporary files created during batch processing, or data manipulation, may also fall into this category. Data type B: Distributed Datamine file
These are external Datamine files containing data which can be shared between two or more users. Having a single reference point avoids the need to manage multiple copies of a key file and ensures all users are always working with the same data. For example, a resource model has been created, and is being updated, by geologists also it also needs to be accessed by the mine engineers for planning purposes. Data type C: Imported Data cached as a Datamine file
Cached files are used to access data from a third party source and store it in the project folder, as a Datamine file, for further processing. The key characteristic of this data type is that a link is maintained to the external source so that the Datamine file can be refreshed easily whenever a latest version of the source data is required. This data type is used for mine data stored in a third party format but which needs to be processed using a Datamine application. For example, a large geological block model (many megabytes) is stored in a corporate geological modeling system. Your application will recognize that the data are stored externally, in the corporate database, but it will optimize its performance by accessing the data using its own formats. Another example is drilling data (Collars, Surveys, and Samples files) are usually stored in an external database such as Microsoft SQL Server© or Microsoft Access©. The data are often imported into Studio RM for further validation, processing and modeling. As with geological block models it is not always desirable to get the very latest data if it is changing frequently and represents work in progress. Data type D: Automatically Imported Data
This memory-based data type is used to access data from a third party source and load it into the data Window. In other words, the data are loaded into memory but are not stored as a Datamine file. A link to the external source is maintained so that the data can be reloaded easily into the data Window when needed. This is for data that are not processed directly but are needed for display or reference purposes when working with other data. For example, when surveyed underground development wireframes (drives and cross-cuts) are imported for use in a ring design, they are only needed as a reference. The wireframes themselves will not be changed. Data type E: Archived Data
These data are actually stored within the project file rather than in a linked external source. The archived data type is useful for saving a snapshot of the data (and any settings) used at a particular time. For example, a set of plots can be be saved as archived data to be printed-out at a later date. Data type F: Other
Other data includes file-based data which are not stored in the Datamine format such as fields and records. The most common examples would be macros and scripts which are used to record and run user-defined sequences of commands. Both macros and scripts are stored as lists of commands with associated settings in text files. For example, Bitmap files, representing Company logos, to be added to title boxes on plotted plans and sections would also fall into this category. A bitmap file representing seismic survey data could be loaded as geo-referenced data into the 3D window. Data Type G: In Memory data
Data created in memory that has not yet been saved either within the project or to a file.
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Standard Datamine file types Studio RM makes use of a number of standard Datamine file types, in terms of the types of objects that are represented by the files and the standard fields that exist in the files. For a full list of file types, please refer to Appendix 2. The most common standard Datamine file types that are used in this training course are: String files Point files
Desurveyed drillholes files Block model files
Wireframe triangle and point data files
A full description of the standard fields for each of these file types can be found in Appendix 2. The Datamine relational database:
The way Studio RM stores data in different files can be compared to a primitive database. Although all the Studio RM data files are Datamine (*.dm) files, there are different file types that are recognized by the Studio RM (see Appendix 2 for a description of the various file types).
In addition to the fact that there are standard fields (with standard fields names) used in these various Datamine file types, it is also important to note that the concept of key fields are also used (similar to key fields in any other database). For instance, in a drillhole file the combination of the BHID with the FROM and TO fields should be unique for every record. In a block model the IJK field can be viewed as a key field and every parent cell in a block model will have a unique IJK value. To work with these files (or data tables in the database context), Datamine provide several database processes in the Data ribbon in the Data Tools group.
Most of these database processes have their equivalent commands in SQL, like JOIN, SUBJOI, SORT, etc. If you understand relational databases, you will understand the basic concepts for working with Studio RM data tables (Datamine files).
Data Capture Data available for input into Studio RM are usually available in a number of forms. These include:
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Data tables stored in databases;
Output from CAD software or other graphics packages;
ASCII format files from various packages;
Hardcopy plots, plans or sections i.e. paper based information; Any combination of the above.
Importing of files into Studio RM can either be done via the Data Source Drivers which allows connectivity between the Datamine product range and other software applications or by using batch processes. Importing files using Data Source Drivers
Studio RM utilize data source drivers that can be used to link to external data sources including other general mining packages, CAD packages, Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets, Microsoft Access®, Microsoft SQL Server® databases and text files.
One of the most frequently used Data Source Drivers is the ODBC driver. The term ODBC stands for Open Database Connectivity and allows the seamless transfer of information from a data source to the software product. In order to connect to an Excel® spreadsheet or Access® database table, it is necessary to use the ODBC data source drivers. The following procedure outlines the steps that are necessary to create a system ODBC data source for a Microsoft Access® database or a Microsoft SQL Server® database. When files are imported using the Data Source Drivers, the path, field mapping and other information of how the files were imported is stored in the Project File. This allows the imported data to be re-imported when required, from within the Project Files control bar. The data import process generates a new Datamine format file from the external data source. This new Datamine file is automatically added to the project. The Data Source Drivers include the following Driver Categories: CAD
Driver
Generic Data Tables
Exploration & Mining Software GIS
Text
*.dwg, *.dgn, *.dxf
File Types
Data Provider, Datashed, ODBC (databases, spreadsheets)
Earthworks, GDM, Medsystem, Micromine, Surpac, Vulcan, Wavefront, Wescom ESRI
ASCII ( comma, tab and other delimited formats)
These driver categories allow the import and export of the following import data types: General data tables Drillholes Points
Block Models Strings
Wireframe volumes and surfaces
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Figure 34: The Load and Export groups in the Data ribbon
In the Data ribbon in Studio RM the commands relating to import of data are as follows: Command Load | External Load | Database Load | DHLogger Load | Hole Wizard
Description Import data to, or export from, a program. The drivers support a variety of data types including CAD files, RDBMS tables, spreadsheets and a selection of third party data formats. Imports from any data source with a defined ODBC connection, including Datamine Fusion, Acquire® or Datashed.
Imports drillhole data from a Datamine Fusion database using the Fusion Connex drivers. Runs a generic drillhole data load wizard.
Once a data file from another source has been imported into the current project, the following commands can reload, unload, refresh and export the data: Load | Reload
Refresh a selected object from the data source using different import options. A second option is to reload all data.
Load | Refresh
Refresh a selected object from the data source. A second option is to refresh all data.
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Load | Unload
Remove one or more selected objects from memory.
Importing Files using Batch Commands
As an alternative to importing data via the Data Source Drivers, Studio RM offers a number of batch processes for importing data in fixed or comma delimited format. These allow file manipulation with no integrated graphics.
Figure 35: Data conversion processes
These commands can be found in the Data tab in Transfer | Text. The two most commonly used commands are:
Input DD and CSV Data (INPFIL): creates an empty file (Data Definition with no records) and loads data into this empty file, from a comma delimited text file. Input DD and Fixed Format Data (INPFML): Creates an empty file and loads data into it from a fixed format text file.
For more information on these batch commands refer to the Studio RM online help. Under Help | Contents command table commands and processes available in Studio RM.
Digitizing directly in the 3D Window
Digitizing allows for the capture of vector information contained on paper, along with associated attribute information.
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It is generally necessary to add one or more fields to record information about data being generated. These additional fields (called attribute fields) allow you to filter your data when required. The names being that they must not clash with any of the standard Datamine field names (see Appendix 3).
There are occasions where geological mapping or other mapped data have to be captured into Studio RM. With Studio RM, the mapped data can be digitized directly in the 3D Window. To achieve this, the map have to be scanned as an image file and can be imported into Studio RM as a .jpeg or .tiff or .bmp file. Once scanned, the image is imported into the 3D Window in the following manner:
By using the Data ribbon and Load | External | 3D Data | Image, select the sectional, plan or data plan that has to be imported. Select the required image and press the Open button. The Image Registration dialog box will appear.
o
Figure 36: The Image Registration dialog box
This dialog box can be manipulated and made larger of small simply by using the interactive controls at the side of the image box. To zoom in, use the roller on the mouse to zoom or out. Manipulate the view so that all relevant data can be seen, like co-ordinates etc. When the cursor is moved across the image, you will notice that is in the form of cross-hairs.
On the image, select the first reference point and select (left click). It will be observed that a new line will be added in the bottom part of the Image Registration dialog box. In this new line the respective X,Y and Z co-ordinates will be inserted.
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Figure 37: The coordinates of the georeferenced image positions It is recommended that the coordinates for at least four reference points should be inserted.
On completion, select the OK button. The image will then appear in the 3D Window in geographic space.
Figure 38: The image appears in the correct position in the 3D window
It will be observed that in the working directory there will be two files now: the original .tif file and now a .tifx file. In the case of the image being unloaded from the 3D window, the next time this image is required, simply drop and drag the image into the 3D window and it will automatically be georeferenced. The file that is automatically created with the same name as the original file (except for the x suffix to the extension) is a world file that contains the registration details of the georeferenced image.
To draw (digitize) directly on this image, create a section by two points (View | Sections | 2 Points), then right click at both end of the image in the 3D window
The user can then proceed to use the string tools to draw the required geological information as strings and points in Studio RM.
Figure 39: Draw on the georeferenced image in the 3D window
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Exporting Data Exporting data is effectively the reverse of importing. It reads a Datamine format file, and using the appropriate Data Source Driver, it creates and saves an external format file. You can export data in a variety of formats, and as with the Import facility you can access the Export function using one of several methods, including: On the Data ribbon select Export | External and choose the correct option from the list.
Right-click a file in the Project Files control bar and select Export from the context menu.
In the Data Object Manager dialog select an object to export from the list and click the Export Object button.
In the Sheets control bar, right-click on an object and select Data | Export from the context menu. A loaded object can be exported straight to Microsoft Excel® by right clicking on the object in the Sheets control bar and selecting Data | To Excel from the context menu.
