Mine Sight For Geology-3DBM

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MineSight for Geology
3D Block Modeling
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MineSight for Geology — 3D Block Modeling. V3. August 25, 2015
c
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 by Mintec Inc. and Leica Geosystems AG. All rights reserved. No part of this document shall be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
permission from Mintec Inc. All terms mentioned in this document that are known to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respec-
tive companies have been appropriately identified. MineSight is R a registered trademark of Leica Geosystems AG. This material is subject
to all the terms in the MineSight End User License Agreement (EULA).
MineSight
for Geology
3D Block
Modeling
MineSight: Exploration to Production
MineSight software is a comprehensive mine planning platform offering integrated solutions for
exploration, modeling, design, scheduling and production. It uses raw data — from drillholes,
blastholes, underground samples and other sources — to derive 2D and 3D models essential to
mine design and planning. Below the ground or at the surface, from precious metals to base
metals, for coal, oil sands and industrial minerals, MineSight software tackles geomodeling mining
applications to improve productivity at every stage of a mine’s life.
GEOMETRIES
Use digitized data to define geologic information in section or plan; define topography contours;
and define structural information, such as mine designs, important in the evaluation of an ore
body. Virtually every phase of a project, from drillholes to production scheduling, either uses or
derives geometric data. MineSight software lets you create, manipulate, triangulate and view
any geometric data as 2D or 3D elements.
DRILLHOLES
Manage drillhole, blasthole and other
sample data in a Microsoft SQL Server
database. The data can be validated,
manipulated and reported; and it is
fully integrated with other MineSight
products for coding, spearing, com-
positing, interpolation, statistics and
display. Some of the types of data
you can store are drillhole collar infor-
mation (location, length and more),
down-hole survey data (orientation),
assays, lithology, geology, geotechni-
cal data and quality parameters for
coal.
COMPOSITING
Calculate composites by several methods, including bench, fixed length, honoring geology and
economic factors. These composites are fully integrated with other MineSight products for statistics
and geostatistics, interpolation and display.
c 2015 Mintec Inc. and Leica Geosystems AG

3D BLOCK MODEL (3DBM) STRATIGRAPHIC MODEL
Used to model base metal deposits such as por- Used to model layered deposits, such as coal and
phyry copper, non-layered deposits, and most oil sands. Although they are normally oriented hor-
complex coal and oil sands projects. izontally, they can be oriented vertically for steeply
dipping ore bodies.
Vertical dimensions are typically a function of the Vertical dimensions are a function of the seam
mining bench height. (or other layered structures) and interburden thick-
nesses.
Contains grade items, geological codes and a to- Contains elevations and thickness of seams (or
pography percent among other qualities and mea- other layered structures), as well as grade items, ge-
surements. ological codes, a topography percent, and other
qualities and measurements.
MODELING
Build and manage 3D block, stratigraphic and surface models to define your deposit. Populate
your models through: geometries (polygons, solids or surfaces) coded into the model; calculations
on model items; text files loaded into the model; and interpolation through techniques such as in-
verse distance weighting, kriging or polygonal assignment. As you design and evaluate your mine
project, you can update your model, summarize resources and reserves, calculate and report
statistics, display in plots or view in 2D and 3D.
ECONOMIC PIT LIMITS & PIT OPTIMIZATION

Generate pit shells to reflect economic designs. Using floating cone or Lerchs-Grossmann tech-
niques, work on whole blocks from the 3D block model to find economic pit limits for economic
assumptions such as costs, net value, cutoff grades and pit wall slope. Economic material is usually
one grade or an equivalent grade item. You can view the results in 2D or 3D, use the results to
guide your phase design, plot your design in plan or section, calculate reserves and run simple
production scheduling on your reserves.
viii
MineSight for Geology — 3D Block Modeling
PIT & UNDERGROUND DESIGN

Accurately design detailed open pit geometry, in- Support & Services
cluding ramps and pushbacks with variable wall
Client service and satisfaction is our
slopes, and display your pit designs in plan or section, first priority. Boasting a multilingual
clipped against topography or in 3D. You can eval- group of geologists and engineers
uate reserves for pit designs based on a partial block stationed worldwide, the MineSight
basis and calculate production schedules from the re- team has years of hands-on, real-world
serves. Create and manipulate underground design experience.
through CAD functions and from survey information.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
No matter your location or the time of

LONG TERM PLANNING
day, MineSight Technical Support is at
Generate schedules for long term planning based on your service. The company’s offices
pushback designs, or phases, and reserves computed in the United States, Canada, Mexico,
by the mine-planning programs. The basic input pa- Peru, Chile, Brazil, South Africa, Australia
rameters for each production period include mill ca- and the United Kingdom all offer techni-
pacity, mine capacity and cutoff grades. cal support via phone and email.
TRAINING
SHORT TERM PLANNING MineSight software is always improving

in response to our clients’ needs. It
Generate schedules for short term planning based on
doesn’t take long to fall behind. That’s
cuts or solids in interactive planning modules. A large why we’re committed to helping you
selection of parameters and flexible configurations let get the most from MineSight software.
you control daily, weekly or monthly production. Take advantage of our regularly sched-
uled training courses or create a cus-
tomized curriculum that best suits your
needs.
CONSULTING
MineSight Consulting Services offers

mine planning studies, mineral resource
studies and project assistance to help
you get the most from your mine and
from MineSight. From scoping studies to
final feasibility studies, depend on our
multilingual MineSight specialists.
SOLUTIONS
The Solutions Group specializes in cus-

tom software development, operations
management, and system configura-
tion of MineSight to help you manage
workflow and streamline the mining op-
eration. No matter the challenge, you’ll
find the Solutions Group well equipped
to resolve the issues unique to your mine.
ix
Contents
1 Getting Started 1
1.1 The MineSight Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Geo Copper Data Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 The MS3D Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 The MS3D Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.5 The Model Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.6 The Compass Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.7 Geometry Objects & Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1.8 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.9 Grid Sets & the Edit Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
1.10 Point Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
1.11 Polyline Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1.12 Triangulating Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1.13 Surface Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
1.14 LGOs & Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
1.15 Transforming Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2 Managing Drillholes 51
2.1 Designing Drillholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2.2 The Torque Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
2.3 Torque Data Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
2.4 Project Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
2.5 Importing Data into Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
2.6 The Torque Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
2.7 Backing Up the Torque Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
2.8 Validating Drillhole Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
2.9 Coverages in Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
2.10 Drillhole Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
2.11 Compositing Drillhole Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
2.12 Exporting Data from Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
2.13 M2M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
2.14 Using Torque with Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
2.15 Splitting Large Text Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
3 Geologic Interpretation 91
3.1 Drillhole Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
3.2 Cutoff Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
3.3 Geologic Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
3.4 Implicit Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
3.5 Coding & Spearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
3.6 Initializing MSDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
3.7 Drillhole Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
4 3D Block Modeling 117

4.1 Surface Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

4.2 Surface Model Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
4.3 3D Block Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
4.4 Sub-blocking the 3D Block Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
4.5 Adding Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
4.6 Coding Model Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
4.7 Interpolating the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
4.8 Block Model Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
4.9 Calculating Model Item Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
4.10 Quick Model Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
4.11 Model Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
4.12 Reporting Model Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
5 Utilities 153
5.1 Multi-runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
5.2 Plotting in MS3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
5.3 Using MSDART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
5.4 Rotating the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
5.5 Conclusion & Future Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
xi
Course Flow
MineSight for Geology — 3DBM takes you through the process of transforming
raw drillhole data into a 3D block model (3DBM).
GETTING STARTED
Initialize MineSight 3D (MS3D) and MineSight Compass projects, and set up a
system of folders for storing and organizing your project files. Then practice the CAD
functions you will need for geological interpretation and
surface operations.
MANAGING DRILLHOLES
Import, edit and analyze drillhole data before calculating composites, which
will be used for model interpolation.
GEOLOGIC INTERPRETATION
Create geological zones based on drillhole data to use in interpolation,
reserves calculations and scheduling.
3D BLOCK MODELING
Build and interpolate into a 3DBM using composites and geological solids.
Perform model calculations and report resources/reserves.
UTILITIES
Learn about plotting, multi-runs and other modeling tools.
xiii

xiv
1
Getting Started
Initialize MineSight 3D (MS3D) and MineSight Compass projects, and set up a system of folders for
storing and organizing your project. Then practice the CAD functions you will need for geological
interpretation and surface operations.
Contents
1.1 The MineSight Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Geo Copper Data Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 The MS3D Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 The MS3D Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.5 The Model Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.6 The Compass Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.7 Geometry Objects & Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1.8 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.9 Grid Sets & the Edit Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
1.10 Point Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
1.11 Polyline Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1.12 Triangulating Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1.13 Surface Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
1.14 LGOs & Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
1.15 Transforming Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

1.1 The MineSight Project

MineSight training courses typically cover several
programs that work together in the MineSight sys- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
tem. Each program has a project folder (created
upon initialization) that stores its subfolders and Make a root folder to store your MineSight
files. For example, MineSight 3D (MS3D) stores its project data.
data in a folder called “_msresources.”
For this course, create a master folder called
“MineSight Project,” or use a descriptive name, to house the project folders. MineSight Project
is the project location you should specify when you initialize each program. Project folders do not
need to exist in one location, but keeping them together is a common set up for ease of sharing
and data organization.
Store project folders created MineSight

within different programs Project
in a master folder
MS3D Torque MSDA

_msresources _mstresources MSDA Resources
MSDA_charts
2 | The MineSight Project

NOTES
The MineSight Project | 3


1.2 Geo Copper Data Set

The Geo Copper Data Set comes from a multi-metallic porphyry deposit with copper as the main
ore of interest. Molybdenum and zinc data have also been collected. The mineralization type of
the deposit (oxide, primary sulfides and secondary sulfides) most strongly controls the distribution
of grade. Sulfide mineralization consists mainly of pyrite and chalcopyrite. The deposit occurs in
felsic to intermediate intrusive igneous rocks and associated breccias. Alteration zones outward
from the center — from a phyllic zone to a propylitic halo.
ALTERATION ZONES
Phyllic 1
Potassic 2
Propylitic 3
LITHOLOGY CODES
Diorite 1
Granodiorite 2
Quartz Feldspar 3
Intermediate Breccia 4
Late Breccia 5
Country Rock 6
MINERALOGY CODES
PROJECT BOUNDARY COORDINATES (in metric units)
Oxides 1
Min Max Cell Size Block
Primary Sulfides 2
Count
Secondary Sulfides 3
Easting: 3500 8500 (DX=25) 200
Outside(default code) 4
Northing: 4500 9500 (DY=25) 200
Elevation: 705 1965 (DZ=15) 84
Geologists have collected and logged information from 287 drillholes at the site over the course of
two drilling campaigns (one on the northwest side of the deposit and the other on the southeast).
Drillhole types include diamond, reverse circulation, hammer, and mixed hammer and diamond.
Samples were collected at various lengths — from 1-meter to 15-meter intervals. Element sample
analysis included total copper, acid soluble copper, molybdenum and zinc.
4 | Geo Copper Data Set

NOTES
Geo Copper Data Set | 5


1.3 The MS3D Project

MineSight 3D (MS3D) gives you the power to vi-
sualize and manipulate your data. Place your LEARNING OBJECTIVE
MS3D project folder on a secure drive with sufficient
space, and for which you have read/write permis- Initialize a new MS3D project.
sion. Keeping the folder on a network drive may
slow MS3D’s performance.
To initialize an MS3D project, you must specify your If you need to redefine your project limits:
project limits, the cell size and units of measure- exit MS3D, erase the “project settings.msr”
file from the _msresources directory, and
ment. Once the project has been initialized, the
then restart the program.
minimum and maximum project coordinates can-
not be changed within the MS3D session. You can
work outside of your project limits as long as you use the same order of magnitude, which will avoid
precision problems. The cell size, which sets an initial grid cell size for calculating volumes, can be
changed after the project has been initialized.
Organizing Your Project

MineSight
Project Initializing a new MS3D project creates a folder called “_msre-
sources” in your project directory. This folder stores MineSight data
objects, default subfolders (settings, items and materials) and other
subfolders you create for organizational purposes. Folders and
objects within _msresources are visible and accessible in MS3D
through the Data Manager.
_msresources
There are a number of data objects available, including drillhole
views, geometry objects, geometry view objects, grid sets, leg-
ends, materials, model views, plot layouts and title block objects.
MS3D saves these data objects in the project’s _msresources sub-
directory tree as MineSight Resource files that have “.msr” as the
Subfolders
store objects extension on the filename.
and settings
EXERCISE: Initialize an MS3D Project

See the overview of the data set for project limits, cell sizing and units of measurement.
MS3D Project start MS3D (ms3d.exe) → select your project from the Start In Folder → OK →
click Yes to create _msresources → enter project coordinates → OK
6 | The MS3D Project