Creating and editing Datamine files using the Datamine Table Editor The Datamine Table Editor is a powerful, intuitive tool for viewing, creating and editing Datamine files. The Table Editor contains templates which define the data and set default values for all the main Datamine file types including: Points
Strings
Wireframe points and triangles Block models
The Datamine Table Editor is very similar in appearance to a spreadsheet and allows you to perform all the standard operations available within spreadsheets including: Creating new data tables
Adding data columns and /or records Using formulae to populate fields Editing data
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Exercises
Figure 40: The Datamine Table Editor
Exercise 1: Importing Topography Contours from a CAD File In this exercise you will import topography contours data from the file _vb_stopo.dwg (AutoCAD DWG 2000 format), and generate the Datamine format (.dm) strings file stopoi.dm. The CAD drawing file has the following data characteristics:
Polylines: represent topography contours and a bounding perimeter Contour interval: 10m
Elevation range: 60 - 250m
X-coordinate range: 5,610 - 6,780m
Y-coordinate range: 4,600 - 5,779m 1. Display the Project Files control bar and select the Import External Data into the Project toolbar icon. 2. In the Data Import dialog, select the Driver Category [CAD], and select the Data Type [AutoCAD(strings)]. 3. In the Data Import dialog, click OK.
4. In the Open Source File (CAD AutoCAD) dialog, browse to C:\Database\MyTutorials\GeolMod, and select _vb_stopo.dwg. 5.
In the Open Source File (CAD AutoCAD) dialog, click Open.
6. In the Read Drawing File dialog, select Load All Layers, and click OK.
7. In the Import Files dialog, Files tab, clear the Points File and Table File check boxes. 8. Define the Strings File name as "stopoi".
9. In the Import Fields tab, define the Datamine Colour Field as [COLOUR] (which should be set by default anyway)
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10. Select Use legends to resolve Datamine color values, and click OK.
11. In the Project Files control bar, Strings folder, confirm that the file stopoi is listed. 12. Display the Files window using the Home ribbon's Show menu. 13. In the Project Files control bar, left-click the file stopoi.
14. In the Files window, confirm that the file's field Name, Type, Precision and Size parameters are as shown in Figure 41.
Figure 41: The file parameters in the File window
15. Save the project file using the Project button and Save.
Your imported and saved topography contour strings table stopoi can be checked against the example file _ostopoi.
The number of records in the string table can be checked using the following steps:
In the Project Files control bar, selecting the Strings folder
In the Files window, selecting stopoi and checking the value listed under Rows (the value should be 1828).
16. In the Project Files control bar, select the Strings folder. 17. Right-click the stopoi file, select Preview.
18. In the Preview dialog, check that your contours are as shown in Figure 42.
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Figure 42: The Preview window
19. Rotate the 3D preview using the left mouse button.
20. Close the dialog when you have finished previewing the topography contour data. The Preview option can be used to preview any Datamine-format files (only 3D objects). It provides a quick view of the 3D object before it is loaded in the Design window for modeling purposes, or used for data processing. In addition Datamine files can also be previewed (right-click, and select Preview) in the Explorer Widow before adding files to the project.
Exercise 2: Re-importing CAD data In this exercise you will re-import the topography contours data from the file _vb_stopo.dwg (AutoCAD DWG 2000 format) to regenerate the Datamine-format (.dm) String file stopoi.dm.In this lesson, you will re-import the topography contours data from the file _vb_stopo.dwg (AutoCAD DWG 2000 format) to regenerate the Datamine-format (.dm) String file stopoi.dm. Please note the following:
The file is re-imported using the import parameters that are stored in the project file as defaults. These parameters were generated and saved to the project file when the file was first imported.
This feature can be used to simply and quickly re-import a data file that has been updated with new information, e.g. a CAD topography drawing which is updated on a monthly basis with the latest survey measurements.
As an alternative, the CAD file could also be loaded directly into Studio RM without generating a *.dm file. This is done via the Data ribbon's External | Other menu option which also makes use of the Data Source Drivers. One advantage of loading (rather than importing) the CAD file is that every time the project is opened, the loaded CAD reference data is refreshed; new records that have been added to the CAD file will then automatically be displayed. The loaded CAD data can be refreshed at any time using the Refresh context menu option in the Loaded Data control bar.
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When to import and when to load:
Import a CAD file when you wish to process or manipulate the data.
Load a CAD file when you only wish to use it as unmodified reference data for modeling or visualization purposes.
1. In the Project Files control bar, select the Strings folder. 2. Right-click the stopoi file, and select Re-Import.
3. Check the progress of the re-import process, using the progress bar.
Additional Exercises
Additional Exercise 1: Questions about data management in Studio RM Please answer the following questions:
1. Explain the difference between single precision and extended precision Datamine files.
2. Explain in terms of the file structure, how a Datamine wireframe triangle file relates to a Datamine wireframe points file. 3. What data is stored in the A0 and B0 fields in a Datamine drillhole file? 4. Mention more than one way to add a new field to a Datamine file.
5. How can you import a CSV file as a Datamine file without using the Data Source Drivers?
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In this chapter, you will learn to: Navigate in the 3D visualization window in Studio RM Load and update objects in the 3D window Define and change view sections in the 3D window Work with section definition files Synchronize views between viewing windows
Principles Once data has been loaded in your Studio RM project, these objects are now available for viewing, interpretation, modeling and plotting in all relevant windows (see Chapter 2 for an overview of the Studio RM interface):
This chapter deals with the tools available for managing the data views in the 3D visualization window. The 3D window is the main window used for string and wireframe modeling, interpretation of drillhole data and mine design. Viewing Data Objects
The following data objects are treated as 3D data by Studio RM and can be viewed in the 3D and Plots windows: Static drillhole traces
Dynamic drillhole traces
Points (survey points, mapping and sample points)
Strings (topography contours, geological strings, pit design crests and toes, survey measures)
Wireframes (topography surface, geological surfaces and volumes, pit surfaces and underground workings) Block Models (geological and mining models)
Figure 43: Example of various data types displayed in the 3D window
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The common theme in the above file types is that they represent data having X, Y and Z coordinates which allow them to be displayed in a 3D environment. Other data types such as geology logs cannot be loaded and viewed in the 3D window. A dedicated Logs window exists for this purpose. If a file has not been loaded into memory in Studio RM, it cannot be viewed in the 3D window. In other words, only loaded objects can be viewed in the 3D window.
Studio RM has the very powerful capability to create, modify and view specific items. Each data file loaded into Studio RM is regarded as an object whether it represents tables, points, wireframes or anything else.
A single object (e.g. an orebody block model) can be loaded multiple times. With each instance of the object being formatted, edited and added to independently. Once data has been loaded into memory it is listed in the following locations:
Loaded Data control bar: A number of functions can be carried out on objects listed in the Loaded Data control bar including unloading, refreshing, saving and exporting. These functions can be accessed by right-clicking on the relevant object (see Figure 44).
Figure 44: Object reflected on the Loaded Data control bar
Sheets control bar: The Sheets control bar is used to control the display (i.e. visible/hidden) and format of all objects loaded into memory. This includes all projections, views and overlays related to a particular data window (see Figure 45).
Figure 45 - 3D and Plots Data Windows
The Sheets control bar is situated on the left of the data window area on a default system. It can be docked or floated, shown or hidden as any other control bar (refer to the Studio RM Interface module). Making extensive use of the right-click (context) menu system, the Sheets control bar can be used to access commands and functions related to both individual items, Data Visualization
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and groups of items, depending at which point in the data hierarchy a menu is selected. To hide particular objects simply uncheck the tick box next to the filename.
3D Visualization Window
When a new Studio RM project is initially created, or an existing RM project is opened which does not reload data on start-up, the 3D XY on the origin (X, Y, Z = 0, 0, 0). Both a Default Grid and Default Section are created. The Default Grid is set to be displayed automatically.
The window represents a plane whose orientation, dimensions, and location can be easily changed to suit the current needs of your project. To change the colour of the 3D window background, double click on the open space within the 3D window. An Environmental Settings dialog box will appear. More will be covered later in this Chapter on the Environmental Settings.
forget that changing your background colour may require you to change the grid colouring as well depending on the colour you have chosen.
accessed from the Project Files control bar
Multiple objects can be previewed at the same time. Each window is independent and can be sized. Data can be rotated, zoomed etc. Some formatting options do exist and can be accessed by right clicking on each window. Also note that as long as you have Studio RM installed on your machine, the option to preview also exists in Windows Explorer.
Understanding 3D Data 3D data is categorized into distinct data type categories, and although all share the same core functionality, each data type is supported by its own range of specific tools; for example: Data Visualization
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Wireframes surfaces have an option for adding texturing (i.e. in the form of an aerial photograph). Block Models have an option for dynamic section view controls.
Drillholes have an option to display the collar and end position of each hole with different symbols.
Once a file has been imported there are no sacrifices that need to be made due to the original format of the file. If a DXF topography file was imported, for instance, and a separate aerial survey image needed to be applied according to the georeferenced data held within the image file, it could be applied to the surface model using the 3D window in an identical manner to if the original topography file was in a native Datamine format. The 3D Window organizes its data into the following categories: Points
Planes
Strings
Drillholes
Wireframes
Block Models Sections
VR Objects
VR Object Types GVPs Grids
The interrelation of these components is a key aspect of the 3D visualization system. Strings not only act as a visual aid or enhancement, they are also capable of acting as simulation control strings, guiding the route of a mobile VR Object along a predetermined path, according to the specified object settings (maximum acceleration, maximum turning angle etc.). onto a surface and instructed to follow the topographical angles of the virtual scene during animation, if required. All of these data types sit within your virtual scene the environment, which is also controllable. The 3D Environment Despite being part of a simulation, the level of control over how your scene is rendered permits many different effects. You can change the lighting (ambience, direction, strength, colour), if and how data is clipped (to focus on a particular section of the scene, for example) and whether any environment to individual objects, and these objec adding even more layers of realism to your virtual world. Once your objects are loaded and the environment set, you can then opt to create dynamic fly-throughs and simulations. Please refer to the online Help for more information. Navigational Controls The actions of the Navigation Controls (panning, zooming, rotating and taking sections) in the 3D window are dictated by the type of view mode that is operational at the time. This topic outlines the various options and methods for viewing data. Viewing options are controlled by a combination of modes and controls;
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View Mode is a particular viewing state or setting that is applied to the 3D window view; all subsequent view controls will honor the currently active mode. For example, if in Look At mode, the Spin View control can be used to rotate the view around a particular point; whereas in Floating View mode, the view cannot be spun in this way. View Control is a command that will perform an action, such as setting or interactively changing the view direction. For example, the Perspective View toggle will automatically switch between a vanishing-point perspective and isometric view of the data.
There are various options to enable you to move around the workspace in the 3D window.
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Floating view
Allows you to navigate anywhere in the world. The current view point is the focus around which the data is rotated.
Look At mode
Allows you to fix the focus on a particular point. Movement is restricted so that you zoom, rotate and pitch around the selected point
Plan view
Adjust the display so that the data is viewed in a plane projection, no matter what section you have taken
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Look North, South, East or West
Adjust the view to show data looking towards the North, South, East or West
Looking North
Looking South
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Looking West Using a Wheel Mouse
If you have a wheel mouse, the wheel can be used in certain viewing modes to access the following functions: Zoom In - rotate wheel forward
Zoom Out - rotate wheel backwards
Zooming with the Mouse Wheel will zoom around the cursor position. In the Perspective view
, the view zooms by moving the camera.
If a Look At point has been defined, then the speed of moving is based on the distance to the viewpoint. If the cursor is away from the view centre, then the Look At point is moved horizontally or vertically (relative to the viewport) to keep it in the new view centre.
The Look At mode can be activated by either:
Selecting the icon from the View ribbon 3D window.
, the selecting your point of interest on the
Selecting a point on the 3D window, by clicking down on the mouse wheel will centre that point in the 3D window, and toggle the Look At mode to active Also remember the following useful hints:
If you get disoriented, activate the View ribbon and select Align View or Lock View to return to a view that is orthogonal to the current section, then, if you are still lost, choose an object or viewpoint from the Viewpoint list to get you back to familiar territory. When navigating around an immersive world, use the Look At command to move towards and around an object of interest. Once active, you can rotate the entire 3D scene quickly around the selected point, using the Rotate View command.
Use the Viewpoint list on the View ribbon to quickly move from one object or view position to another. Use multiple windows (either split and/or external views) to allow you to retain each view at a particular point of interest. You can even lock one of these views to prevent any inadvertent movement during visualization or digitizing.
You can select data in any window, even External 3D windows. Similarly, you can digitize into any view, or orient it independently of other views. There is no theoretical limit to the number of views you can have, although a large number of views on a low-power system may cause some performance slowdown, particularly with large or numerous data objects in memory. When saving viewpoints, use a descriptive name to help you select the right viewpoint while navigating.
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Changing the View during Simulation Playback
Different view modes and controls can be accessed even during play back of a simulation, for example, you can: change the Inside View in a vehicle to find a better driving position
keep your view fixed on a moving object by choosing the Look At command and click on a moving object when inside a simulation object, keep your view fixed on another object, using a similar approach to above. The Look At object may also be moving in the simulation.
Setting Auto-Spin and Auto-Roll
An automatic spin animation can be activated in the following way: Anchor your rotation point using the Look At icon.
Hold down the key and use the left or right arrows to start an automatic rotation of the contents of the 3D window. Subsequent presses of the relevant direction key can be used to speed up/slow down the rotation, or stop it and reverse direction. Similarly, you can use the up and down arrows to instigate an automatic roll.
Section vs. View
What is the Difference?
Sections are working planes in 3D space which have user-definable location, orientation and extents parameters. They can be used for digitizing, slicing objects and viewing data within the 3D window. All sections are listed in the Sheets control bar, under the Sections folder, where their display can be controlled and managed using the context menus (by right-clicking on the folder or a listed section).
Figure 46: Difference between section and view
The distinction between section and view is important in the 3D window as they are independently managed.
Figure 46 shows the difference between a section and view graphically. The red plane represents the section and the view is from the viewpoint of the observer (you!).
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Section
View
A flat 3D object, the position of which is determined by a central reference point, an azimuth and an inclination value.
An entity that governs from which position you view your data. It is the same as a 'camera' position and is defined by an X, Y, Z position, yaw, pitch and roll.
A section has a definable height and width, and can be visualized in 3D alongside your loaded data.
Although it is not a 3D object as such, you can display the position of all viewpoint names in their correct locations in the 3D window.
Sections are defined as 'Section Definitions'.
One or more sections can be created within the same 3D window. What is a section used for?
as a way of creating a section through your data
View definitions are stored as 'Viewpoints'. One view can be assigned per data window (both fixed/split and external 3D views can support their own unique view). What is a viewpoint used for?
as a way of setting clipping limits in 3D
as a plane upon which to design/snap/modify data as a way of fixing the camera to a position orthogonal to your current design plane (e.g. by locking a section).
Displaying your data from the most informative angle(s). As a container to store useful view orientations.
As a way of focussing attention on particular aspects of your data.
Changing the View of an Unlocked Section In the 3D window, you can change the orientation of the view of an unlocked section by:
Setting a standard (default) view such as those found in the View | Zoom Fit button on the View ribbon.
Figure 47 - Zoom East and fit data extents
Saving a fixed viewpoint and using it later.
Importing a table containing a collection of section definitions, and automatically aligning the view to one of them Moving the position of a section in an unlocked view, whereupon a locked view display will update accordingly Freeform mouse movement in Floating mode, using the key: o
Rotate - key + left mouse button
o
Zoom - key +left & right mouse buttons
o
Pan - key + right mouse button
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Using any of the View ribbon's Pan, Zoom and Spin options, followed by interactive mouse movement. Locking any view to the currently active section. Selecting a 3D object and electing to 'look at' it.
Navigating in a parallel projection can feel counter-intuitive. The main reason for this is that as the 'camera' moves forwards, objects in the view do not appear to get closer, as they do not get any front clipping plane. This can be a problem if you are trying to use the free-flight tools (i.e. floating), as any subsequent rotations around the camera may be confusing. It is recommended, therefore, that you turn on the Perspective mode when in Floating mode. Using a variety of the methods above, you will find it easy to locate the correct aspect for your 3D scene. Remember that these tools are useful not only in static scenes, but can also be selected prior to and during simulation playbacks. A Closer Look at the View Ribbon The View ribbon consists of five main categories used to control your current working plane (section) and the direction from which you view your data (view):
View
Figure 48 - View Ribbon
View Commands used to change/control the view direction when looking at data in the 3D window.
Figure 49: View controls
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Sections
Sections Commands used to change the orientation and position of the active working plane (the default plane on which all your design work will be done).
Clip
Figure 50 - Sections Ribbon
Clip
Commands used to control the width and type of clipping applied to the active section.
Viewpoints
Figure 51 - Clip Ribbon
Viewpoints Commands used to store the current view point, or reset the view using a previously saved viewpoint.
Figure 52 - Viewpoints Ribbon
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Split
Split - Option to split the 3D screen into multiple screens vertically or horizontally. Allows you to double the amount of views in the current tab, each of which can be navigated separately.
Creating 3D Grids
Figure 53 - Split Ribbon
Grids allow the overall dimensions of data objects along the X, Y and Z axes to be effectively displayed in the 3D window. Whereas 2D grids make it difficult to interpret the extents of a 3D data object in a direction that is not orthogonal to the view, 3D grids provide more visually-informative feedback of the dimensions of the object using either 3D hulls, or flat grids applied to sections.
3D Grids are created in the Sheets control bar by expanding the 3D section object, and right-clicking the Grids folder. They can then be configured, and applied to the loaded data in the 3D window, or to a selected section. Any grids that you create are listed in the Grids folder. Right-clicking a grid in the Grids folder allows you to rename, copy or delete it, as well as access the Grid Properties dialog.
Grid Types
The Grid Type drop-down list in the Grid Properties dialog allows you to select a different type of grid. This is applied to the loaded object in the 3D window, or the selected section, when you click Apply. The available options are described in more detail below:
3D Hull: allows the grid axes to be visualized as planar regions, creating a 3D grid that encompasses the extents of the object in the 3D window. The grid can then be configured using the tabs in the Grid Properties dialog, and the Display Mode drop-down list.
Figure 54 - Grid Type - 3D Hull
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Active Section: creates a flat grid in the plane of the active section. The active section is displayed in the drop-down list in the Sections toolbar, in the main menu.
By default, an infinite grid is created, and displayed over the active section. In the following image, the active section has been deselected in the Sections folder in the Sheets control bar, allowing the grid to be displayed more clearly.
Grid Display Mode
Figure 55 - Grid Type - Active Section
Within the Grid Properties dialog, the Display Mode drop-down list allows you to control the way the grid interacts with the loaded object (in this case, the wireframe) in the 3D window.
Figure 56 - Default Grid Properties - Display Mode
The following options are available: Normal: displays only the areas of the grid which should be visible in the 3D world (see Figure 57).
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Figure 57 - Display Mode - Normal
Show Hidden Lines: displays all areas of the grid - areas which should not be visible in the 3D world are shown using a broken line style (see Figure 58).
Figure 58 - Display Mode - Show Hidden Lines
Always on Top: displays all areas of the grid using the same line style, regardless of whether they should be visible in the 3D world (see Figure 59).
Figure 59 - Display Mode - Always on Top
Displaying block model data in 3D
Block model objects are probably the best objects to illustrate in detail the steps for creating sections and applying the Edit Interactively option for the on screen interactive widgets. Keep in mind that Data Visualization
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each data type (points, strings, wireframes, drillholes etc) all have their own unique set of formatting and display options.
The 3D window is capable of displaying all standard Datamine block model data. The main viewing functionality includes being able to: Import block model data from a wide variety of sources, using Studio RM's Data Source Drivers functionality. Display block model data as blocks, lines, points, quick sections or intersection sections.