NOTES
The MS3D Project | 7


1.4 The MS3D Interface

The MineSight 3D (MS3D) interface helps you orga-
nize data using the Data Manager; find CAD func- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
tions and analytical tools through toolbars; and
view images in 3D and 2D through the viewer. Navigate and customize the MS3D inter-
The main MineSight menu interface, the viewer face for efficient and effective use during
and the object properties appear in three sepa- project management.
rate windows. You can use docking, floating, auto-
hide and tabbed document options to arrange them. Likewise, all toolbars, including the Menu
Bar, can be moved, floated and hidden. In addition, you will often see the MineSight Messages,
MineSight Query and Popup Menu windows.
Other customization options include creating new toolbars, personalizing the existing toolbars and
Menu Bar, and creating new menus. You can also export customized toolbars and the Menu Bar
for others to use. The Reset button allows you to revert to the default toolbar.
Menu Bar -

:
Function Toolbars
Viewer Toolbar

:
Message Window -
Status Bar -
The Project Settings dialog controls project limits, the setting of various parameters used when
MS3D performs volume calculations, and the setting of material properties for the project. Project
settings can be set to the limits of the project control file (PCF), which contains the data the sys-
tem draws from, upon project creation. It is important to note the coordinates when evaluating
changes to the model and PCF.
EXERCISE: Change Project Settings

Change the dip unit display in the Status Bar and explore other options to customize the MS3D interface.
Project Settings Desktop Menu → File → Project Settings → Status Bar tab → change dip display
8 | The MS3D Interface

The MS3D Cursor

The Cursor Tool dialog lets you create or edit scalable cur-
sors, which can be used for estimating measurements as
you design. You can specify format, axis, rotation, pin-
point, name position (relative to the cursor center) and
color information. To activate any cursor, click in the
viewer and then type “c” to select from existing cursors. Each viewer window can have a dif-
By default, the orientation of the scalable cursor is in the ferent cursor type, and cursor set-
plane of the viewer. tings are persistent between sessions.
EXERCISE: Customize the MS3D Cursor

Create a cursor with a 100-meter radius and 25-meter tick intervals. Name it “100m.”
Cursor Tool Desktop Menu → Viewer → Cursor Tool → click “+” button
The Data Manager

To open/close Data Manager: Window Toolbar → Data Manager icon
The Data Manager organizes your project using a Microsoft Win-
dows Explorer-like interface. It controls: the management, cre-
ation and deletion of folders and objects; opening and closing
of folders and objects; importing and exporting data; and dis-
playing data stored in MineSight project files. You can also save
project maps, which store the open/closed state of data ob-
jects, so you can return to a particular view.
1. The Unset Edit Object button allows you to quickly take an
object out of edit mode. The Project Map Chooser lets you
switch project maps.
2. The Folder List displays folders in the current project.
3. The Folder Contents List displays the contents of the folder
highlighted in the Folder View window. Customize the col-
umn’s order, and/or turn it on or off
OPEN IN EXPLORER
Right-click on any folder in the Data Manager and select Open in Explorer to open Windows Explorer at
that location.
The MS3D Interface | 9


MANAGING YOUR DATA

Creating folders makes finding your data easier. You can create folders within MS3D through the
Data Manager, through Microsoft Windows Explorer or via DOS commands. The top-level folder
In the Data Manager is called “_msresources”; it corresponds to the _msresources folder created
when you initialize an MS3D project.
Each data object type has an Object Proper-
ties dialog through which you can change dis- Assigning a number and name to your folders, for
play characteristics and an associated symbol example 01-Topography or 02-DH View, lets you
that is displayed in MS3D’s Data Manager for define a non-alphabetic order for your folders.
quick recognition.
Common data types: geometry objects, drillhole views, grid sets and model views
EXERCISE: Import and Export Topography Contours

Create a folder titled “Topography” and import topography data (topo.dxf). Then export the topography
contours as a Survey Free Format File (ASCII).
Create Folders Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Folder
Import Data select and right-click destination folder → Import → select import format
Export Data Data Manager → select and right-click object → Export → Free Form Survey
dialog → click “+” button and add x, y and z coordinates, and an object
name → OK → choose destination → OK
The MineSight Viewer

The viewer gives a 3D or 2D perspective of
data content created in MS3D or imported into
MS3D. Each viewer is an object with its own
properties. You can add a directional axis —
a compass — to get a sense of the direction in
which you are viewing your MineSight project.
The compass is availabe in both 3D and 2D
modes, but not in fence grid set modes.
The default viewer, created when an MS3D
project is initialized, will be in 3D. Display and
editing within this viewer is by default done in 3D, so you should make use of edit grids and/or snap
modes to properly enter new data into a project. However, you can also use 2D mode, which
makes it easier to do certain editing tasks. 2D mode also allows you to step through the data in
the viewer using a set of controlling planes, and visualize drillhole and model data with unique 2D
display attributes.

ADJUSTING VIEWER ORIENTATION
AZIMUTH AND DIP DISPLAY

Use Azimuth and dip fields on the Viewer Toolbar.
• Adjust orientation by typing desired values in field.
• Use arrow buttons for either field.
• A single-click changes the value set in Viewer Properties → Camera tab.
• Click-and-hold changes value in five-degree increments.
Use arrow keys on your computer keyboard.
• Left/right arrows adjust azimuth.
• Up/down arrows adjust dip.
• Values change in five-degree increments.
Use mouse chords. (Note: Menu fields update as view is adjusted.)
• Two-button mouse: hold both buttons. Three-button mouse: hold middle button to rotate
viewer.
• Left and right movements adjust azimuth.
• Up and down movements adjust dip. (Hold down right and left mouse buttons or just hold
down the scroll button.)
ZOOM LEVEL
Use one of the icons on the Viewer Toolbar.
• Zoom box—window with mouse.
• Zoom in—stepped.
• Zoom out—stepped.
Use mouse chords.
• Two-button mouse: Alt key + left- and right-click. Three-button mouse: left and middle but-
tons.
• Up and down mouse movement zooms in and out smoothly.
• Scroll button + left-click with up and down movement, or zoom with scroll button
From Project Settings, Zoom to Cursor Location option will allow you to zoom in and out with the
cursor’s location in the viewer.
Use keyboard hot keys.
• “l” key zooms in—stepped.
• “o” key zooms out—stepped.
PANNING DATA IN THE VIEWER

Use mouse chords.
• Two-button mouse: Shift + left- and right-click. Mouse with scroll button: right click and scroll
button.
• Left and right movement pans left and right smoothly.
• Up and down movement pans up and down smoothly.
Use Shift + arrow keys from computer keyboard.
• Shift + right and left arrow keys pan right and left.
• Shift + up and down arrow keys pan up and down.


xViewer
xViewer is a new viewer that enables you to display large point clouds, models, surfaces and other
large data in real time. It talks directly to your graphics card to maximize efficiency in display and
rendering, meaning exceptional large-data viewing speed and accuracy in 2D and 3D. Other
xViewer highlights include: Streams data in real-time; quick and smooth rotating, panning, and
zooming; perform other tasks while rendering data. The xViewer platform will continue to grow
and allow MS3D more exciting new display options.
Use the xViewer to speed up digitizing in 2D with model data, blasthole data and other heavy rendering
displaying objects.
THE MINESIGHT VIEWER POPUP MENU

The Viewer Popup Menu appears when you right-click in the viewer window. It displays a two-
part menu. The top section is the Static Function List, which offers quick access to functions that
you specify. The lower section displays the Most Recently Used Function List. You can specify the
number of functions you want saved in the Viewer Popup Menu Setup dialog (see exercise). A
toggle at the top of the dialog deactivates the Viewer Popup Menu.
Quick Viewer Movement suppresses surface and label information in open objects during zoom,
pan or rotate functions. This mode allows you to rapidly change the view using mouse chords,
even with large data sets. When the mouse buttons are released, the suppressed information
displays again.
EXERCISE: Get Familiar with the MineSight Viewer
Viewer Set Up Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties dialog

Data Manager → highlight and right-click a viewer → Properties → Viewer Prop-
erties dialog
Data Manager → double-click an opened viewer → Viewer Properties dialog
Add a Compass Viewer Properties dialog → Compass tab → select how you wish to display your
north direction — Compass Rose, Compass Needle or Three Axes → Show
Labels (choose a font color that is different than your viewer background
color) → define any further display options
Static Function List Desktop Menu → Viewer → Popup Menu Definition → Viewer Popup Menu
Setup dialog → click Enable Popup Menu box in upper left corner → Apply
Multiple Viewers Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Viewer
Quick Viewer Desktop Menu → Viewer → Quick Viewer Movement ON/OFF

Movement Mode
Vertical Exaggeration Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties dialog → Camera Tab →
vertical exaggeration → on: 2.0
Camera Target Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties dialog → Camera Tab →
Reset Target Manually
Viewer → keyboard hotkey “t” → click on target in the viewer
Data Manager → right-click on object → Target
Viewer Toolbar → Camera Target button → click on target in viewer

Accessing Other MineSight Programs

The MineSight menu on the Desktop Menu lets you open other MineSight programs while working in
MS3D. Accessible programs include: Compass, DataAnalyst, MSDART, Economic Planner, License
Manager, Plug-in Manager, Schedule Optimizer, Strategic Planner Tools and Torque.
MS3D ONLINE HELP
MS3D has online documentation that can be accessed through Help on the Desktop Menu or through
context-sensitive help inquiries. To access context-sensitive help, press F1 when the window for the
function is active, and the Help document for that window will open. Click on the topic about which
you wish to learn more and the related help topic will be displayed in your default web browser window.
Context-sensitive help is available for all areas of MS3D, menus, dialogs and icons.
To Access MS3D Online Help: Desktop Menu → Help or F1


1.5 The Model Manager

The Model Manager lets you create or edit project
control files (PCF), 3D block models (3DBM), grid- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ded surface files (GSF) and gridded seam models
(GSM) from within MineSight 3D (MS3D). It can be Create, edit and clone PCFs, gridded sur-
used to start a new project and add models, or to face files and 3D block model files.
manage an existing project with existing models.
To access Model Manager: MS3D Desktop Menu → Model → Model Manager or select icon from
the Model Toolbar
THE PROJECT CONTROL FILE (PCF)

The PCF is essential to working in MineSight — it contains the data the system draws from to perform
its operations. The PCF appears as “****10.dat” in your project folder and includes:
• Project and company identification.
• A geometric description of the project — the coordinates entered into the PCF will be used
for the block model.
• The type of model (stratigraphic or 3D).
• The units (imperial or metric).
• A table of file names for the project (maximum of 125 files).
• Descriptors for each item stored in a MineSight file.
14 | The Model Manager

EXERCISE: Create a New PCF

Create a new PCF file using the following parameters: PCF ID = GEO (for example), Folder = the project direc-
tory you are working in, Description = a general description of the project. Input the column, row and bench
limits from the project data set overview. Click to save the changes you have made to the PCF.
New PCF MS3D Desktop Menu → Model → Model Manager → Project → New PCF
Model Files
Model Manager lets you create model views for two types of model files — File 15 (3DBM or GSM)
and File 13 (GSF) — in the currently loaded project. You can also:
• Add and edit items to an existing model in a one-step process, without renaming or cloning
the model.
• Use the Clone function to copy an existing project file from the current working project or
from another project, which can be located in a different directory, to a file that you specify.
Item labels, minimum, maximum, precision and the data are all copied.
• Rename a MineSight project file. The file will be renamed in the project directory as well as in
the PCF.
• Sub-block items within your model to enhance their resolution.
In the same way that you can create new model files,
you can modify existing model files. This comes in handy Fields in the model files cannot begin
when you have a model file already created and you with a number. You will see a warn-
need to add an item. In the Model Manager you can ing message if you choose this nam-
ing convention.
edit the files “on the fly.”
EXERCISE: Create and Edit a Model File

Create a new model file. Add required model items. Clone the model file and rename it. Then add an item
and delete an item.
New Model File Model Manager → Model → 3DBM—File 15 or GSF—File 13
Clone Model Manager → Model → Clone
Rename Model Manager → Model → Rename → enter new name → OK
Add Model Item choose the existing model file → Edit → Add → add item
Delete Model Item red X adjacent to the Add → remove unwanted fields
The Model Manager | 15


Import/Export a Model Item List

In the same way that you can add and delete single fields or a group of added fields, you can
also import fields from an ASCII text file or from an existing model file. This is done under the same
menu with which you add a singular field. Choose the option to Import items from an ASCII file or
Import items from a model file. Choose the correct corresponding file, and your items will appear.
In reverse, if you have a model file and you want to share the items with others, you can export
the items to a text file. This functionality is found under the Model → Export item definitions menu.
EXERCISE: Import Model Items

Import the items from modelitems.txt into the new model file.
Import Items choose your model file → Edit → Add → Import Items from an ASCII File → open
modelitems.txt → select the items you want to import → Import
16 | The Model Manager

NOTES
The Model Manager | 17


1.6 The Compass Interface

MineSight Compass acts as the menu interface for running calculations and evaluations on im-
ported data using MineSight Basis, which works in the background and is never “seen.” The Menu
tab helps you navigate hundreds of Basis procedures. You can use a filter to view procedures
organized by group (i.e. 5a-3D Modeling) and operation (i.e. Data Convert), or you can search
for specific procedures.
COMPASS TABS
Setup: Displays the current project control file