Animate block model data by building up a model set according to a nominated field held within the object's underlying database. You can set any existing object field as a sequencing field for the purposes of animation. Interactively and dynamically view cross-sectional data, with graphical output displayed according to whichever legend you require. Exaggerate block model cell sizes.
Access object information using the Information Mode function.
Block Models Overview
In the mining environment, block models represent 3D shapes, volumes, tonnages and grades of solids such as ore zones, waste zones and other volumes of geological or mineralogical interest. Models are usually designed and made to be manipulated or processed in such a way as to enhance the understanding of the modelled situation/orebody.
Block models consist of blocks, which are cubes or cuboids, packed together to fill the defined volume as closely as the block sizing criteria will allow. Viewing Options Several display types are available to you when displaying 3D representations of block models. You can choose to display your block model as any of the options shown in Figure 60.
Figure 60 - Display Type options for Block Models
Once the block model is loaded into memory, display options are set using an object-sensitive Block Model Properties dialog. The Block Model Properties dialog box can be accessed in one of the following ways:
Block Models sub-folder by right-clicking on the relevant object and selecting the objects properties, e.g _vb_modore (block model) Properties.
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Figure 61: Loaded Block Model object listed in the Sheets | Block Models category
On the 3D window double-clicking on the displayed object. This will automatically open up that objects properties dialog box.
Quick Sections
Figure 62
Selecting to object to access the properties dialog box
By default the block model is displayed as a single Quick Section through the data, as shown in Figure 63.
Figure 63: Quick Section through Block Model
You can adjust the position and orientation of this section by right-clicking the block model object in the Sheets control bar and selecting the Quick Section Controls option (note that this option is only available when an object is currently viewed as a quick section).
Figure 64: Accessing the Quick Section Controls
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This displays the Section Control dialog, which will allow you to reposition and reorient the section plane (see Figure 65).
Intersection Sections
Figure 65: Section Control for the Quick Sections
This display type uses the default or custom defined section to create an intersection section for the block model with the defined section's plane. By loading the block model into memory for a second time, you can define multiple intersection sections which can be displayed with different locations and orientations as shown in Figure 66.
Figure 66 - Multiple Quick Sections You cannot view block model section data in conjunction with a sequencing animation.
Blocks
You can also view your block model as block model cells, with each block representing the total volume of a block model cell.
Figure 67 - Block Model displayed as blocks
Each block model cell can be coloured according to a legend key, as with all other block model view formats. Block views can also be animated according to a sequencing field (see the section on 'Block Model Sequencing Animations' below, for more information). Important - This is the most memory-intensive option, which may affect system performance adversely when viewing high-density block model data in conjunction with a restricted system hardware specification
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Points
It is also possible to view block model data as a cloud of points. These points, as with all viewing formats, are subject to colouring via an applied legend (or fixed colour). See Figure 68 for an example.
Figure 68: Block Model displayed as a point cloud
Point views of block model data can also be animated according to a sequencing field (see the section on 'Block Model Sequencing Animations' below, for more information). Lines
Another viewing option is to view your block model as a set of independent lines. Viewing a block model as lines helps to portray more of the geometry of a block model data set with less effect on system resources.
Figure 69 - Block Model displayed as lines
Line views of block model data can also be animated according to a sequencing field (see the section on 'Block Model Sequencing Animations' below, for more information). Displaying a Mixture of Formats
It has already been described how to show more than one section of the same block model on screen simultaneously. You can extend this functionality to show each loaded instance of a data object in a different way. To do this: 1. Load a block model file and view it in format A (e.g as a section view).
2. Load the same block model file again and view it in format B (e.g as filled blocks).
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Figure 70 - Block Model loaded twice and displayed differently in each overlay
As each object is independent, you could even filter one object to show a particular type of data only (for example, areas where grade values are above a certain cutoff), and superimpose, say, a points view to give an indication of the full orebody geometry. Block Model Sequencing Animations When viewed as blocks, points or strings, it is possible to apply a sequence animation. This animation can be configured and played back entirely from within Studio RM. You can even record the results to an AVI or WMV video file using the standard simulation recording functions. The Block Model Properties dialog for a data set viewed in this way allows you to select any numeric field in the block model file that can be used to define how the view of the model is configured on screen. For example, if you were to select the IJK field to represent the sequencing order, you could then use the Sequence Control dialog (right-click the block model in the Project Files control bar and select the Sequence Control option - note that this option is only available if a sequencing field has already been defined for the selected object). This dialog is used to set up the start and end points of the animation, and to control playback on screen. Once an animation is setup, you can record the final screen activity to an external AVI or WMV file using the Simulation toolbar controls (for more information, refer to your online Help). It is not possible to define more than one sequencing field for each loaded object.
Working with Section Widgets Studio RM introduces an interactive approach to editing and positioning display sections in the 3D window. By default, sections are displayed without on-screen interactive widget controls. When the Edit Interactively mode is turned on, the widgets controls will surround the currently active section in the 3D window as shown in Figure 71.
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Figure 71 - Edit Interactively - Widgets Displayed
The Edit Interactively mode is a temporary mode; if you enter another command in your application (or even click outside of the application) you will automatically disable the widget display. There are three types of widgets available, and all are used to reposition the active section in realtime, honoring any existing clipping settings that are associated with the section.
Adjusts the reference point of the section in the direction of the normal of the section plane. Changes the azimuth of the active section. Changes the dip/inclination of the active section. Working with Section Definition Files A Section Definition is a numerical representation of the current section/view of your data. A section definition file is a table containing references to one or more section/view arrangements (for example, a variety of views of a multi-pit wireframe with associated drillhole data. The 3D window supports the import of section definition tables and will automatically detect if one is found in memory - allowing you to select any of the stored section definitions and apply them to the current 3D section. Note that you can only have one section definition file loaded at any one time. Attempts to load another file will result in the current one being closed.
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Exercises Exercise 1: Loading Data into the 3D Window In this exercise you will load data into the 3D Window. There are several ways in which data can be loaded into the 3D Window, namely:
From the dropdown menu, select Data. The Data ribbon will be displayed. In the Load group select the relevant data type from the drop down menu.
Figure 72 - Data | Load Ribbon
Locate the required file in the Project Files control bar and click and drag it into the 3D window. It is possible to select and load several files at once by holding down the or key whilst selecting each file in turn. Holding down the Ctrl button while dragging the selected file onto the 3D window, will allow you the option to apply a filter to the data on loading
Locate the required file in the Project Files control bar, right-click on it and select Load from the drop down menu.
Figure 73 - Project Files drag and drop
1. Using any one of the options explained to you above, load both the composited drillhole file (_vb_holesc) and the topography contours file (_vb_ltopo the data.
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The 3D window is automatically zoomed to fit the very first data file being loaded. In this case the drillhole file. The view remains focused on the drillhole data even though the contour file has been loaded. In order to see the complete extents of all the data that has been loaded, select the option to Zoom Fit.
2. All available sections are displayed in the Grid Type drop-down list. Select a section, and click Apply in the Grid Properties dialog. The grid is applied to the relevant section.
Exercise 2: Adding and Configuring 3D Hull Grids
In this exercise, you will create a 3D Hull grid, and configure it using the [Grid Name] Properties dialog. 1. In the 3D window, type the keyboard shortcut "ua" to unload any loaded objects.
2. In the Project Files control bar, expand the Wireframes Triangles folder, and drag the _vb_qpitmergetr file into the 3D window using the mouse. 3. In the 3D window, confirm that the open pit design is displayed:
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Figure 74: _vb_qpitmergetr with default section
4. In the Sheets control bar, right-click the Grids folder, and select New | 3D Hull.
5. In the Grids folder, confirm that an object named "Grid" has been created - and a new grid is shown in the 3D window, wrapped around the pit data:
Figure 75: vb_qpitmergetr with 3D Hull
6. In the Grids folder, right-click Grid, and select Rename.
7. In the Rename 3D Object Overlay dialog, type "3D Hull" in the Name text box, and click OK.
Figure 76: Sheets | Grids | Rename 3D Object Overlay
8. In the Grids folder, double-click 3D Hull.
9. In the 3D Hull Properties dialog, confirm the following options are selected: Grid Type: drop-down list, confirm that [3D Hull] is selected.
In the Display Mode drop-down list, confirm that [Normal] is selected.
In the Options tab, Line Formatting group, Line type: drop-down list, confirm that [Lines] is selected. In the Line Formatting group, select Fixed Intervals.
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In each Fixed Intervals box below the X, Y and Z check-boxes, specify a value of '20'. In the Major line every N: box, specify a value of '10'.
In the Annotation group, confirm that Major lines only is selected.
Figure 77: Grid Properties dialog box
On the Advanced Options tab, Constraints group, confirm that Snap to hull is selected, click Apply.
Figure 78: 3D Hull properties box
Advanced Options tab
In the More Line Formatting tab, Minor line intensity % row, specify a value of '30' in each of the X, Y, Z and Border boxes, click Apply.
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Figure 79: Sheets | [Grid Name] properties box
10. Back on the 3D Hull Properties dialog, click Apply.
More Line Formatting
11. In the 3D window, confirm that the 3D Hull grid has been applied to the loaded object.
12. In the 3D Hull Properties dialog, click OK. The hull grid should be updated as shown in Figure 80.
Figure 80 - 3D Hull properties formatted
Exercise 3: Creating a Grid of finite size
To create a grid of finite size, specify its dimensions as follows: 1. Unload all the data from the 3D window.
2. Load the vb_mintr file into memory (as an object).
3. In the Sheets control bar, expand the Sections folder.
4. Right-click the active section, and select [Section Name] Properties.
5. In the Section Properties dialog, Plane Dimensions group, select Use dimensions.
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Figure 81: Sheets | Default Properties dialog box
Plane Dimensions
6. In the Plane Dimensions group, specify the dimensions of the section plane in the Width: and Height: windows.
7. In the Section Properties dialog, click OK. The finite grid is displayed in the 3D window, in the plane of the active section.
Figure 82: Default Section of finite size Try changing the section orientation using the Plan Section, North-South Section and East-West Section icons.
Exercise 4: Modifying Sections with Widgets In this exercise, you're going to load a demonstration block model and clip data in front of the active section. Following that, you will modify the section position, azimuth and dip using on-screen widgets. You also get to play with the widgets in subsequent exercises as they are an efficient way of moving the section in relation to loaded data. 1. Unload any data that may be loaded from previous exercises.
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2. Load the file _vb_mod1.dm into the 3D window using one of the methods demonstrated earlier.
3. Format the block model as blocks, with an 80% Exaggeration (leave the Show Fill and Show Edges properties as they are). 4. Use the Block Model Properties dialog to display a default legend for the [CU] data column. 5. Zoom in and fill the screen with the Copper grade model.
Figure 83: _vb_mod1 loaded in the 3D window
6. Change the 3D window screen to white ( a good option for screen captures for presentations and documentation) following these steps: a. Double click on the empty space of the 3D window.
b. The Environmental Settings dialog box will appear. c.
Change the Background Color to Single
White. Click OK.
Figure 84: 3D Window Environmental Settings
7. Using the Sheets control bar, turn on the display of the Default Section.
8. Double-click the Default Section item to display the Section Properties dialog.
9. Click the East-West button and Apply to change the orientation of the section automatically to an inclination of -90 degrees. 10. Ensure the Use Dimensions check box is disabled. 11. Set the Clipping to Front and click Apply.
12. In the Section Plane group, disable the Fill check box and enable the Lines option. Click OK - one clipped model:
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Figure 85 - Section and front clipping applied
13. Using the View ribbon toggle ON the Edit Interactively button - widgets are added. Depending on your zoom factor, some (or even all) of the widgets may be hidden as the section limit may extend beyond the edges of the screen, e.g.:
14. You can change the extents of the section by going back into the Section Properties dialog and enabling the Use Dimensions check box. The default 500x500 dimensions will be fine for this exercise. Click OK and the section limits will update:
Figure 86: Section extents limited by Use Dimensions
15. Click Edit Interactively again - now you should be able to see at least one widget of each colour:
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Figure 87: Widgets activated
16. Hover your mouse over the visible widgets (don't click yet). Each widget will expand as the mouse hovers over it, to show that it is selectable.
17. Widgets are available in the three colours indicated at the start of this topic; hover your mouse over one of the green widgets, left-click and hold the mouse button down. Now drag the section backwards/forwards - the section and clipped data will update in real time. 18. Reset the position, and this time move the Red widget to alter the azimuth of the section. 19. Finally, try the Blue widget to alter the dip.
20. Go back into the Section Properties dialog and reset the section to an East-West alignment. Click OK.
Exercise 5: Adding a Second Section to your Scene
In this exercise you will add a second section to the 3D window.
1. You should be looking at data from the completion of the previous exercise.
Figure 88: _vb_mod1 in the 3D window
2. After following the instructions of the previous exercise, the model data should be clipped in an East-West plane. You are going to add another section, this time in a North - South alignment. 3. Right-click the 3D | Sections folder and select New.
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Figure 89 - Sheets | Sections - New
4. As you move your cursor over the 3D window a new cursor type will appear which will be labelled 5. Left click roughly at the position as indicated in the screen grab below.
Figure 90 - Selecting the position about which your new section will be drawn
6. Select the Orientation North - South option in the dialog that is shown, then click OK.
7. Right-click the 'Section' item that has just appeared in the Sheets control bar and rename it to 'North-South' 8. In the Sheets control bar, double click on the North-South section to display the properties dialog. 9. Select the Use Dimensions field to apply a 500x500 size to the section.
Figure 91 - Plane dimensions to restrict section to a finite size
10. Select the Back clipping option
11. In the Section Plane group, disable the Fill check box and enable the Lines option. Data Visualization
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12. Click OK to display the two sections in an 'X' alignment. Note how the data is now clipped in two directions. You may also have noticed that the second section does not have a grid overlay - this is because the current Default Grid item is only associated with the Default Section, not the one that you have just created (you'll learn more about section grids later in this tutorial).
Figure 92 - Data clipped in two directions
13. All available sections will be listed on the Sections ribbon under the Sections | Section dropdown.
Figure 93 - All available sections
14. Whichever section is selected, becomes the active section for the Edit Interactively option. 15. Select the North-South section from the dropdown list.
Figure 94: Selecting Edit Interactively to be applied to the Active Section (North-South)
16. The widgets will appear on the section display. Select the various widgets and drag them to new positions - you will find that the Default Section position and clipping remains static, whereas the second section applies additional clipping dynamically.
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Figure 95: Widgets appear on Active Section Alternatively, the same can be achieved by using the Sheets control bar. Right-click on the NorthSouth section and select Edit Interactively.
Exercise 6: Loading an existing Section Definition File In this exercise, you will load an existing section definition file and use it to dynamically update the view of data in a locked data window. 1. Unload any data that may be loaded from a previous exercise.
2. A section definition file is just like any other table in Studio RM. For this exercise, drag the following items into the 3D window from the Project Files control bar: _vb_itsurfacetr.dm _vb_itholes.dm
3. From the Project Files control bar drag and drop the _vb_viewdefs file from the Section Definition folder into the 3D window. 4. Use the View ribbon to select Split | Vertically.
Figure 96: Split window vertically into two panes
5. With the left-hand window selected (highlighted), open the Sheets control bar.
6. Expand the 3D | Sheets | Sections folder - you will see that the _vb_viewdefs item has been created automatically - this is the 3D object containing all of the loaded section definitions.
Figure 97: New section definition object created
7. Right-click the _vb_viewdefs item to rename it to "Section Table" - this will rename the overlay and not the underlying data file.
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Figure 98: Available sections within the Section Table
8. Ensure the Section Table is the active section.
Figure 99: Select active Section Table
9. On the 3D | Clip ribbon, select the option to clip Outside. Only data lying within the predefined clipping originally setup when the section was saved will be displayed.
Figure 100: Apply clipping to the active section
10. On the 3D | Sections ribbon, click on the Next and Previous icons and watch both views update to show the new position of the section each time - each new position represents a unique definition held within the external file. The Section Properties dialog will also update dynamically to show the values associated with each section that is defined therein.
Figure 101: Moving through the sections using Next and Previous
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11. Keep clicking the Next / Previous icons until you have selected the flat horizontal section as shown below. Select None for the clipping so that all the data is visible.
Figure 102: Deactivating the clipping to display all data
12. With the left-hand window still selected, use the View ribbon to enable the Lock icon. The view will automatically update to show a plan view (that is - orthogonal to the selection section within the loaded section file). You should now be looking at something like the following:
Figure 103: Split screen (left) Locked to align view with section
13. Set the clipping back to Outside.
14. On the Sheets | Wireframes double click on the loaded wireframe file so that the Wireframe Properties dialog box appears. 15. Select the Shading option Intersection. The wireframe will be represented on the 3D windows as a line of intersection between the active section and the wireframe. Data Visualization
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Figure 104: Wireframe Properties, Shading set to Intersection
16. Use the Next and Previous icons to select different sections within the loaded table - this time, the left-hand window will automatically update to show a view that is orthogonal to each section.
Figure 105: Split screen - moving through sections
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Figure 106: Split screen - moving through sections
17. Left-click inside either of the two data windows and use the Data ribbon to select Load | Unload | Unload All. . The Section Definition file (Section Table) and the associated overlay ("Default Section") is unloaded along with all other visual data, and the Default Section is reinstated. 18. To remove the split windows, deactivate Split | Vertical.
Exercise 7: Creating a Section Definition File using the 3D window In this exercise the user will learn how to create a section definition file. 1. Load the composited drillhole file _vb_holesc into memory.
2. By default the drillholes will be loaded onto the 3D window in a Plan view. 3. Activate the Default Section on the Sheets control bar.
Figure 107: _vb_holesc in the 3D window
4. You will notice that the drillholes are orientated along a fairly evenly spaced North-South grid (each row about 25m from the next). In this instance it would be wise to create each of our section lines along each line of drillholes moving from left to right, along a North-South orientation. 5. At this point you can deactivate the Default Section.
6. On the Sheets control bar, right-click on the Sections category and select New. By default the created section will also be a Plan section. Data Visualization
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Alternatively the same can be achieved by selecting the Section dropdown on the View |Sections ribbon.
7. The moment you move your cursor onto the 3D window you will be presented with a cursor .
8. Take your cursor and snap (using your right hand mouse button) onto the collar of any one of the drillholes on the very left hand side (the first line of holes).
Figure 108: Select the point around which the North-South Section will be anchored
9. An Orientation dialog box will appear. Select your desired orientation. Note that if you select By 2 Points, you will need to define that section line. For this exercise we are going to create true North-South sections. Select North-South and click OK. 10.
appear on the 3D window.
is activated you will see the section and clipping extents
Figure 109: New North-South section orientation
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11. In the Sheets control bar, right click on the newly created Section and select Rename. The Rename 3D Object Overlay will open. Rename the section as indicated below.
12. In the Sheets Section.
Figure 110: Rename 3D Object Overlay
Section Definition
Add
Figure 111: Add additional sections
13. A new section will be created under the new Section Definition. The section will have the orientation information as described in the steps above, and will be labelled accordingly.
Figure 112: New section
14. Repeat Step 12 above to add another section to the new Section Definition. The new section added will have the same name as the section created in Step 12 above.
Figure 113: New section created as a copy of the previous, prior to further editing
15. Highlight the new section in the Sheets control bar. Right-click on the section in the Sheets control bar. In the context menu select, then select Set Plane | Plane by 1 Point.
16.
Figure 114: Set section using 1 point
reference poin Select a North-South orientation. Click OK.
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Figure 115: Use the cursor to select the new section position
17. You will notice that your active section line has moved to the second row of holes.
Figure 116: New section orientation
18. You now need to save the setting for this second section you have created. Since this section was a duplicate of the first (prior to changing the orientation and positioning), you have to select the option to Overwrite from the context menu. 19. Right click on the newly created sub-section and select Overwrite.