(PCF), pre-selected project data files and cur-
rent operating modes. You can connect to a Mi-
neSight Torque project through the icons next to
the MSTorque Database field. The first icon allows
you to select your server and project; the sec-
ond icon allows you to refresh the connection;
the third icon allows you to remove the connec-
tion.
Menu: Controls the display and selection of

menus, filters the procedure list by “group” and
“operation,” and provides a search engine for a
desired procedure.
Options: Contains multi-run options and the pro-

cedure Response Editor, and houses user assign-
ments. Create new multi-run packages and ac-
cess existing multi-run packages through this tab.
Project: Controls project parameters, and cre-

ation or editing of project files.
Extent: Controls editing and viewing of the PCF

model limits and project boundaries. Model lim-
its define model ranges and block sizes. Ro-
tated models are defined in model coordinates;
project bounds are defined in project coordinates. The project bounds are used as defaults for bound-
ary checking and plot limits. Changes made here do not translate to MS3D settings.
Rotation: Controls viewing of the current PCF rotation parameters. The fields on this page are not avail-
able for editing. Use the model rotation dialog in MS3D to change the rotation origin and rotation angles.
18 | The Compass Interface

The Project Response File (PRJ)

The project response file (PRJ) contains recorded procedure responses and is essential to Com-
pass. Along with the project control file (PCF), it contains the data the system draws from to per-
form its operations. The PRJ appears as “****.prj” in your project folder.
EXERCISE: Initialize a New PRJ
Start Compass Windows Start Menu → MSCompass → specify project directory → OK

MS3D Desktop Menu → MineSight Compass
New PRJ MSCompass Menu → File → New → Project → select PCF in MineSight PCF
dialog → Open
Defining Project Files

Project files store information such as intervals for drillholes, drillhole locations, composites and
model information. Initialize these files through Compass.
Project file Items are the “spaces” available in project files to

store information. The following provides a brief description of TYPES OF PROJECT FILES
the types of Items and their characteristics. Composite (File 9)
Assay (File 11)
Survey (File 12)
Numeric Items (e.g., assays, geologic codes, interval length)
Surface Model (File 13)
• Label: one to five alphanumeric characters; no special 3D Block Model (File 15)
characters (/ * . _ -); no embedded blanks
• Minimum value: minimum numeric value of item (often ASSAY FILE 11 ITEMS
0); negative and positive values allowed; values below Item Min Max Precision
minimum considered “missing” TCU 0 10 0.001
ASCU 0 10 0.001
• Maximum value: maximum numeric value of item; values
MO 0 5 0.001
above maximum are reduced to maximum; maximum of
ZINC 0 5 0.001
0 is used for full word data
ALTER 0 10 1.000
• Precision: the least significant digit honored; defaults to LITO 0 10 1.000
1.0 (integer precision) MINRL 0 10 1.000
• Roundoff = (Precision/2) - .0001
Alphanumeric strings (e.g. drillhole labels, geologic codes, property ownership)
• Item label: one to five alphanumeric characters; no special characters (/ * . _ -) ; no embed-

ded blanks
• Minimum value = 0; maximum value = 0; Precision = -1
• Value limited to four alphanumeric characters
• Multiple alphanumeric items allowed
• Not allowed in model files
The Compass Interface | 19


EXERCISE: Create Project Files

Create an assay file (File 11) called “geo11.dat” using the Assay File 11 Items table, and a survey file (File 12)
called “geo12.dat.”
Assay File Compass → Project tab → Open Project File Editor button → File → New →
11-Assay → enter new items, interval coordinates and precision → Save
Survey File Compass → Project tab → Open Project File Editor button → File → New → 12-
Survey → use default items → Save → set normalization constants to project
center or zero
20 | The Compass Interface

NOTES
The Compass Interface | 21


1.7 Geometry Objects & Elements

Geometry objects are the main data storages
used in MineSight 3D (MS3D). They perform two LEARNING OBJECTIVE
main functions:
1. They contain elements such as points, poly- Create, modify and select geometry ob-
lines, polygons, surfaces, solids and labels. jects, which store digitized data.
2. They control properties of unattributed ele-

ments that are contained within.
You can create new geometry objects manually in
the MS3D Data Manager or “on the fly” when in-
voking a CAD editing function. Once you create a
geometry object, you must place it in edit mode to
add elements such points, polylines and polygons.
You can tell an object is in edit mode when a pen-
cil image appears in front of the blue cube next to it.
Modify existing elements by placing them in selection mode. Edit display properties from an ob-
ject’s Object Properties dialog.
EXERCISE: Add Elements to a Geometry Object

Create a geometry object called “various_elements” in a new folder titled “Geometry,” and try to replicate
the image above. Stay in plan orientation (Viewer Toolbar → Camera To View Plan icon), and be sure to
hide the topography you imported earlier (click on the light bulb). Also, turn on the project bounding box
for reference (Desktop Menu → File → Project Settings → Display tab → Show Bounding Box). When you are
done, click the Save Selection icon on the Selection Toolbar.
Create a Data Manager → right-click _msresources folder → New → Geometry Object

Geometry Object → enter name
Edit Mode Data Manager → select and right-click element name → Edit
Add Points Desktop Menu → Point → Create

Point Toolbar → Create Point icon
Add Polylines Desktop Menu → Polyline → Create → Polyline

Polyline Toolbar → Create Polyline
Add Polygons Desktop Menu → Polyline → Create → Polygon

Polyline Toolbar → Create Polygon icon
Add Labels Desktop Menu → Label → Create → enter wording → click viewer to place the
label → double-click geometry object → Labels tab → increase size
Label Toolbar → Create Label icon
Add Shapes Desktop Menu → Surface → Create → Insert Shape
Unset Edit Mode Data Manager → Unset Edit Object icon
22 | Geometry Objects & Elements

Selecting Data for Editing

To modify data or use it in a function, you must first
select it for editing (selection mode). A collection
of selected elements is called the selection set.
Selected or newly created elements appear red
in the viewer, indicating that they may be edited.
Selected data may also be moved or copied to
another object.
The Modify Selection function allows you to mod- Don’t use red as your default color. If you
ify the current selection set; it places selected do, you won’t be able to tell when ele-
data in the “pre-selection” state (appearing or- ments are in selection mode.
ange in the viewer). Pre-selected data can be
unselected. Right-clicking in the viewer resets the selection set.
EXERCISE: Change Display Properties

Delete points from various_elements. When you select an element in the viewer, it turns orange (pre-selection
state). When you finish selecting elements, right-click to put your selection set in selection mode.
Select Elements Desktop Menu → Selection → Make New Selection

Desktop Menu → Selection → Make New Multi-Object Selection
Selection Toolbar → Make New Selection icon
Selection Toolbar → Make New Multi-Object Selection icon
Data Manager → select and right-click a geometry object → Select → choose
options
Modify Selection Desktop Menu → Selection → Modify Selection

Selection Toolbar → Modify Selection icon
Unselect Elements Shift + mouse click (for items in pre-selection state)

Desktop Menu → Selection → Cancel (undoes all edits)
Delete Points put point in Selection Mode → Desktop Menu → Point → Delete
Save Data Desktop Menu → Selection → Save Selection

Desktop Menu → Selection → Save Selection and Continue
Selection Toolbar → Save Selection Edits icon
Selection Toolbar → Save And Continue With Selection
EXERCISE: Modify Data

Modify display properties (fill color, patterns, etc.) to match the image above.
Adjust Properties Data Manager → select and right-click object → Properties → Object Proper-
ties dialog
Data Manager → double-click an object → Object Properties dialog
Geometry Objects & Elements | 23


FILTERING ELEMENTS 3D 2D SELECTION MODE LOGIC

The Selection Filter allows you to filter elements Yes Yes Selects both 3D & 2D elements
based on data type, orientation, attributed name, Yes No Selects only 3D elements
attributed material, length, area and/or volume. No Yes Selects only 2D elements
You can save filter configurations for repeated use. No No Selects nothing
Selection filtering is an “AND” condition, so all filter
conditions must be met.
EXERCISE: Filter Elements

Filter out polygons and select all other data in various_elements.
Selection Filter Desktop Menu → Selection → Configure Selection Filter → toggle Activate Se-
lection Filter → specify elements to include → OK → Data Manager → right-
click object → Select → Using Filter or Make New Selection/Make New Multi-
Object Selection → select objects in viewer
Selection Toolbar → Selection Filter icon
QUERYING AN ELEMENT
Use Element Query to determine the location of an element. View element information for point,
surface and label data in the Query window. View element information for polyline and polygon
data in the Object dialog. Use Query Selection to view information for the selected data in the
Message Window.
EXERCISE: Query an Element

Query elements from various_elements.
Query Element Desktop Menu → Query → Element → click an element

Element Toolbar → Query Element icon
Browsing within a Geometry Object

The Object Contents Browser (OCB) has two main functions:
• Browsing the contents of geometry objects, which can be performed at any time during your
MineSight session.
• Selecting geometry objects (or elements within geometry objects) for use in different CAD
functions.
EXERCISE: Browse within a Geometry Object

Use the OCB to browse various_elements.
OCB Data Manager → select and right-click the object → Object Contents Browser
24 | Geometry Objects & Elements

NOTES
Geometry Objects & Elements | 25


1.8 Materials
MineSight (MS3D) materials let you create a set of
attributes — such as color, visibility or specific val- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ues to use when coding — that you can assign
to multiple data objects at once. All data object Create and edit materials to control at-
types have an associated material. For example, tributes of data objects.
you can create a material with unique patterns
and colors to represent polylines, solids and sur-
faces that occur in a specific geologic zone. A material can control more than one ele-
ment at a time. When a material is edited,
Materials define visual properties of geometry
the changes automatically affect all the ele-
data, define coding values for geometry data and
ments using that material.
control triangulation.
Creating & Applying Materials

MS3D comes with default materials, located in the Materials folder in the Data Manager. You can
create new materials automatically when you import data; create them manually; or update the
defaults. In addition, you can use an existing material’s properties as a basis for a new material’s
properties. When assigning a material to a geometry object, you are merely copying properties
from a material to the geometry object properties.
THE ELEMENT ATTRIBUTE FUNCTION

The Attribute Tool allows you to assign an attributed
name and attributed material type to an element,
or remove existing attributes from an element. When
an element has been attributed, the geometry ob-
ject in which it is stored no longer controls its proper-
ties; the attributed material has control.
Elements that can be attributed include points,

polylines, polygons, surfaces, solids and labels. Each
Original solid element can only have one attributed name and
material. Elements can be given an attributed
name without an attributed material, but elements
cannot be given an attributed material without an
attributed name. (An element without an attributed
name is considered an unattributed element.) Only
elements in geometry objects can be attributed us-
ing the Attribute Tool, though they do not need to
be in Selection Mode.
Remember that attributed material properties over-

Solid with Color Black material type write the properties of an individual element, so
changing settings in Object Properties will have no
effect. Likewise, a material attributed to an element
26 | Materials
takes precedence over a material assigned to an object. The attributes of an element can be
checked using Query → Element or can be displayed as a label in the Line Labels or Node Labels
tab pages in Object Properties.
CONTROL OF PROPERTIES
Highest Material Element Level
⇓ Object Properties
Lowest Material Object Level
Polymat 1 Polymat 2 Polymat 3

Fill green Black dashed line Yellow igneous pattern
EXERCISE: Use and Edit Materials

Create three materials for one of the polygons stored in various_elements. You can use the wildcard option
(e.g. Polymat $index) to create multiple materials at once. Open the three materials individually and edit
the properties; then open them simultaneously in the Material Editor and edit the properties. Change the
material of the geometry to ColorYellow in the Object Properties dialog, and then attribute the polygon with
the three materials you created.
Create Materials Data Manager → highlight and right-click the Materials folder → New → Mate-
rial
Use Materials to Set Data Manager → double-click geometry object name → Object Properties →
Display Properties General tab → Material Type → choose material
Edit Material Properties Data Manager → double-click material name → Object Properties → Materials
tab
Edit Multiple Materials Data Manager → Materials folder → Control + select multiple materials → right-
click selected materials → Edit → MineSight 3D Material Editor
Attribute Tool Desktop Menu → Element → Attribute Tool → toggle on Attribute → choose ele-
ment name and material → Select → select element from Viewer → Preview
→ Apply
Element Tool Bar → Attribute Tool icon
Materials attributed to elements that are open in the MS3D viewer are listed under the Data Manager
Open View tab.
Materials | 27