Figure 117: Use Overwrite to save new orientation to the highlighted section details
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20. The sub-section will be renamed to reflect the position of the section.
Figure 118: Section will be renamed automatically according to the section details
21. Repeat Steps 12 to 19 until sections have been created over the entire drilled area. In total you should have 8 sections.
Figure 119: List of sections created within the Section Definition object
22. Move to the Loaded Data control bar. Notice an object named sectiondef was created. Right-click on it and select Data | Save as on the context menu. Save the files as Extended . Save it to your projects folder.
Figure 120: Save Section Definition file to the hard drive It is very important to note that this file is purely in memory until such time as it is saved. Had you unloaded the file, you would have lost all the work you had done until now.
23. Create a new 3D Hull Grid 24.
25.
Default Grid.
sectiondef the file in the Sheets control bar and selecting Make Active Section on the context menu.
Figure 121: Set as Make Active Section
Section
sectiondef file.
Active
Figure 122 - Active Section
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Apply an Outside clipping (the width of which will be dictated by what was originally set during the creation of your section). Use the options Wider
and Narrower
section width. Or type in a section width into the option
to interactively change the .
You will have noticed that as you move from section to section, the currently active section within the sectiondef file is highlighted in the sheets window. If you are happy with your new section width, right click on the section in the Sheets control bar, and select Overwrite.
Figure 123: Saving any changes made to section If you double click on the section now in the Sheets control bar, the section properties dialog box will be displayed. You will notice that the new saved section width has been saved. By default our selected Width of 25m is comprised of a front clipping of 12.5m and a back clipping of 12.5m. This can be edited on this interface. Remember to select Overwrite save the file in the Loaded Data or the Sheets control bar.
Additional Exercises Additional Exercise 1: Questions relating to data visualization in Studio RM Please answer the following questions:
1. Explain the difference between view and section.
2. Mention more than one way to change the position of a section.
3. How many sections can you have loaded simultaneously in the 3D window? 4. How can you set vertical exaggeration in the 3D window?
5. Explain what happens to the view orientation when you apply the section lock? 6. Can you move the view when a section is locked? Explain.
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In this chapter, you will learn to: Use the various elements in the display hierarchy to control the display of objects Work with legends to control the display of data Work with overlays and templates to control the display of objects Format the display of drillholes
Principles The Visual Hierarchy Studio RM windows (3D, Plots, Reports, Tables, Logs, etc.) represent data objects in memory according to both the structure and content of the underlying data in conjunction with specific views of ). This chapter deals with the presentation of the objects across the various windows. Loaded data can be formatted so as to facilitate or enhance working with data in the viewing, interpretation, modeling and plotting processes. Formatting typically involves defining the following formatting settings: Colours
Symbol styles Line styles
Labels (annotation) Attributes
And other display settings
The following formatting functions are available: Grid
define X, Y and Z grid spacing, line styles and annotation formats
Legends
define legends for formatting table data and data objects
Filters
Attributes
filter objects by their attributes
add and edit numeric and alphanumeric object attributes
Display format drillhole traces, drillhole columns, grids and objects using format settings
Any or all of these tools can be used to present data in the most effective way. To fully understand how to use the various data formatting options, it is necessary to see how each object can be viewed in various ways without affecting the underlying data integrity. Studio RM makes it easy to format data in a variety of different ways, specific to each window (if required), and even to transform data from one format into another. This concept is handled by the provision of objects, overlays and legends.
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Objects Objects represent data in memory. Data objects contain the essential underlying string or numeric geometry (if relevant) and other tabular data that can be presented according to sets of rules. In the 3D Object Properties dialog (which can be accessed by right-clicking on the object in the Sheets control bar).
In the Plots window, you can define how each object is represented by associating it with an overlay. You can also represent the same data in more than one way by creating multiple overlays. Overlays are created and formatted using the Format Display dialog. Display templates in the 3D window The 3D window display templates allow you to capture and restore an object's visual formatting settings in a convenient way. You can save one or more templates for each object type, and templates can be applied to any loaded data object of the same type (drillholes, points, strings, wireframes, etc.). Display templates for controlling the visual formatting settings of objects in the 3D window is new functionality in Studio RM.
Templates are stored alongside your project file, but can optionally be exported to an external file (.3dtpl) that can be transferred between projects and systems. Each of the respective 3D properties dialog for points, strings, drillholes, block models, wireframes and planes contain the same functions but you are restricted to applying templates only to the object type from which the template was originally created.
You can also specify which template is to be the "default" for each object type; this will represent the formatting that will be applied each time a new object of that type is created/loaded. The basic procedure for creating a display template for an object in the 3D window is: 1. Load a data object of the required type in the 3D window.
2. Double-click on the object in the 3D window to display its properties. Or right-click on the object in the Sheets control bar to display the context menu. Select Properties.
3. Use the object properties dialog to apply the various formatting options (color, symbols, labels etc.) and visually check the results. 4. When you're happy with the visual formatting, open the Templates tab. 5. Select New.
6. Enter a name for the template and press - the new template will capture all of the current formatting of the overlay relevant to the displayed properties dialog.
The basic procedure for applying a template to an object in the 3D window is: 1. Create a template using the procedure above.
2. Load an object of the same type in the 3D window.
3. Open the object properties dialog and select the Templates tab. 4. Select a Template from the main list and click Apply Template.
5. Click OK in the properties dialog and the template will be applied to the loaded object.
To set a Default Display Template for a type of object in the 3D window, do the following:
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1. Create a template using the procedure above.
2. Open the object properties dialog and select the Templates tab.
3. Select the required default template from the Default template drop-down list. 4. Click OK.
Overlays and Display Templates in the Plots window An overlay is, quite simply, a set of rules determining how an object is to be displayed in the Plots or Logs windows (or the Design window). The complexity of rules is up to you, for example, you could set up an overlay that displays a topographical wireframe as a red mesh, or you could use an overlay in conjunction with a legend to highlight visual characteristics such as ore grade classification (or even grade itself). Overlays are, in summary, the fundamental rule sets determining how an object is presented in the Plots or Logs windows (or the Design window). Overlays can be stored in data display templates which can be applied to more than one object, and can be used to create overlays automatically when an object of a certain type is loaded. Templates can also be created as external files, transferable to other projects. A data display template can contain a variety of information. In a simple form, a template could be used to, say, colour a wireframe red. This type of display template is relatively generic and can easily be transferred to other object overlays of the same object type (it is not possible to apply, say, a wireframe display template to a block model, for example). Data display templates can be used to:
Apply the same display format to multiple objects in memory.
Apply the same display format to objects in different projects.
Automatically create an overlay or overlays each time data of a particular type is loaded into memory.
Figure 124: Display templates can be used to apply overlays to multiple objects
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You need to be aware of the data type referenced in the display template for example, if a block model display template is set up so that a particular legend is used to display the presence of AU and the template was applied to a block model file, with no AU data column, data would not be drawn as expected. In this case the default display method would be used as it is not possible to match the information I the template with the contents of the file.
Legends Legends are optional formatting options that permit complex display of either numerical or string data interpret either ranges of data (e.g. AU grade values from 0.21 to 0.31 g/t to be shown filled with a specific coloured bitmap tile, or can provide instructions on how to interpret individual values (e.g. in green). Legends can also be formed from conditional expressions (e.g. show all values above 10 but below 20 in transparent pink). An overlay can be associated with a single legend only, if legends are required. A legend is a convenient way of assigning a consistent but unique appearance to a predefined value or range of values. Creating and using legends makes the representation of data both distinctive and consistent between documents. The systematic use of legends can make the interpretation of data much more intuitive.
Legends provide the tools for both editing existing legends and creating new legends. Filters, ranges, colors and display styles can all be set to facilitate the interpretation and presentation of drillhole and other data. Creation and editing of legends is controlled by the Legend Manager dialog which is available under Format | Legends. Four types of legends are available: Legend Type
System
Description
These are necessary for the software to work properly. They cannot be edited or deleted, but they can, be copied and pasted to the other legend categories where the copies may be edited. They are not saved with the project; they are saved in the Legends folder (under ...Program Files/Common Files/Earthworks/Legends).
User
If the are not displayed by default display is enabled by a checkbox in the Legends Manager.
These are frequently used legends which are saved independently from the project. This category is to enable users to group commonly used legends together for easier selection and consistency of application. They can be edited and will be saved, as "User.elg" in the "C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Datamine\Legends" folder.
Project
Driver
Data Formatting
Note: If a project is sent to another user, any user legends, used by the project, will not be available to the new user. These are saved as part of the project. If a project is sent to another user, its project legends are available to that user. They can be edited easily.
Created automatically when data is imported to the host program using Data Source Drivers.
Not displayed by default - Display is enabled by checking a box in the Legends Manager. Driver legends are listed as PROJECT legends but contain a prefix identifying the driver used to import the data.
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Displaying different data types using legends Many different types of alphanumeric and numeric data can be displayed distinctively using legends. A "value" is a specific numeric or string value to which a particular appearance (colour, linestyle, fill, symbol etc.) can be assigned. Values are often used to apply legends to coded data such as rock types, structure types and intensity groupings. Ranges are defined by an upper and a lower limit, and a colour and/or texture is assigned to the values that fall within the range.
Filters are used to handle more complicated situations where simple values or ranges will not work. Filters are logical statements which define the conditions under which a specific legend appearance applies. Complex filters can be developed to map the variation of more than one variable.
Once defined, a legend is available to all relevant data in all windows. Any changes made to a legend are applied to all data objects which are using that legend. So, in summary, each overlay can be represented by a single legend, but each legend can be associated with any number of overlays (why? Well, you might wish to view several different topographical meshes showing a gradient of colors according to the extent of the Z axis. In this situation, you set up a legend encompassing the minimum and maximum of all relevant objects, and apply the same legend to more than one object. It is for this reason that Studio 3 not only permits the sharing of single legend across multiple objects; it also allows you to save legend data as an external file and apply it to data objects in different projects. This is important if more than one project is to be compared. Format Display Dialog The Format Display dialog is used to define the display properties for currently loaded data in the Plots window. The options are set within tabs along the top of the dialog, with additional sub-tabs available. The Format Display dialog can also be used to format the display of objects in the Design window.
Figure 125
The Overlays tab used to specify object specific settings that will affect the way it is displayed in Studio RM. Selecting an object in the Overlays list will show the current format settings for that particular object. The sub-tabs displayed under the Overlay Format section of the dialog will change Data Formatting
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depending on the object selected. For example if the selected object is a drillhole file the tabs available are Style and Drillholes, however, if the selected object is a wireframe then the tabs available are Style and Color.
The following table summarizes the various tabs available and what display settings they contain. Tab
Style
Color Symbols
Labels Drillholes
Advanced
Objects
Settings
Strings, Points, Drillholes, Wireframes, Block Models
Determines the way in which data is displayed. For example if you select the Intersection radio button for a wireframe then it will be displayed as an intersection profile rather than triangle faces.
Strings, Points
Symbols are used to highlight the terminal points of strings data. Symbols can be varied with regards to size, rotation and/or shape according to a particular field value. For example, it is possible to add a symbol representing the specific grade at key positions along a drillhole.
Strings, Points, Wireframes, Block Models
Determines the colour in which the selected object will be displayed. You can colour objects using a legend or a fixed colour.
Strings, Points, Block Models
Labels are used to annotate objects in the Design window.
Drillholes
Strings, Points
Allows you to control the way in which drillhole data is displayed. This includes the hole name annotation, trace color, line style, line thickness and market symbols for collars, entry and exit points and end of hole.
Downhole data can be displayed in a number of styles including text, line graph, histograms and color or pattern filled bars. This tab is used to control the display of objects within the primary and secondary clipping regions.
Exercises Exercise 1: Creating a Unique Values Legend for Rock Type Codes In this exercise you are going to create a unique values legend for the set of rock type codes (field NLITH) found in the static drillholes file _vb_holes. It is best practice:
When starting a new project, define custom legends for data that will be regularly used for modeling, mine design and presentation purposes.
Define new color/texture/image standards for you various data columns (or use existing standards if they already exist) e.g. rock types, ore zones, grade categories, mine design elements, mine planning time periods.
1. In the Format toolbar, click Format Legends.
2. In the Legends Manager dialog, click New Legend.
3. In the Legend Wizard: Data Table Column dialog, select the Use Object Field option. 4. Select the Object [_vb_holes (drillholes)], select the Field [NLITH], click Next>.
5. In the Legend Wizard: Legend Storage dialog, select the Current Project File option, click Next>.
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Legends can be stored in three ways:
Current Project File - these legends are stored in the current project file and are not available for use in other Studio projects.
User Legends Storage - these legends are stored in the external legend file user.elg , in the following locations, and are available to other Studio projects opened by the current user:
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Datamine\Legends
External Legend File - a single legend is saved to a user defined legend file (.elg), in any location, which can be loaded into any Studio RM project.
6. In the Legend Wizard: General dialog, define the legend Name as 'vb_holes_NLITH1'. The Type has been automatically set to [Numeric] as the field NLITH is defined as a numeric field in the _vb_holes(drillholes) table.
7. Select the Unique Values option, clear the Convert to Filter Expressions check box, click Next>. 8. In the Legend Wizard: Data Range dialog, click Next>.
9. In the Legend Wizard: Coloring dialog, select the color range [Rainbow blue->red], click Preview Legend.... 10. In the Legend preview dialog, check that your legend is as shown below, click Close:
Figure 126
11. Back in the Legend Wizard: Coloring dialog, click Finish.
12. In the Legends Manager dialog, Available Legends group, check that the new legend vb_holes_NLITH1 is listed (expanded) at the bottom of the project legends folder, as shown below (do not close the dialog):
Figure 127
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Exercise 2: Editing the new NLITH Legend colours In this exercise you are going to define custom colours for the set of rock type codes legend created in the previous exercise. 1. In the Legends Manager dialog, Available Legends group, select vb_holes_NLITH1, if it is not already expanded, click the "+" symbol next to the legend name. 2. Select the legend item [0], move across to the details (right) side of the dialog.
3. In the Legend Item Description group, clear the Automatically generate description check box, define the Description as 'Soil'. 4. In the Legend Item Format group, select the Fill Color [Yellow 3], check that Line Color is also [Yellow]. If the Use fill for line colour checkbox is ticked (default), then the Line Color is automatically set when the Fill Color is defined. Clear this checkbox to set line colors independent of fill colors.
5. Select the legend item [1].
6. In the Legend Item Description group, clear the Automatically generate description check box, define the Description as 'Sandstone'.
7. In the Legend Item Format group, select the Fill Color [Red], select the Line Color [Red]. 8. Select the legend item [2].
9. In the Legend Item Description group, clear the Automatically generate description check box, define the Description as 'Siltstone'. 10. In the Legend Item Format group, select the Fill Color [Bright Green], select the Line Color [Bright Green]. 11. Select the legend item [3].
12. In the Legend Item Description group, clear the Automatically generate description check box, define the Description as 'Breccia'. 13. In the Legend Item Format group, select the Fill Color [Magenta 1], select the Line Color [Magenta]. 14. Select the legend item [4].
15. In the Legend Item Description group, clear the Automatically generate description check box, define the Description as 'Basalt'.
16. In the Legend Item Format group, select the Fill Color [Bright Blue], select the Line Color [Bright Blue]. 17. In the Legends Manager dialog, click Preview Legend.
18. In the Legend preview dialog, check that your legend is as shown below, click Close.
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Figure 128: The legend
19. Back in the Legends Manager dialog, click Close.
Exercise 3: Creating a view template in the 3D window
In this exercise you will create a view template for a loaded drillhole object in the 3D window. 1. Load the _vb_holes file in the 3D window.
2. Double click on the _vb_holes object in the 3D window to open its properties.
3. In the Lines & Symbols tab of the Drillholes Properties dialog box, apply the _vh_holes_NLITH1 legend to the NLITH column. Also change some of the other properties to match the properties in Figure 129.
Figure 129: Drillholes Properties dialog box
4. When you're happy with the visual formatting, open the object properties dialog and select the Templates tab. Data Formatting
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5. Select New.
6. Enter the name Holes1 for the template and press . The new template will capture all of the current formatting of the overlay relevant to the displayed properties dialog. 7. Select the Holes1 from the main list and click Apply Template.
8. Click OK in the properties dialog and the template will be applied.
9. Select the Holes1 template from the Default template drop-down list. 10. Click OK.
11. Unload the _vb_holes object from the 3D window.
12. Load the _vb_holes file in the 3D window. The new default template should automatically be applied to the _vb_holes object in the 3D window.
Additional Exercises
Additional Exercise 1: Modifying a Legend to Use Fill Patterns In this exercise you are going to copy the legend vb_holes_NLITH1, created in the above exercise, then change the fill style from solid color to fill patterns. Create a copy of the legend vb_holes_NLITH1.
Figure 130: The copied legend name
For the vb_holes_NLITH2 legend change the Fill Style for all the legend items to Texture and choose appropriate Texture File Names for each rock type in the list.
Figure 131: Texture Fill Style
Figure 132: The rock types with texture fills
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In this chapter, you will learn to:
Manage filters to apply changes selectively to objects in memory Filter data file contents using processes like PICREC, JOIN and EXTRA Use Retrieval Criteria to filter data
Principles A filter is a mechanism for separating a subset of information from the whole data set, such that only the data you wish to load, display or process, is available; the rest is ignored. In Studio RM, filtering can be used in two main ways: Interactive filtering. This will define a subset of data from objects loaded in memory and is being visualised in either the 3D or Plots windows.
File Based filtering using Studio RM processes. These are processes are carried out on Datamine files which will create a new file containing the subset of data based on the input filter.
Filters use different syntax depending on whether the data is numeric, consisting only of numbers or alphanumeric, where the data can contain characters. This chapter will give a brief summary of the most common filtering techniques and how to access them. Interactive Filtering Interactive filters operate at several levels in Studio RM. The most commonly used are:
Filtering multiple objects based on data type on data that is loaded in memory. Filters can be accessed in the Filter group in the Format ribbon (see Figure 133).
Figure 133: The Filter group in the Format ribbon The following quick keys can be used to filter objects in the 3D window:
Filter Points
fp
Filter Drillholes
fdh
Filter Strings
Filter Models
Filter Wireframes Filter Planes
Data Filtering
fs
fm
fwt fln
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An individual object can be filtered independently using the Data Object Manager. To access the Data Object Manager dialog box use on of the following methods:
In the Data ribbon select Objects | Manage Objects.
Right-Click on an object in the Sheets control bar and select Data Object Manager from the context menu.
For each of the methods, accessing the filter will bring up the Expression Builder dialog. This is where the filter can be set using the tools within the dialog.
Figure 134: The Expression Builder dialog box
The expression is built in the main area of the dialog and variables from the file can be selected in the variable selection by double clicking, else they can be typed manually. Note that all filters can be checked for their validity by clicking to see if the expression is correct.
Numeric Filters The standard numeric filter Operators (<, >, =, !, =, >=, etc.) can either be written or selected from the buttons in the operator area. For example, the filter: AU>1
This would return drillhole samples where AU was above 1.
More complex filters can be used integrating the Logical Operators, (AND, OR, etc). For example: AU>1 AND ZONE = 1
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This would return all samples with AU above 1 and only those samples within Zone 1. Alphanumeric Filters: In the context of drillholes, filters are commonly used to restrict on the borehole ID. Alphanumeric filters require Alphanumeric filters require that the alphanumeric variable queried is placed between quote marks .