1.9 Grid Sets & the Edit Grid

The grid set is one of the four fundamental data
types in any MineSight 3D (MS3D) project. (The LEARNING OBJECTIVE
other three are the geometry object, the drill-
hole view and the model view.) The most impor- Use grid sets and the edit grid to control
tant function of the grid set is to limit the num- the number of planes visible in the viewer.
ber of planes displaying data in the viewer. The
three types of grid sets are parallel, unordered and
fence.
• Parallel grid sets are a sequence of related grids that differ by a set distance. The Parallel
From PCF option creates orthogonal planes based on the PCF extents in plan, E-W or N-S ori-
entation. The Parallel From Origin option creates a number of orthogonal or non-orthogonal
planes positioned relative to a base origin point; the number of grids, distance between
planes and the origin and orientation are all user-defined in the dialog. Following creation,
the global orientation of parallel grid set planes can be changed at any time.
• Unordered grid sets encompass an unrelated sequence of planes that may take any orien-
tation. Since they are unrelated they do not have to be parallel.
• Fence grid sets are vertical cross-sections, defined by a polyline, that bend and change
direction as the section line traverses the project area. They are viewed in 2D “Fence” mode
with the bends straightened out. One grid set is created for each polyline.
Grid sets let you: “step” through data using volume clipping or 2D
mode; “slice”through data to give strings or markers in a new orien-
tation for interpretation; and define the edit grid. It’s best to keep
all grid sets in one folder. When creating a new grid set, if you are
not initializing from a PCF (for Parallel From PCF grid sets) or have
not selected polylines (for unordered grid sets), the result will be an
empty grid set. In this case, use the Grid Set Editor dialog to add
planes, modify the origin and other tasks.
The Naming section in the grid set creation dialog defines basic
properties such as Decimals and Size. Grid set creation honors wild-
card options specified in the format field box.
THE EDIT GRID

In contrast, the edit grid does not exist as an actual data object;
Grid Set it is a single grid plane that is either displayed or hidden. The edit
grid constrains the entry of new data or the positioning of existing data.
Grid sets are better used for a static set of planes, such as mining benches, which can be used for 2D
viewing and as reference in certain tools and functions in MS3D.
Edit grids are better used for quickly snapping data to the plane of the orientation at which the edit grid
is set.
28 | Grid Sets & the Edit Grid

You can also add the plane represented by the edit

grid to an existing parallel or unordered grid set. For
parallel grid sets though, the edit grid must have the
same exact orientation. The edit grid lets you: snap
points to a plane; define a triangulated surface; deter-
mine intersections with a 3D surface; control camera
view; limit visibility on either side of a plane; and define
Edit Grid
the plotting plane.
EXERCISE: Create Grid Sets and Define the Edit Grid

Create a new folder titled “Grid Sets” and create the three default parallel (NS, EW and Plan) grid sets based
on the PCF. The sectional grid sets will have 25-meter spacing, and the planar grid set will have 15-meter
spacing. Create one parallel grid set from a base origin point. Then define the edit grid.
Create an unordered grid set with no polylines selected. Leave default settings in the Naming field.
Parallel From PCF Grid Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Grid Set →
select type Parallel From PCF → select orientation → navigate to PCF → OK
Unordered Grid Set Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Grid Set →
select type Unordered → OK
Define the Edit Grid Desktop Menu → Edit Grid → Edit

Edit Grid Toolbar → Edit Grid Edit Tool icon
Grid Set Properties

A grid set’s properties are broken down into two categories: set-level and grid-level properties.
The set-level properties act as defaults for any newly added planes. The grid-level properties allow
further user control of the properties of each individual plane. Basic options such as name, color,
selectability, visibility, cell size and grid size are duplicated between categories, while orientation
and origin are not.
The category these latter two options exist in depends on the grid set type. Parallel grid sets,
because the planes are dependent, define orientation and origin in the set-level properties. Un-
ordered grid sets contain independent planes; therefore they define a plane’s orientation and
origin in the grid-level properties.
Grid Sets & the Edit Grid | 29


Add an Edit Grid to a Grid Set

To permanently store an edit grid, add it to an existing grid set. (Make sure it is active before
adding it.)
EXERCISE: Attach an Edit Grid to a Grid Set
Attach Edit Grid Data Manager → double-click a grid set → select editor button → select “+”
to Grid Set drop down menu → Add Edit Grid → Save
Edit a Grid Set

You can edit an existing grid set for functions such as renaming planes, or moving and deleting
planes. You may manually type in exact edits or use the Edit button to dynamically adjust the grids
in the viewer.
To rename the planes, use the Rename toolbar button. Wildcards are also supported here, and
the name formatting options are the same as in the Create New dialog. Grids can easily be resized
along a grid’s major and minor axes. Display the major/minor axis of the grids to help determine
how to resize.
EXERCISE: Edit a Grid Set

Make a copy of the EW grid set and name it “EW Grid” (Grid Set Properties). In the new EW Grid grid set,
change the spacing to 100m and reduce the number of planes to start at North 5000.
Edit the unordered grid set created. Add three planes with the “+” sign. You can click on the + sign three
times or use the drop down menu to add multiple planes. Set the orientation of these grid planes in the
Grid-level Properties section (50, 90, 45; 0, 0, 0; 120, 60, 0) and rename them using the format $orient $az $dip
$normal. Enter 1 for Decimals.
Edit a Grid Set Data Manager → highlight and right-click grid set → Properties → Editor →
Change Spacing → Save
Add Planes Data Manager → double-click on grid set → Editor → add new grids and edit
orientation
Resize a Grid Preview button on the toolbar → toggle on Show Major/Minor Axis → Preview
(to see the grid outline in addition to its major/minor axes) → pencil icon (for
Size and Resize properties) → Save
Rename Planes Data Manager → double-click on grid set → Editor → select planes → Rename
toolbar button → enter new name format → OK
30 | Grid Sets & the Edit Grid

3D Volume Clipping & 2D Viewing Mode

Volume clipping limits the display of data to a spe-
cific distance on either side of a given plane. In the
figures shown, the edit grid is intersecting the solid
above. A grid set must be attached to a viewer be-
fore you can use it to control the amount of data
you want to display. It does not, however, have to
be open in the viewer.
Volume clipping defines a specific volume, or dis-
tance on either side of the current plane of the
viewer. You can set unequal distances on either side
of the current plane, and the volume follows along
as the current plane changes. 2D viewing mode al-
lows you to view 3D data that exists precisely on the
current plane; surfaces appear as polylines or poly-
gons, and polylines appear as points (unless they are
Volume clipping limits the display of
planar). Also use 2D mode when editing 2D data.
data to a specific distance on either
side of a given plane, in this case the
Tri-viewer Setup edit grid intersecting the solid above.
Used in conjunction with plane filtering, this 2D view

splits the viewer into three parts: the “+” planes; the
“-” planes; and the current plane. The tri-viewer
setup is particularly useful for interpreting data on
the current plane that is influenced by data on
nearby planes (i.e. geology).
EXERCISE: Activate 3D Volume Clipping and Enter 2D Viewing Mode

Use 3D volume clipping and 2D mode to view data. Activate the tri-viewer setup.
Attach Grid Set Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties → View Options tab
to Viewer Viewer Toolbar → Set A Grid Set To The Viewer
Volume Clipping Data Manager → select and right-click viewer name → Properties → Clipping
Parameters tab
Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties → Clipping tab
Toggle Volume Clipping Viewer Properties → View Options tab → Check Volume Clipping box
Viewer Toolbar → Viewer Volume Clipping icon
2D Viewing Mode Viewer Properties → View Options tab → Change To 2D Mode

Viewer Toolbar → Change Viewer To 2D Mode icon
Tri-viewer Setup Viewer Properties → View Options tab → check Use Tri-viewer Setup → choose
tri-viewer orientation
Grid Sets & the Edit Grid | 31


1.10 Point Data

You can import and edit points representing min-
ing features into MineSight 3D (MS3D). Point data LEARNING OBJECTIVE
can be digitized freehand in 3D or 2D, or placed
by exact coordinate value. While digitizing or edit- Edit imported point data and create new
ing point data, you can snap to existing elements points.
in the viewer.
Importing Point Data

MS3D can import point data in a number of formats
as well as existing geometry objects from other Mi-
neSight projects. Import functions are always per-
formed at the folder level in the Data Manager.
If you can’t see your imported data, make sure you

have turned off volume clipping.
points.xyz
EXERCISE: Import and Edit Point Data

Import a 3D Points File (ASCII) called “points.xyz” into the Geometry folder and then edit the data. Note that
editing functions are not permanent until you have saved.
Import Point Data Data Manager → highlight and right-click destination folder → Import → select
format
Edit Point Data select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Point → choose function → right-
click to end function
select data for editing → Point Toolbar → choose function
Using the Point Editor

The Point Editor creates or moves points by exact coordinates or distances in a specific direction.
The Point Editor allows you to enter points with more precision and versatility than simply digitizing
with the mouse. The Point Editor also includes a Ramp Editor for designing ramp polylines.
EXERCISE: Modify Data Using Point Editor

Create two new points in the points.xyz file exactly 100 m. in elevation from each other.
Point Editor open geometry object for editing → Desktop Menu → Utilities → Point Editor →
select data creation function (i.e. Point → Create) → click data in viewer →
enter coordinates
Point Toolbar → Point Editor icon
32 | Point Data
SNAP MODES
Snap modes allow you to enter or position data, or your cursor, based on a specific plane or based
on the location of data that already exists. Input points snap to the closest objects in the viewer,
whether the objects are selected for editing or not.
The location of the edit point (when
the mouse is clicked or click-and-
dragged) appears in the viewer as
a cross-hair. If no snap mode is in ef-
fect, the cross-hair is always located
at the mouse pointer. You can test
the effect of the current snap mode
From left to right, as the point being digitized (yel-
when there is no active edit opera-
low) moves closer to an existing point (blue), the
tion by watching the edit point cross-
digitized point will “snap” to the existing point (or-
hair while clicking-and-dragging the
ange circle).
mouse in the viewer.
Snap modes are not limited to points. You can also apply them during tasks such as digitizing other
types of data, moving elements or making quick distance measurements.
EXERCISE: Practice Using Snap Modes

Activate snap modes from the Snap selection on the Desktop Menu or through keyboard shortcuts, and
practice digitizing points.
SNAP MODES
Snap Off: Snap modes inactive
Point Snap: Snaps to existing point data
Point Elevation Snap: Snaps to elevation only of existing point data
Line Snap: Snaps anywhere on an existing line segment
Face Snap: Snaps to an existing surface face
Polyline Snap:Snaps to and follows nodes of an existing polyline
Edit Grid Snap*: Snaps to grid cell intersections
Plane Snap*: Snaps to plane of edit grid
Plane Intersect*: Snaps to intersection of existing data and edit grid
Snap To Self: Allows snap to element while it is being created
Set Snap Offset: Sets snap offset distance for line or edit grid
Set Point Elevation Snap Radius: Sets radius of influence for point elevation snap mode
* Requires edit grid
Point Data | 33

1.11 Polyline Data

You can create and edit polyline data in Mine-
Sight 3D (MS3D) using the Polyline function, or im- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
port and edit external data. Polyline data is often
imported into MS3D through data files prepared in Import and edit polyline data, and work
other software in a number of formats, for example with the data in both 2D and 3D.
DXF and DWG files from AutoCAD.
You can also use Polyline functions to convert an
open polyline into a closed polyline (polygon) and
vice versa. As with points, the Point Editor (Desktop
Menu → Utilities → Point Editor) allows you to enter
points during polyline creation with more precision
and versatility than simply digitizing with a mouse.
polylines.xyz
EXERCISE: Import and Edit Polyline Data

Import a 3D Points File called “polylines.xyz” into the Geometry folder and edit it. Note that editing functions
are not permanent until you have saved your data.
Import Polyline Data Data Manager → right-click destination folder → Import → select format
Clip Polylines select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Clip Polylines, Points And
Labels Tool
select data for editing → Polyline Toolbar → Clip Polylines icon
View Polyline Info Desktop Menu → Polyline → Size Parameters
Add Points put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Point → Add
Point Toolbar → Add Points icon
Close a Polyline put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Close
Split a Polyline put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Split
put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Split At Node
Thin put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Thin
Densify put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Densify
Smooth put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Smooth

put data in selection mode → Polyline Toolbar → Smooth Polylines icon
Join put data in selection mode → Desktop Menu → Polyline → Join
34 | Polyline Data
Comparing 2D Data & 3D Data

MS3D treats 2D data and 3D data in different ways. You can convert 3D data to 2D data and
vice versa. Elements to be converted do not need to be in edit mode, but can be. If the conver-
sion is done while the elements are in selection mode, the Undo button will undo the conversion;
otherwise Undo will have no effect.
2D DATA 3D DATA
• Defined by two coordinates (xy, yz or xz) • Defined by three coordinates (x,y and z)
• Plane location not readily modified • All coordinates easily modified
• MineSight VBM data is 2D data • DXF, DWG and survey data is 3D data
• When queried, 2D data has plane value • When queried, 3D data has a plane value of none
• Can be separated by planes to simulate third
dimension
EXERCISE: Convert 2D and 3D Data

Convert one of the polylines in polylines.xyz to 2D using a calculated plane. Query the polyline to see the
plane number, and then convert it back to 3D.
Convert 3D Data Desktop Menu → Polyline → Convert 3D To 2D → Convert 3D Polyline To 2D

to 2D Data Polylines dialog → click polylines in viewer → right-click polylines → Apply
Convert 2D Data Desktop Menu → Polyline → Convert 2D To 3D → click on polyline to convert

to 3D Data → right-click to complete conversion
Polyline Data | 35

1.12 Triangulating Data

You can triangulate point, polyline and polygon
data to form a 3D surface consisting of triangle LEARNING OBJECTIVE
faces. Triangulation enables you to use the result-
ing object for tasks such as end-of-period surface Use points, polylines and polygons to tri-
updates, volume calculations and coding. Mine- angulate 3D surfaces that you can use for
Sight 3D (MS3D) allows triangulations in any orien- tasks such as coding and volume calcu-
tation. lations.
A material’s survey type, found on the Material tab
of the Object Properties dialog, controls how data will be interpreted for triangulation. For exam-
ple, a material with a “boundary” survey type only allows triangulation on one side of the bound-
ary. Survey types are only used by the triangulator for generating triangulated surfaces.
Survey Types & Boundaries TRIANGULATION CONTROLS
Boundary Survey Type

The survey type—point, breakline or boundary—controls the tri- The triangulator treats any
angulation of data. By default, MineSight software treats all polyline as a boundary. This
polylines and polygons as breakline survey types, and all points means that triangulation can-
as point survey types. Set the survey type through the Object not generate an edge over
Properties dialog (for unattributed data) or directly through a any polyline, and triangula-
material’s properties. tion can only occur on one
side of the polyline.
Two types of boundaries, 2D and 3D, can limit triangulation. 3D
boundaries limit data and are included in triangulation, while Breakline Survey Type
The triangulator treats any
2D boundaries only limit what data is triangulated. These two
polyline as a breakline. This
rules are only in effect when using the triangulator “with Dialog”
means that triangulation can-
function. Otherwise, every boundary polygon behaves like a 3D not generate an edge over
boundary. any polyline. However, trian-
gulation can occur on both
sides of the line. If breakline
violations are found, the trian-
gulation functions will give you
the option to continue with
the triangulation.
Point Survey Type

The triangulator interprets any
polyline data as a set of
points. It does not recognize
any edges, even if the data is
organized in polylines.
Triangle faces on a sphere
36 | Triangulating Data
Triangulating Topography
A reliable topography surface is necessary throughout the modeling process; it is used for verify-
ing drilling locations, designing pits and resource reporting. Usually, the data that goes into the
topography takes the form of points or lines gath-
ered from survey instruments. MS3D’s triangulation When triangulating from a user-defined
engines can transform the data into surfaces. orientation, the edit grid must be parallel
to the data before triangulation.
⇒
TRIANGULATION IN PLAN
EXERCISE: Triangulate Surfaces

Use the topo_contours file to run multiple triangulations and get familiar with the available options. First, trian-
gulate the data in plan. Then set the edit grid to a non-orthogonal orientation and triangulate the topogra-
phy again. Save a final surface of the triangulated topography in plan for later use. Name it “topo_surface.”
Set Triangulation Data Manager → double-click object or material to edit → Material Type →
Controls Material tab → define survey type
Triangulate in Plan select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Triangulate Surface →
With Selection In Plan → double-click object → Faces Only button
select data for editing → Surface And Solids Toolbar → Triangulate Surface →
With Selection In Plan icon
Triangulate in a select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Triangulate Surface →
User-Defined With Selection And Edit Grid
Orientation select data for editing → Surface And Solids Toolbar → Triangulate Surface →
With Selection And Edit Grid icon
Triangulating within a polygon can be handy for closing openings in a surface. For example, if a polygon
represents an opening in a surface, you can triangulate that polygon and merge it with the original
surface to fix the opening. Also, to prevent excess triangulation at the edges, use the Exterior Face By
Max Length option in the Options tab of the Triangulate Surface dialog.
Triangulating Data | 37

Using Materials to Control Triangulation

In the Material tab of the Object Properties dialog, the survey type for a material classifies how the
triangulator uses the geometry information when generating triangulated surfaces. Point, break-
line and boundary materials have their survey codes already set. All you have to do is use these
materials.
EXERCISE: Triangulate a Boundary Polygon

In plan view, create a polygon to be used as a boundary for triangulating the topography surface. Name
the object “boundary.” Triangulate topo_contours and save it in an object called “Topo_with_Boundary.”
Create Polygon Data Manager → highlight and right-click folder → New Geometry Object →
place in edit mode → Polyline → Create → Polygon → digitize polygon →
Save
Set Material Data Manager → highlight and right-click object → Properties → set material
type to Boundary
Triangulate within select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Triangulate Surface →
a Boundary With Dialog → select all polylines (topo_contours and your boundary poly-
gon) → define boundary type and select where to return surface → Preview
→ Apply
select data for editing → Surface And Solids Toolbar → Triangulate Surface →
With Dialog icon
Mistriangulations
It is always a good idea to check a surface for problems. If you closely examine a surface that has
just been triangulated or edited, you may find areas of mistriangulation. The Swap Faces function
allows you to correct certain mistriangulations that result when merging or intersecting surfaces.
For example, the triangulator might generate a flat spot at the nose of a contour instead of hon-
oring the surface trend. Swap Faces can also correct certain types of self-intersecting surfaces
resulting from triangulation operations.
EXERCISE: Correct Mistriangulations

Swap two faces in topo_surface. To use this function, click and drag on a triangle and an edge of the se-
lected triangle will be highlighted. The two triangles that share the edge will be swapped.
Swap Adjacent Faces select data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Swap Faces → click the
edge between the faces to swap
38 | Triangulating Data
NOTES
Triangulating Data | 39

1.13 Surface Data

Surfaces are essential to the MineSight 3D (MS3D)
system. The Surface menu addresses the creation LEARNING OBJECTIVE
and editing of surface data as well as surface cal-
culations. These operations use polylines as their in- Create surfaces for use in creating to-
put and produce new surfaces as their output. The pographies, and conducting geologic in-
original polylines are unaffected. The new surfaces terpretation and modeling.
are placed in the current edit object in the Data
Manager. If there is no current edit object, you will
be prompted for one when you attempt the operation.
You can import external data, including surfaces, in a number of formats; you can also import
existing geometry objects from another MS3D project. Import functions always take place at the
folder level in the Data Manager.
EXERCISE: Import and Edit Surfaces

Create a “Surfaces” folder and copy in topo_surface. Import the “pitshell.shl,” “surface.shl” “sphere.shl” and
“cube.shl” files. Explore several of the surface editing functions. Activate the transparent faces and smooth
shading display options (Object Properties → Surfaces tab).
Import Surface Data Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → Import
Display Surface Data Data Manager → double-click surface name → Object Properties dialog →
Surfaces section
Add Points turn on Face Snap → turn off selectability of surface_deform_point → select
surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Point → Add → turn on se-
lectability of surface_deform_point → add a surface point directly below the
surface_deform_point
Deform Surface turn on point snap → select surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface
→ Deform → set Radius of Influence to at least 250 → select newly added
surface point → drag surface point to surface_deform_point
Simplify and Reduce select surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Simplify → Dec-
Surface imate → Maximum Average /offset From Co-planar → set between 1 and 5
to remove co-planar faces → Preview
Swap Faces turn on Face Snap → select surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Sur-
face → Swap Faces → select face near surface_deform_point with sharp
angle to smooth out surface transition
Delete Faces select surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Delete Face →
delete some small interior faces
Verify and Repair select surface data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Verify → reselect
Surfaces data → Verify and Repair → closes the holes made during Delete Faces
Contour Surface Desktop Menu → Surface → Contour Tool → toggle on Surface Attribute
(choose Elevation) → select surface → enter start and end elevation man-
ually or by selecting Find Limits, and define an increment of 15 meters →
Output tab → Place At Contour Level
40 | Surface Data
EXERCISE: Merge and Explode Surfaces and Solid Elements

Close the previous files and open the cube.shl and sphere.shl files. This exercise will demonstrate how to tie
separate elements into one and the reverse. These are tools for element organization and reporting, and do
not actually intersect and join the geometries like the upcoming intersection exercises do.
Quick Viewer Desktop Menu → Viewer → Quick Viewer Movement

Movement
Vertical Edit Grid Desktop Menu → Edit Grid → Snap Vertical to 2 Points → put data in Plan view
→ click 2 points that will create a section through both elements → Set the
Edit Grid to the Viewer
Volume Clipping Viewer Toolbar → Viewer Properties → View Options → check on Volume Clip-
ping → Clipping → set Volume clipping range to see a volumetric slice
through the cube and sphere
Merge Surfaces select both surface data elements for editing using Multi-Object Selection →
Desktop Menu → Surface → Merge → create new Object → Save Selection
Explode Surface select new merged Object data for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface →
Explode → Save Selection → keep as Open Edit Object
Merge Selected select both new elements for editing → Desktop Menu → Surface → Merge
Selected → Send to Open Edit Object → Save Selection → Unset Edit Object
(note that this tool actually moves the elements it merges and does not copy
— the original data is always changed)
Intersection
MS3D’s intersecting tools let you unite two groups of objects into a single object.
Group A + Group B = Union of A+B

INTERSECTING SOLIDS
Intersect closed surfaces to
unite two groups of solids.
The Intersect Solids Tool asks
you to select a primary solid
(Group A) and a secondary
solid (Group B). The two but-
tons within each group give
you the option to select solids Using Quick Viewer Movement (Desktop Menu → Viewer → Quick
by clicking in the viewer or Viewer Movement) allows you to see a preview of the intersection
through the Object Contents more clearly, as will turning off object visibility.
Browser.
EXERCISE: Intersect Two Solids

Try the various options of the Intersect Solids Tool using the sphere and cube.
Intersect Solids Desktop Menu → Surface → Intersect Solids Tool

Surface and Solids Tool Bar → Intersect Solids icon
Surface Data | 41

INTERSECTING SURFACES
The Intersect Surfaces Tool has a
comprehensive set of options for
+ generating new surfaces from
the intersection of two existing
surfaces. Like the Intersect Solids
⇓ Tool, it requires you to select
a primary surface group and a
secondary surface group.
The intersection of
two surfaces, using the cut solid
or merged surface as the result.
EXERCISE: Intersect Two Surfaces

Create a pit solid from pitshell.shl and topo_surface (use Get Results: Solids and Operation: Cut Solid ). In the
Options tab, save and name the result “clipped_pit_solid.”
Intersect Surfaces Desktop Menu → Surface → Intersect Surfaces Tool → Get Results → Solids →
Cut Solid
Surface and Solids Toolbar → Intersect Surfaces icon
Boolean From Viewer Menu

The Boolean From Viewer Menu will allow you to quickly create solids using the difference, inter-
section and union functions as an alternative to the Intersect Solids Tool in MS3D. The Difference
function subtracts one or multiple solids from another or other multiple solids. The Intersection func-
tion finds the intersection between the objects selected during this operation. The Union function
combines selected objects into one object.
EXERCISE: Create Surfaces with the options in the Boolean From Viewer Menu
Update the topography surface using pitshell.shl and name the result “updated_topography.”
Intersect Surfaces Surfaces Menu → Boolean From Viewer → Intersection → select input surfaces
→ right-click
42 | Surface Data
Calculating Volume
MS3D offers two separate volume calculation methodologies — the integration method and the
analytical method. Each technique has its best use, chiefly determined by the type of data used.
INTEGRATION METHOD
• Volume calculation tool, MineSight Reserve,
MineSight Interactive Planner, pitres.dat, gsm-
res.dat, cmpres.dat, partial calculations
• Uses the product of the project block size and the
subcell count from project settings
• Generates vectors for each resulting subcell
• Detects start and stop of surfaces
• Sums the individual subcell volumes
• Tolerates small openings and self-intersections
• Can be used to calculate volume between surfaces
• Can be used with contained solids
• Solids and surfaces can be selected from the viewer or the OCB
ANALYTICAL METHOD
• Volume calculation tool, query, surface size parameters, check and condition surface
• 100% accurate 3D matrix determinant calculation
• Sum of the volume under the faces with positive Z normal minus the sum of the volume of the
faces with negative Z normal
• Intolerant of either openings or self-intersections
• Only for use on solids
• Analytical volume also reported on the query of solid
- =
Some surface calculations may take longer than others due to the surface size and complexity. There-
fore, it is recommended that you use limiting polygons when possible.
Surface Data | 43

EXERCISE: Calculate Volume

Calculate volume between pitshell.shl and topo_surface. You can compare the results to the clipped_pit_solid
volume using both methods.
Between Pit & Topo Desktop Menu → Surface → Calculate Volume Tool → Between Surfaces
Surfaces
Volume of a Solid Desktop Menu → Surface → Calculate Volume Tool → In A Solid
44 | Surface Data
NOTES
Surface Data | 45

1.14 LGOs & Surfaces

A Large Gridded Object (LGO) is a gridded sur-
face file that can contain up to 2 billion nodes LEARNING OBJECTIVE
in each direction. You can specify an LGO’s ori-
gin, grid spacing, number of grids, rotation and dip Manage large surfaces with a Large Grid-
upon creation. LGOs are useful for managing large ded Object (LGO).
surfaces, storing the tops and bottoms of solids (i.e.
seams and veins), and tracking mine progress with
multiple surfaces stored.
Use an LGO to store and manipulate large surfaces.
You can test memory consumption with Max Memory Usage per Surface and adjust it “on the fly”
using several different options before any surfaces are displayed. Surfaces can be displayed as
either polylines or surfaces; the range can be adjusted in the X and Y directions to limit the display
area. As the surface is gridded, the display is thinned to only show every n-th point in the X and Y
directions independently. When using an LGO surface with MineSight 3D (MS3D) CAD tools or for
coding, toggle on the option Use 3D Display Limits/Thinning For MS3D CAD Tools if you do not want
the entire LGO area used.
LGOs can store multiple surfaces to one file. Surfaces can be imported from an ASCII file, another
LGO file with a view or an existing surface element. When importing from ASCII, it is important to
know the file’s point spacing and to use the proper import method.
46 | LGOs & Surfaces