Examples of some common alphanumeric filters are listed below: BHID MATCHES "VS*"
This will retrieve all drill holes in the BHID This will retrieve a set of drill holes starting which contain VS05 as the root. To retrieve drill holes between VS050 and VS059 the syntax above can be used. The ? symbol represents any single character after the 5. BHID>"VS050" AND BHID<"VS065"
To retrieve drill holes between VS050 and VS065 the syntax above can be used. BHID="VS103"
To retrieve one drill hole simply add the entire BHID value within the quote marks. BHID="VS080" OR BHID="VS095" OR BHID="VS097" OR BHID="VS103" the individual drillhole filters.
can be used to combine
BHID REGEXPR "J"
Another function not commonly used but maybe useful in some operations is the Regular Expression function. Regular expression can be used to find any drill hole containing an alphanumeric.
The example above uses BHID as this is a common alphanumeric field, though of course these can be used for all alphanumeric fields such as Lithology, Texture or other descriptive fields. File Based Filtering File based filters work on the basis of running a process with a defined input file and an output file that will be created which contains the filtered subset of data. There are several command processes that can incorporate filtering; the most common are listed below. Command processes can be accessed by typing the name of the command in the command toolbar and then pressing to bring up the dialog:
Figure 135: The Command toolbar
PICREC command The PICREC command enables the user to carry out multiple filters in the interactive command window as described below.
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The command will need an input file entered. This is a file in your database which you need to filter. The output file is the area where you type the name of a file which will be created containing the subset of data.
Figure 136: The PICREC command dialog
After adding the input and output files, press, OK to active the command. The command toolbar will then turn yellow. This means that it is expecting a response. Enter your filter expression in the Command line. Figure 137: The Command line highlighted in yellow
The same expressions can be used in the PICREC command that are used in the filtering expression above. In this example we can write;
It is necessary to type END after your filter to tell the PICREC process that you have completed your filter.
In the Command window the filter summary results are written as shown in Figure 138.
Figure 138: The Command window shows the results
Filters can be combined using the logical operators. For example: AU>1 END
AND be prompted for another filter. Type END, when your filter is completed.
When trying to filter drill holes on a certain area (underground or open pit) the PICREC command can be used. To use the PICREC command with coordinates follow the procedure below. Type PICREC into the command line and enter the Input and Output drillhole files, then push OK. (Do not change any of the settings in the Field, Parameters or Retrieval tabs). Data Filtering
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Enter into the command line the following statement based on your coordinates. X>5903 AND X<6300 AND Y>4000 AND Y<4250 AND Z<20 END
Figure 139: The Command line showing the coordinates
Figure 140: The Command window showing the summary results
Once the PICREC command has run, a drillhole file is created.
Note that if no records are written to the file try using OR instead of AND.
COPY command
It is possible to create subsets of data by using the command COPY. The COPY command has a more basic means of filtering using what are known as Retrieval Criteria. This can be useful to quickly create a file using a simple filter. To use the COPY command with Retrieval Criteria, type COPY into the command line and the following box appears. Again you must define the input and output file in the File tab.
Figure 141: The COPY command dialog
Now open the retrieval Criteria tab. This is where you can add a simple filter. For example to create a new file based on ZONE, simply double click in the white area and type, ZONE = 1. Once the criteria has been defined, press OK. You will then see in the Output control bar, that the new file has been created based on the supplied filter.
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Figure 142: The summary results in the Command window
For more examples of COPY see the online HELP JOIN command
The JOIN command can be activated in the Data ribbon under Data Tools | Relational | Join. The JOIN command requires two sorted files and a designated key field to create one file. The JOIN command is commonly used on subsets data (i.e. drillholes). For example; !JOIN
&IN1(XX1),&IN2(XX2),&OUT(XX3),
*KEY1(BHID),*KEY2(FROM),*KEY3(TO),
@SUBSETR=0.0,@SUBSETF=0.0,@CARTJOIN=0.0
EXTRA command
The EXTRA command can be activated in the Data ribbon under Data Tools | Expressions. EXTRA is a general purpose EXpression TRAnslator that allows you to transform the contents of files by modifying fields and creating new ones based on the values of existing fields. Again it is accessed from the command toolbar and expects an input and output file defined. Once the files have been defined, press OK to access the Expression Translator dialog. The filters defined in EXTRA are used in a different way than the previous methods described. The previous methods describe creating a subset of data based on a filter, though EXTRA is used to create and manipulate existing data using a variety of filters or functions. DENSITY
Figure 143: The Expression Translator dialog
In the expression below, the first line is going to create a new column in the file named DENSITY where each record is assigned a value of 2.5 DENSITY = 2.5
The next line applies a condition stating that if the existing field ZONE = 1, then the value for the new field DENSITY will be assigned 2.6 IF (ZONE == 1) DENSITY = 2.6 END
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The next line applies a condition stating that if the existing field ZONE = 2, then the value for the new field DENSITY will be assigned 3.1 IF (ZONE == 2) DENSITY = 3.1 END
You will notice that in the syntax for the IF statements, there is a single = and also a double ==. This is not a mistake! When using IF statements, the condition must firstly be in (brackets). Also to set a condition you must use a double ==. You must then set the assignment. That is to say, IF the condition ZONE==1 is met, then DENSITY = 2.6. When assigning values, a single = is used. To complete the IF statement, it must finish with END. It is necessary to type END after your filter to tell the PICREC process that you have completed your filter.
The statements above describing density can also be stated as one statement;
IF (ZONE == 1) DENSITY = 2.5
ELSEIF (ZONE == 2) DENSITY = 3.1 END
Further commands from the Functions and Procedures can be used Further commands from the Functions and Procedures can be used but they must relate to the specific data types mentioned; Numeric Functions; String Functions; Procedures and Record Selection.
You will find that the EXTRA process contains some very advance functionality to enable you to manipulate and interrogate your data. Note that under the Functions and Procedures menu these apply to different data types. Please use the help files for further information.
Exercises
Exercise 1: PICREC and JOIN and EXTRA to filter drillholes It will be necessary to add the following files to the project you are working in. C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBUG\Datamine\_vsdhz.dm (Drill hole file)
1. Use the PICREC function and select the input file as _vsdhz.dm, then enter the Output file as filename xx1. Leave all other Fields, Parameters and Retrieval criteria the same. Then press the OK button.
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Figure 144: The PICREC dialog box
2. Via the commands prompt window enter the following statement and select the tick button (Run Command). BHID = "VS001" END
In the Output window the results are shown displaying 20 records in file xx1.dm.
3. Repeat the process by changing the Output file name to xx2.dm and select the drill hole file _vsdhz.dm as the drillhole file. BHID = "VS002" END
4. Via the commands prompt window enter the above statement and select the tick button (Run Command). In the Output window the results are shown displaying 35 records in file xx2.dm. 5. Use the command JOIN to link both files together, both files should be already sorted. Set the Output name to 2holes.dm. 6. Run the function called EXTRA and select the Input file called 2holes.dm.
Exercise 2: EXTRA, PICREC, JOIN and COPY to update wireframes with information In this exercise we will use the EXTRA, PICREC, JOIN and COPY commands to write back grade and volume data to the wireframes so that when the information mode is active, different wireframe information is given. It will be necessary to add the following files to the project you are working in: C:\Database\DMTutorials\Data\VBUG\Datamine\ _vsoretr.dm (Wireframe Triangle File) _vsorepr.dm (Wireframe Points File) _vsbmgrd.dm (Block Model File)
1. Unload all data from the 3D window.
2. Load the files _vsoretr.dm and _vsbmgrd.dm in the 3D window.
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3. In the Report ribbon select Evaluate Dynamic | Wireframes. Use the settings as shown in Figure 145. Please change the Block Identifier and the Grade Columns values as seen in the Figure 145. Press OK.
Figure 145: Evaluate Wireframe Properties
4. The Table view then appears with the grade categories for each of the wireframes. Press the Save Results button which saves the results to the Loaded Data command bar after a file name is given. Name the file res_ore in the Save Evaluation Results and press OK. 5. In the Loaded Data command bar, right-click on the res_ore file and select Data | Save As | Extended Precision Datamine | Save. The file has now been saved to the Project Folder.
6. Run the EXTRA process and select the Input file res_ore via the window which appears, enter the Output file name as res_ore1. Leave all other Fields, Parameters and Retrieval criteria the same. Then press the OK button. The Expression Translator window then appears, in the Expression dialog box type the following statement; SURFACE = BLOCKID and then press the Test button to check the criteria. Next press the Execute button.
7. Run the PICREC process and select the Input file res_ore1.dm, then enter the Output file the name as res_ore2. Leave all other Fields, Parameters and Retrieval criteria the same. Then press the OK button. 8. Via the commands prompt window enter the following statement and select the tick button (Run Command): SURFACE < 4 END
9. In the Output Window the results are shown displaying 3 records in file res_ore2.dm
10. Run the JOIN function and join the original file to the results file. In the JOIN function select the Input file 1 name as vsoretr and Input file 2 as ore_res3. Enter the Output file name as called vsore2_tr. In Field tab select the KEY1 to read SURFACE. Then press OK, in the Command window it should report that 2114 records are stored in vsore2_tr.dm. 11. Run the COPY function and select the Input file vsorept and enter the Output file name vsore2_pt. Then press the OK button.
12. Load the wireframe called vsore2_tr into the 3D viewer window and double click on the wireframes and in the Wireframe Properties window select the Info Mode List. Select the Tonnes, Volume and grade (AU and AG) fields into the Info Mode List.
13. Interrogate the wireframes by selecting on the key board +?, then click on each of the available wireframes. The information dialog should appear with the relevant information.
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Additional Exercises Additional Exercise 1: Use SUBJOI to create a drillhole file with specific holes only In this exercise you will use a Studio RM process to create a drillhole file with only selected holes in it.
In the Datamine Table Editor create a new file (called list.dm) with only one field (BHID - A8) and add the following records to the file: o
VB2813
o
VB4282
o o o
VB4270 VB4287 VB4291
Use the SUBJOI process (Data | Data Tools | Relational | Subset Join) to filter the above list of holes from the _vb_holes.dm file. The ouput file is filholes.
Figure 146: The Files tab in the SUBJOI process
Figure 147: The Fields tab in the SUBJOI process
Load the filholes files in the 3D window to view the filtered holes.
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