Adding a Surface to an LGO

Before storing surfaces in an LGO, you must first create the LGO file, which will be saved in your
project directory with an *.lgo extension. To interact with the LGO file, you must create an LGO
View. The LGO View is the visual representation of the LGO file in MS3D.
The LGO file grows in size as new data
is stored but does not automatically Use the Show Surface and Hide Surface buttons (double-
shrink when surfaces are deleted. To click LGO View → LGO View Properties → Surfaces tab →
decrease the size of an LGO file, use Properties tab) to control viewing of your LGO.
the Compact LGO button:
LGO View Properties → Surfaces → Properties tab → Compact LGO File button
EXERCISE: Create an LGO and Add Topo Surface

Create a new LGO based on the project bounds with 25m grid cells. Name the file “geo.lgo” and save it in
the project folder. After setting the LGO view, grid in and display the topography surface.
Create LGO File Desktop Menu → File → Create LGO → set orientation, size and location of
LGO grid → Apply → Save
LGO View Data Manager → right-click destination folder → New LGO View → name the
LGO View → OK → select *.lgo file → Open → Data Manager → double-click
LGO View → LGO View Properties → Display tab → set Max Memory Usage
per Surface to halve your total RAM → Display In 3D Views option → set X
and Y sample range → Surfaces tab → select surface → click Show Surface
icon → Apply
Add Topo Surface double-click LGO View → LGO View Properties → Import tab → From Geometry
tab → select topo surface from viewer → Import (Grid)
LGOs & Surfaces | 47


1.15 Transforming Elements

Two functions available in the MineSight 3D (MS3D)
Element menu — Element Rotate and Transform El- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ements — provide the means to easily manipulate
large amounts of data, facilitating more advanced Perform rotation, translation and scaling
CAD functions. Rotate Element lets you rotate se- on selected elements.
lected elements (points, polylines, polygons, solids,
surfaces and labels) about a combination of rota-
tion angles. Transform Elements lets you transform
large amounts of data between coordinate sys-
tems. It is used to transform (move, rotate, scale)
selected geometry elements.
Element Rotate
The Element Rotate function is an MS3D plug-in
that allows selected elements to be rotated about
specified angles using a single axis or multiple axes.
The tool has two main uses: rotation about a single
axis; or three rotations of azimuth, dip and plunge.
Element Rotate
You can enter the rotation angles manually in the
Rotation Angles section or specify them dynami-
cally by moving the object along the rotation axis in the viewer. For single axis rotations, the axis
can be set to the normal of an edit grid. The rotation origin can be set to the center of the object,
selected dynamically in the viewer or manually entered in the Origin Position section.
If the geometry to be rotated is 2D, the option Rotate 2D Elements In 3D allows the geometry to
be rotated off its original plane. The new plane attributed is calculated from the rotation angles.
EXERCISE: Rotate a Polygon

Using the cube.shl object, rotate the geometry about a single axis and then around three rotations.
Rotate Element select geometry → Desktop Menu → Element → Rotate

Element Toolbar → Rotate Element icon
TIPS & TRICKS
Element Rotate: Use snap functions when selecting origin positions and rotation axes. The object must
be selected before the tool can be opened.
Transform Element: All transformations are applied relative to the origin at (0, 0, 0), and the object must
be selected before the tool can be opened.
48 | Transforming Elements
Transform Elements
Basic transformations using Transform Elements include translations, rotations and scaling. Transla-
tions and scaling are applied relative to axes E, N and Z. Rotations are applied around a specified
point and one axis.
More advanced functions, including Helmert, Matrix, From Points and Calculation transformations,
are also supported. Helmert transformations are comprised of three rotations around each axis, a
scale and a translation. From Points deduces the “best-fit” transformation from a set of specified
comparable points between the source and target coordinate system. Calculation allows the
transformation to be performed as an arbitrary formula with variables of E, N and Z.
Transform Elements
You can apply multiple transformations in one instance, with the order of changes specified from
first to last in the Transformations List. You can also store the Transformations List with the transfor-
mation order and parameters saved as an XML file for future use.
EXERCISE: Transform a Polygon

Using the cube.shl object, perform a translation and scale transformation.
Transform Element select geometry → Desktop Menu → Element → Transform
Save Transformation List Transform Elements dialog → Save → Save the XML file
Transforming Elements | 49

50 | Transforming Elements
2
Managing Drillholes
Import, edit and analyze drillhole data before calculating composites, which will be used for
model interpolation.
Contents
2.1 Designing Drillholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2.2 The Torque Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
2.3 Torque Data Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
2.4 Project Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
2.5 Importing Data into Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
2.6 The Torque Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
2.7 Backing Up the Torque Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
2.8 Validating Drillhole Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
2.9 Coverages in Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
2.10 Drillhole Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
2.11 Compositing Drillhole Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
2.12 Exporting Data from Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
2.13 M2M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
2.14 Using Torque with Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
2.15 Splitting Large Text Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

2.1 Designing Drillholes

The MineSight 3D (MS3D) Drillhole Design Tool lets
you plan drillhole layout by entering collar coor- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
dinates, and azimuth, dip and length information.
The planned drillholes are realistic because MS3D Digitize precise drillholes that take into ac-
takes into account bedding characteristics and count bedding orientation and drill size.
drill diameter.
You can export drillholes designed in MS3D to a
CSV format in separate collar, survey and assay
files that describe the drillhole data through a script
called attrtoascii.pyz.
Make sure you have closed the geometry object

with the drillholes before running the script to export.
EXERCISE: Design and Export Drillholes

Design three drillholes attributed with DHID and with collars snapped to topo_surface. Store them in an object
named “DH_design.” Note that there is no wildcard option, so you can only create one drillhole at a time.
Use a script to export the drillholes to assay, collar and survey files with CSV extensions. Many scripts (including
attrtoascii.pyz) are located in the MineSight/scripts folder.
Design Drillholes Desktop Menu → Geo Tools → Drillhole Design Tool
Export Drillholes Desktop Menu → File → Scripts → Run Script → browse to script attrtoascii.pyz
→ choose the .msr folder with your data → enter output file names and lo-
cations → Apply
COMMON EXPORT FORMATS
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Common for encoding data to transfer it.
CSV (Comma delimited format): For spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel.
MSR (MineSight Resource Object): The only format accepted by the Data Manager and used in MS3D tools.
52 | Designing Drillholes
NOTES
Designing Drillholes | 53

2.2 The Torque Database

MineSight Torque manages drillhole and blasthole
data in an SQL database. It provides a platform for LEARNING OBJECTIVE
running procedures and calculations on your data
as well as creating composites. Starting Torque Set up a Torque database for managing
opens the Data Source dialog, through which you drillhole and blasthole data.
can either create a new project or connect to an
existing project. Windows or SQL handles the au-
thentication, depending on the server configura-
tion.
The project folder contains subfolders that help
you organize the input and output files that Torque
uses and generates. The drillhole database itself is
stored in a location based on the SQL settings.
When reopening Torque from a recent session, no-
tice that the existing server and project display in
the Data Source dialog. You can also connect to
a different existing project. Filters allow you to con-
nect to an existing project without loading all the data from that project. Sample sites, sample
attributes, fields and measurements can be filtered using the Selection and Filtering dialog. You
can also save the filter definitions for future use.
EXERCISE: Open a Torque Project

Initialize a new project called “GeoMST” located in your project folder.
Initialize a Project start Torque → Data Source dialog → enter server, project name and folder
location → New Project dialog → OK → Create Directory
Open an Existing Project start Torque → Data Source dialog → select server, project and folder from
dropdown menu
Project Menu → Connect → Data Source dialog → select server, project and
folder from dropdown menu
54 | The Torque Database

NOTES
The Torque Database | 55


2.3 Torque Data Security

The Manage Users dialog in MineSight Torque,
available in versions 3.0 and higher, lets you control LEARNING OBJECTIVE
data access privileges within a Torque database.
For example, for a large data set manipulated Control permissions for multiple users
by multiple users, you can limit writable access to working on Torque data.
those who need it. Five user roles define the access
level:
• System Administrator (Sys Admin)— Has complete control over any Torque database and can
assign user roles.
• Database Administrator (DB Admin)— Has complete control over a single Torque database
and can manage users within the database. This user role also comes with read and write
permissions.
• Writers — Have read and write permission to the database.
• Readers — Have read-only permission.
• Database Owners (DBO)— Have similar permissions as DB Admins. Anyone who creates a
new database is automatically assigned the DBO role. In contrast, a Sys Admin can assign a
DB Admin to a database.
Each user can only be assigned to one role within a database environment; however, multiple
users can have the same role. The following table summarizes the privileges:
ANY DB IN THE SQL SERVER INSTANCE

Permission Sys Admin DB Admin DBO Writer Reader
Create/Delete X
Attach/Detach X
Backup/Restore X
Upgrade/Downgrade X
Manage DB Admin X
Manage Users X
A SINGLE TORQUE DB
Permission Sys Admin DB Admin DBO Writer Reader
Backup/Restore X X X
Upgrade/Downgrade X X X
Manage Users X X X
Write Data X X X X
Write History/Log X X X X X
Read Data X X X X X
Read History/Log X X X X X
56 | Torque Data Security

EXERCISE: Add a Database User Role

Add a Reader to the Database
Manage Users Project Menu → Manage Users → check the Sys Admins on the Server Logins
tab → Database Users tab → Add → add a Reader
See the Torque help doc for full information on permission levels for user roles.
Multi-User Write Lock

The “write lock” function prevents multiple users from overwriting each other’s data. Now, when a
user is in the process of writing data to a database, the project will be locked. This means all other
users will have to wait until the action has finished before they can make written edits. Locking
applies to Torque applications including manipulating coverages, compositing and editing project
settings; related procedures in MineSight 3D (MS3D) such as back coding to drill holes; as well as
MineSight Basis interpolation procedures.
Sys Admin and DB Admins have the power to break locks from the User Access Manager.
Torque Data Security | 57


2.4 Project Setup

Once you have created a new MineSight Torque
project database and assigned permissions to LEARNING OBJECTIVE
users, you will define the characteristics of your
data. This information is known as project setup Define the metadata for your project.
data or metadata. Every project must have at
minimum one sample program, one coverage and
one sample attribute. The project setup only needs DATA TYPES
to be performed once and should be prepared
• Numeric Data: Including integer, real
carefully, but you can return to the project setup
(floating point) and Boolean (true/false)
at any time to modify settings. When the project
setup is complete, the Torque project can receive • Strings: Such as “Copyright Mintec, Inc.”
imported data. The database stores information • Dates: Such as “July 1, 2009”
based on sample sites — locations at which sam-
• Enumerations: A list of strings you define.
ples are collected, namely drillholes and blast-
For example, if you want to create a field
holes. A sample is a portion of an interval that is
called Rock Type, you can enter a list of
prepared for analysis. Each interval can have any valid rock types that can enter the
number of samples, each of which belongs to ex- database
actly one sample program.
Sample Program
Occasionally, a single drillhole interval is sampled more than once. For example, during drilling a
sample may be extracted from a drillhole interval and sent for analysis. Two years later, another
sample may be extracted from the same drillhole interval for a check assay program. Torque
introduces the concept of a sample program to distinguish between various samples taken from
the same interval. The sample program requires a name and a long name.
Coverages
A coverage is a collection of like samples taken at contiguous intervals along a sample site. Two
of the most common coverages are assays (usually at short intervals) and geology (typically at
longer intervals). Assay items usually have a grade or percent, and geology items usually have a
code or name. Additional coverages for 3D point and downhole point data can be used to store
a variety of point data, such as grab samples, well measurements and shovel GPS positions. The
required fields for a coverage are name, long name and type.
Sample Attributes
Sample attributes are project-specific data fields associated with Torque samples. They are similar
to items in MineSight Basis, but with more flexibility and options. Copper, gold, rock type, mineral
type and seam are all examples of sample attributes. The sample attribute requires a name, long
name and a data type. Sample attributes can also be imported from the header rows of a CSV
file, from MineSight project files (assay and survey) or from a Basis item parameters file.
58 | Project Setup
TORQUE LOGICAL MODEL
Starting at the top of the image, you see that a

single sample site can contain sample site geom-
etry (as a polyline or as surveys) and any number
of intervals. In fact, it can contain several sets of
intervals, one for each coverage, (i.e., one set of
intervals for assay coverage and one set of inter-
vals for geology coverage).
An interval in turn may contain any number of sam-

ples. For example, a sample may be sent to the
lab as part of the original sampling program; then,
a second sample may be obtained from the same
interval as part of a check assay program.
Finally, at the bottom of the drawing, you see that

a sample attribute associated with a sample has a
value as well as ancillary data such as units, mea-
surement method, precision and sample date.
CUSTOM FIELDS OTHER ATTRIBUTES

In addition to the standard fields, you can define your own fields Site Area: A grouping of holes
called sample site custom fields. For instance, you can add a (e.g., by date, by pit)
string field called “Contractor Name” to drillholes and an enu- DH Type: Type of drillhole
meration field named “Explosive Type” to blastholes. You can
display custom fields in the Torque Manager and in reports; you Blasthole Type: Type of blasthole
can also use them as filters. Coordinate System: A custom
coordinate system to be as-
Sample site custom fields can be added at any time, even after
signed to drillhole data
the original database has been populated. You can add as
many sample site custom fields as you wish, and they may be of Interval Type: Type of interval
any data type. They can be imported from a configuration file Measurement Method: Method
or created manually. of measurement for a sample
Project Setup | 59

EXERCISE: Set Up a New Project

Familiarize yourself with setup options, and then complete project setup for Sample Attributes (including total
copper and moly) and Drillhole Type (DD, MD, MT and RC). Note that drillhole sample attributes are generally
items in the assay or geology file with values or codes that have been measured or calculated. You can
manually type these in or import the headers from the geo.csv and assay.csv files. Geology attributes should
be set as enumeration data types using the table in the data set description. You should also add Lith code
and Min code attributes as integers (you will code these later after making your composite sets), and all
grades as small real.
Project Setup Torque Menu → Project → Setup → Project Setup dialog
Create Sample Project Setup → select Sample Program from dropdown

Programs
Create Coverages Project Setup → select Coverage from dropdown
Create Sample Project Setup → select Sample Attributed from dropdown

Attributes
Define Drillhole Type Project Setup → select Drillhole Type from dropdown → define the DD and RC
drillhole types
Create Custom Fields Project Setup → select Sample Site Custom Field from dropdown → create a
Drill Program field (to be read from the collar.csv)
Calculated Sample Attributes

Calculated sample attributes allow you to define “on-the-fly” calculations based on other at-
tributes. The field will automatically update as data changes. For example, you can define an
equivalent copper grade based on total copper and moly:
EqCU (%) = total copper (%) + moly (%) x 99.23/19.73
The syntax for the attribute (EqCu) would appear as: [total copper]+ moly * (99.23/19.73)
EXERCISE: Set Up a Calculated Sample Attribute
Calculated Sample Project Setup → select Calculated Sample Attribute from dropdown → Script
Attribute button in Script column → type script → OK → Save to Database
60 | Project Setup
SCRIPT-WRITING RULES AND CONDITIONS

• Use the following operators when writing the calculated sample attribute script.
Type Operators Data Types Example
Arithmetic +, -, *, / Numeric 0.89 * CU+8.1 * AU
Concatenation + All (converts to string as needed) “Value=”+ CU
Relational <, <, >, >= Numeric; Date CU > 0.1
Relational ==, != String; Numeric; Date Rock == “Diorite”
Logical and, or Boolean (ROCK == “Diorite”) and (CU > 0.1)
An example using a logical operator would be:

CU >= 0.5 and MO >= 0.01 : 1
CU >= 1.0 and MO >= 0.05 : 2
Default : 3
• Null can be used in the equality operators == and !=, and it can be returned as a result.
• String constants must always be put in quotes.
• Variables should be enclosed in square brackets if they contain spaces. [Rock Type] == “Granite”
• Normal operator precedence rules apply.
• Enclose sub-expressions in parentheses. (Rock == “Granite”) and (Zone != 2) : (CU + 1.5) * (MO + 0.5)
• Unary + and - operators are allowed. -1.23 and +1.23
• The value of a numeric sample attribute is always expressed in terms of its default units.
• A script does not automatically convert between different units; therefore, if you have an expression
with various sample attributes in different units, you must do an explicit conversion in your script. A
warning is displayed if you try to save a script with mixed units.
• If a CSA value falls outside of the min/max defined in project setup, the script will return null.
• The maximum length of a script is 4,000 characters.
Importing Project Setup Data

All project setup data can be imported from and exported to a Torque project configuration file.
Configuration files are simple text (.ini) files, which are easy to read and edit manually. They provide
a convenient way to exchange project setup data between users.
EXERCISE: Import and Export Project Setup Data

A project configuration file called “MSTsetup.ini” is provided in the dataset.
Import Project Torque Menu → Project → Setup → All Metadata → Import → Configuration file
Set Up Data → choose .ini file → Open
Export Project Torque Menu → Project → Setup → All Metadata → Export → name file → Save
Set Up Data
Project Setup | 61

Setting up Point Data in Torque

There are three coverages available for 3D point data as well as an additional coverage for down-
hole points. They are created and named from Project → Setup → Coverages. To make an
attribute available in a point coverage, select the appropriate boxes under Project → Setup →
(Sample Attribute | Calculated Sample Attribute | Sample Program).
Import Point Data

Import points from shovel1.xyz and shovel2.xyz as two separate date coverages.
Data MSTorque General Importer → 3D point samples
62 | Project Setup
NOTES
Project Setup | 63

2.5 Importing Data into Torque

MineSight Torque’s General Importer transfers data
from text files, ODBC and other SQL servers. The LEARNING OBJECTIVE
first time you launch the importer, you will see a
blank import dialog. Subsequent launches will give Import text files or MineSight Project files
you the options of loading previous parameters, into the Torque project, and browse and
reusing previous parameter sets through the Import edit drillhole data.
Manager and opening a blank import dialog.
In the General Importer dialog, the New Importer
TIPS & TRICKS
option allows you to choose from one of the follow-
ing importers: Sample Site (collar), Geometry (sur- • With one click, the Auto Map function
vey), Interval/Sample (assays and geology) and maps import files to Torque database
Composite. When importing text data, you must fields based on name.
first define collar information and then define sur- • Under the Sample Site tree node,
vey information. Torque cannot read a text file check the Use Sample Site Name for
unless its data fields are properly mapped to the Legacy Name box to make data
Torque project fields. Collar and survey information available for use in other programs.
can be imported as “Actual” or “Design,” allowing Some scripts and procedures require a
future comparison of real and planned drillholes. legacy name.
The panel on the left displays a “tree” that guides

you through import options. Clicking on any tree node will activate the corresponding view in the
dialog. The General Importer also works as a standalone engine from the Windows Start menu. A
data source dialog will display initially, allowing connection to a specific project before importing
data. This can be a great way to speed up imports on large datasets.
EXERCISE: Import Text Files

Copy the assay.csv, collar.csv, geo.csv and survey.csv into the project folder. You will import the data, starting
with the collar file, using the General Importer for CSV. Make sure you click Save after import to commit your
data. Otherwise, it can be deleted when you refresh.
Import Text Files Torque Tool Bar → Import Data icon → General Importer → New Importer →
select file type (start with collar files, then do the survey, geo and assay files,
in that order) → step through the nodes on the “tree,” starting with Data
Source
64 | Importing Data into Torque

The General Importer also allows you to import information directly from an acQuire database.
Clicking on the Create/Edit Selection button lets you use the ODBC source to connect and pull in
information. Once the connection is complete you will see an interface, similar to the interface
for creating a drillhole view, in which you can choose the collar, survey and any associated assay
information that resides in the acQuire database. You’ll be presented with eight tabs:
• acQuire Connection — Set up the ODBC connection to the acQuire database.
• Select Holes —– Choose the collars to import and apply a filter as necessary.
• Geographic — Redefine the coordinate fields and use spatial limiting when importing your
holes.
• Assay — Choose the assay fields you want to import, much like the Select tab, you can also
apply a filter to get a subset of the desired information.
• Geology — Stores geology information (alteration, lithology, etc.).
• Intervals — Handles the splitting or combining of specified intervals.
• Survey — Sets up the Survey and De-survey settings.
Once the appropriate fields are populated, you will be prompted to save your setup as a selection
file. As with an initialization file, you will later be able to reference the selection file to see the items
you have chosen. Once you have defined the source data, the remainder of the import will
progress as it would with any other data source.
GENERAL IMPORTER (COLLAR FILE PARAMETERS)
Sample Site Importer

Data Source: CSV File → browse for file → Load
Sample Site: check Use Sample Site Name For Legacy Name box
Data Source Fields: use Auto Map
Global Fields: Add Required button → select appropriate inputs from dropdowns
General Options
Name: enter a name for the parameter set (e.g., Collar) and select the level of detail in the Log File.
Status: click Import icon
Importing survey, geo and assay files follows a similar process. When importing the geo file, however, be
sure to check the Import Enumeration Codes button in the Data Source Section.
THE IMPORT WIZARD

Torque offers another option, the Import Wizard, that lets you import an existing MineSight project
file (File 11/12). Similar to the General Importer, a blank dialog will display the first time you launch
the Import Wizard. For subsequent imports, there is the option to display the previous import dialog
or to load saved import parameters.
The wizard displays separate panels for mapping Sample Site Fields, Geometry Fields, Interval/Sample
Fields, Items (sample attributes), Measurement Details (precision, units, etc.) and also allows filter-
ing of the data on import. One advantage of using the General Importer instead of the Import
Wizard is that it allows you to import multiple data types at once (collar, survey and assay).
Importing Data into Torque | 65


Browsing and Editing Drillhole Data

You can edit drillhole data by clicking any cell in the primary or secondary browse area and typing
in values. Depending on the data types, you would either type in a value (i.e. grade) or select an
option from a dropdown (i.e. unit). Remember, Torque does not accept changes until you click
the Save button.
EXERCISE: Browse Drillhole Data in Torque
Interval/Geometry sample site list → click on an interval or geometry button → secondary browse
Browsers area
Edit Data interval browser → set the coverage or sample program → toggle Show All
Intervals, if desired → edit values
geometry browser → edit values
66 | Importing Data into Torque

NOTES
Importing Data into Torque | 67


2.6 The Torque Interface

MineSight Torque Manager is the primary window
from which you connect to a project or set up a LEARNING OBJECTIVE
new project. You can also browse and edit data;
import and export data; access utilities such as Get familiar with Torque windows
Overlay Coverage and Validation Report; perform
database management tasks such as creating a
backup file and restoring from a backup file; and control data access permissions. The Log tab
at the bottom left corner of the Torque Manager shows you a log of every task you have carried
out. Adjust column colors using the Set Color option in a legend in the top right hand corner of
the browser grid. Reset Color returns the columns to their default settings.
Adjusting Torque Windows SEARCH AND DISPLAY

By default, the primary browse area houses sample sites, Search for specific sample sites or a
and the secondary browse area contains sample or ge- group of sample sites by using the *
ometry information. The configuration can be adjusted. wildcard from Enter Wildcard Search,
and then use Filter Highlighted Sam-
Control whether new panels are opened as docked win-
ple Sites to display only those sam-
dows or tabs using:
ple sites. This is an ideal way of find-
Window → Interval/Sample Location or Window → Geom- ing specific drillholes from your data.
etry Location menu options Furthermore, you can limit how many
records you are viewing through the
The following options are available for adjusting windows: Display Sliding Bar.
undock to become a free-floating browse window by
clicking and holding the title bar (or tab) of the window;
dock within an existing free-floating browse window; dock (with Auto Hide option) within the pri-
mary or secondary browse areas; set as a tab in the primary and secondary browse areas.
68 | The Torque Interface

NOTES
The Torque Interface | 69


2.7 Backing Up the Torque Database

Backing up the MineSight Torque database is sim-
ple and important. It is an easy way to share data LEARNING OBJECTIVE
with colleagues or restore your data to a previous
state, if necessary. Protect and share your Torque project by
backing up and restoring the database.
EXERCISE: Back Up and Restore Files

Back up your Torque database. Then restore it.
Back Up a File Torque Menu → Project → Backup
Restore a Backup File Torque Menu → Project → Restore → MSTorque Data Source dialog
70 | Backing Up the Torque Database

NOTES
Backing Up the Torque Database | 71


2.8 Validating Drillhole Data

The MineSight Torque Import Manager identifies
and corrects a variety of errors, including: LEARNING OBJECTIVE
• General data errors (invalid or duplicate key
field; string length too long; invalid data type; Check drillhole data for errors using vali-
enumeration value does not exist). dation reports.
• Invalid or missing drillhole geometry (no drill-

hole geometry; duplicate survey depths; duplicate drillhole polyline vertices).
• Invalid or missing sample attribute data (no sample attribute data; data out of range).
• Coverage and sample errors (overlaps; missing intervals; samples with no data;
From → To; To → Drillhole Length; etc.).
• Duplicate sample site locations (within tolerance).
• Database errors (cannot connect to server or database; invalid permissions; invalid query).
• System errors (file not found; insufficient permissions; invalid license; network errors).
• Dialog errors (incomplete form; invalid data) and command line/script errors.
Torque typically traps errors as data is imported. However, in some cases, such as sample overlaps,
the data set must be complete before validation can take place. You can validate data before
you fully save it to a project.
Creating Drillhole Validation Reports

The validation report identifies errors and warning conditions for data already loaded into the
Torque Manager. Running a report before saving data gives you a chance to cancel or to limit
the data you wish to save, thereby omitting flawed data.
EXERCISE: Generate a Validation Report

Pay attention to the Import Log, when using the General Importer, which will list invalid data. Run validation
reports for the assay and geology coverages, and review them. You will notice interval and geometry issues
in holes BY-99 and BY-21, for example. After reviewing the report, return to the project setup and delete the
validation coverage.
Validation Report Torque Menu → Utilities → Data Validation Report → enter report name and
select coverage → OK → Open Report
72 | Validating Drillhole Data

NOTES
Validating Drillhole Data | 73


2.9 Coverages in Torque

In MineSight Torque, a coverage is a collection of
like samples taken at contiguous intervals along a LEARNING OBJECTIVE
sample site. Two of the most common coverages
are assays (usually at short intervals) and geology Create master coverages with both assay
(typically at longer intervals). and geology information for display and
You may define as many coverages as you need reporting.
for your project. To define a coverage, give it a
name and a coverage type, and insert optional comments. For example, suppose you sampled
assays and geology in an initial field program in 2002, then returned in 2006 to recreate the geology
at finer intervals. In such a case, you may wish to create three coverages to store your results:
Assays 2002, Geology 2002, and Geology 2006.
DRILLHOLE COVERAGES A coverage must be one of the following three types: assay,
geology or other. Samples in Torque can only belong to one
type of coverage. When you import sample information into
the database, the program will ask you to which coverage the
samples belong.
Torque provides utilities to overlay samples from one coverage
Geology Coverage onto another. For instance, you may overlay rock type informa-
tion from a geology coverage onto samples in an assay cover-
(Rock type 1–3) → age.
Assay Coverage
Copying Coverages
Use the Copy Coverage Tool to create new coverages by
(Copper Grade) −→ copying existing coverages. Copying the coverage before
overlaying it allows you to preserve the raw assay data with-
out changes. The copy of the coverage will be of the same
type as the source coverage.
Torque can keep track of multiple coverages for your drillhole

data. These coverages can be combined using the Overlay Cov-
erage function from the Utilities menu. Most MineSight tools will
access one coverage at a time (Drillhole Views, MSDA, MSBasis).
It is beneficial to have the ability to combine, copy and manipu-
late your coverages before using these other tools.
EXERCISE: Copy a Coverage

Copy the assay coverage to two new coverages named “Overlay_split” and “Overlay_merge.”
Copy a Coverage MSTorque Menu → Utilities → Copy Coverage → enter target name → OK →
Reload → Save
74 | Coverages in Torque
Overlaying Coverages
The Overlay Coverage Tool overlays results from one coverage, for example geology, onto another
coverage, such as assay. The most obvious example is rock type, which is usually stored in a
geology coverage at long intervals. You may want to overlay the geology coverage on an assay
coverage so you can filter and analyze the data.
You may also elect to split intervals when overlaying one coverage onto another coverage. To
avoid creating unreasonably small intervals, you must specify the Threshold Interval Percentage
(TIP). When a source interval splits a target interval, two new intervals are created. If the smaller of
these is less than or equal to the TIP (for the single target interval), then the split is cancelled.
EXERCISE: Overlay a Coverage

Overlay the geology coverage (source) to your original assay coverage (target). Verify the overlay by view-
ing the intervals. Then overlay the geology coverage (source) to the Overlay_split coverage (target, with the
split option turned on). Once again, verify the overlay by viewing the intervals.
Overlay a Coverage Torque Menu → Utilities → Overlay Coverage → select source and target cover-
ages → choose sample attributes → Overlay → Yes (if you want to proceed)
→ Reload
Split a Coverage Torque Menu → Utilities → Overlay Coverage → enter Source and Target cov-
erages → check Split at Source Intervals box and choose Sample Attributes
→ enter the Threshold Interval Percentage → Overlay → Yes
OVERLAY AND MERGE MODES
When working with coverages, there are two modes that you can select: overlay and merge. Overlay
mode uses a majority method when not splitting the target intervals. Merge mode uses a weighted
average with real and integer fields when not splitting the target intervals. You can set integers to the
majority method when using merge mode by checking the Apply Majority Code to Integer box.
Coverages in Torque | 75

2.10 Drillhole Reports

MineSight Torque can generate reports on se-
lected drillholes or on an entire project. The Ad- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
vanced Reporting & Charting (ARC) Report Man-
ager dialog allows you to select and preview in- Generate, preview and browse drillhole
stalled and saved project templates. reports on selected holes or an entire
For installed templates, you can select the cover- project using ARC Reporting.
age, sample program and the fields to display in
the report. Once you’ve generated a report, you
can browse through the it, edit details through the ARC technology lets you create template-
Report Designer and export to many formats: PDF, based or custom reports and charts. ARC
reporting spans many MineSight tools.
HTML, MHT, RTF, XLS, XLSX, CSV, Text, Image.
DRILLHOLE REPORT DIALOG
Generate Reports
Generate a report using different coverages.
ARC Report Torque Menu → Data → ARC → select template → select Fields → Preview and
Export
76 | Drillhole Reports
NOTES
Drillhole Reports | 77

2.11 Compositing Drillhole Data

A composite is the weighted average of a set of
samples that fall within a defined boundary — nor- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
mally a bench or a seam. The weighting factor is
usually the sample length, but it may also include Composite drillhole data for use in build-
sample specific gravity or other parameters. ing and interpolating the 3D block model.
Use composites, instead of samples, in the interpo-

lation of the deposit model to:
• Provide a mining basis for modeling.
• Reduce the amount of data used.
• Provide uniform support for geostatistics.
The mining basis for an open pit operation is typi-

cally the bench height, which is defined by a set of
elevations at the toe of each bench. The mining
basis for an underground operation is the stoping
height, or height to be drawn in relatively short term
mining operations. These heights are also defined
by a set of elevations. The mining basis for a strat-
iform deposit is usually the thickness of the seam,
which is defined by elevations at the top and bot- Composited
tom of the mining unit at each point in the deposit. assay data
You can view composites in MineSight 3D and
store a set of composites in the MineSight Torque
databases. You can also add geologic codes The desurvey option you select will be wired
through the drillhole view coding options in MS3D, into the composites, and you will not be able
or by overlaying codes from other Torque cover- to change it in the drillhole display in MS3D.
ages. Those composites are then ready for interpo-
lation directly in MineSight Compass with the pro-
cedure pintrpq.dat.
Torque offers a number of compositing interval methods: bench, seam, fixed length, honor sample
attribute, economic, composite entire sample site and convert samples to composites. Drillholes
and blastholes can be composited separately.
EXERCISE: Composite Drillhole Data

Try several of the options and, at minimum, store a set of bench composites. Name the composite set
“bench” and use total copper as the primary attribute. Also, select EqCU, acid soluble copper, zinc and
moly attributes. Save after you finish compositing. Make sure that the bench height min/max is correct for
the project. (You can use manual selection to import this directly from the PCF.)
Composite Torque Menu → Utilities → Composite Intervals → enter parameters in the Input,
Intervals, Averaging and Output sections → Composite → Save
78 | Compositing Drillhole Data

Economic Compositing
Economic compositing selects a group of sample intervals that satisfy both a minimum mining
width and a desired cutoff grade. You can opt to preselect the sample intervals with the addi-
tion of a zone code to direct the program to a specific group of samples. The optimal group of
sample intervals, in whole or part, will first satisfy the minimum width requirement while attempting
to maximize the grade of the selected zone. A single sample attribute is the grade item used.
For situations in which multiple grades are needed, you must perform an NSR or grade equivalent
calculation prior to compositing.
PRIMARY CUTOFF GRADE

The primary cutoff grade defines the threshold value of the primary sample. The compositing rou-
tine attempts to meet or exceed this value. If the primary cutoff grade is lower than the threshold
value, it will not return any economic composites and the result will be same as compositing the
entire sample site.
MINIMUM MINING WIDTH

Mining width is the primary goal of this compositing method. If the width is insufficient, workers
and equipment cannot access the area and mining cannot take place. You can split sample
intervals in the database for use in the width calculations. For example, if the minimum mining
width requires an extra 0.4 meters, a 1.5 meter sample interval is outside the core samples; the
program will use the required 0.4 meters of this 1.5 meter interval to complete the calculation.
Composite Sets
Viewing a composite set in Torque allows for a quick visual validation of the results. It also shows
what attributes were honored and which one was treated as the primary attribute during com-
positing. You can store multiple composite sets in a project, and access them to view the attributes
of the set and to rename or delete the set.
To code a composite set in MS3D, you must use integer-type attributes made writeable. For an
attribute not used in compositing directly, the writable option allows the attribute to be accessible
later for coding in MS3D and operations in Compass.
Compositing Drillhole Data | 79


Each composite set can be managed separately. You can allow attributes not used in compositing
to be accessible from outside Torque. When compositing a new set, you can also restore previous
composite set parameters as a starting point.
EXERCISE: Work with Composite Sets

Set the attributes Min Code and Lith Code as writable. (Now you can code back to these attributes from
MS3D.)
View a Composite Set sample site table → click on one of the rows in the Composites column → new
tab for composite sets → switch between composite sets from Composite
Set dropdown menu at top left
Manage Composite Torque Menu → Utilities → Manage Composites → highlight composite set →
Sets Attributes → if desired, set attributes as Writable
80 | Compositing Drillhole Data

NOTES
Compositing Drillhole Data | 81


2.12 Exporting Data from Torque

The MineSight Torque Export Wizard exports any
available data field from your project to a text file. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
You can export from any coverage or composite
set. If you create an export script, you can use Export drillhole data to various formats.
the script later in MS DOS without having to open
Torque.
The Export Wizard exports data to a data grid, an HTML file or a CSV file. The data grid format
is unique to Torque and can be helpful for reference when you don’t want data in the Torque
Window (i.e., blastholes). It displays the data in a grid in a separate window. In all three cases, the
Export Wizard reads and combines (flattens) data from one or more collar, geometry and sample
file. For example, in the case of a blasthole project, you may wish to export BH Name, X, Y, Z,
Bench, Length, AU and AG to a data grid. Note the use of both sample site data such as X,Y, Z,
and assay (sample) data such as AU and AG.
When you have completed the Export Wizard setup, you have the option to create an export
script that can be used with the Exporter Command Line Interface.
EXERCISE: Export Drillhole Data

Export separate collar, survey and assay files to CSV.
Export Drillhole Data Torque Menu → Data → Export → Export Wizard → choose format, data grid
options, data types and map fields → review summary → Export
82 | Exporting Data from Torque

Archive Files
Archiving your Torque project to a SQLite file simplifies the process of transferring data between
computers. The file is saved in your Torque Project’s Archive folder with a .tqa extension. The
archived data can be accessed again from Data\Retrieve.
Exporting Data from Torque | 83


2.13 M2M
MineSight Torque data is transferrable to an assay
file (File 11) and survey file (File 12) for use in Mi- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
neSight Basis procedures through the MSTorque-to-
MSBasis (M2M) stand-alone program. M2M is avail- Transfer drillhole data from Torque into a
able in both Windows GUI mode and DOS Com- survey file (File 11) and assay file (File12)
mand Line mode. M2M will also convert coordi- for use in Basis procedures.
nates and units if necessary.
EXERCISE: Transfer Data Using M2M

Run M2M to transfer data to the assay and survey files. Use one of the overlay coverages. Note that drillholes
need a legacy name to be exported. Also, make sure to check the Use Sample Site Name for Legacy Name
box in the Sample Site Importer.
M2M run M2M (M2MGUI.exe) from your Windows Start menu → File → New (or Open
Existing Session) → name the .ini file → Connect → specify Data Source and
filter → Destination: MSBasis group box → browse for PCF file and select the
Assay File (File 11) and Survey File (File 12) → map Survey and Assay items →
File → Run → File → Save
Resyncing Data
In addition to transferring data to assay and survey files, M2M also resyncs any changes in the
assay and survey files with the Torque database. For example, if you modify a flag value in the
assay and survey files, you can write that updated value back to the database. M2M carries out
the following steps:
1. It exports the Torque project to an m201 input file (text).
2. It runs the m201 program, which reads the m201 input file and imports it into Files 11/12.
A command-line utility is available to resync (import) these changes back to Torque:
M2MCLI.exe -i -f parameters.ini
Parameters.ini is the name of the parameters file that you saved when you ran M2MGUI, as de-
scribed above. For a list of options for M2MCLI, type: M2MCLI.exe-h.
84 | M2M
NOTES
M2M | 85

2.14 Using Torque with Basis

A number of MineSight Basis procedures — from as-
say and composite manipulations to interpolation LEARNING OBJECTIVE
of the block model using composite data — allow
you to draw data directly from MineSight Torque. Perform calculations with Basis proce-
dures that work with Torque data.
MSBasis-MSTorque Integration
relev.dat Assign Relative Elevation/Distance
pdhsmblw.dat Assign Seam Below to Interburden
p61701.dat Backload to Composites
cmpint.dat Calc Interburden in M501SM Composites
cmpintv1.dat Calc Interburden in M501V1 Composites
grdslp.dat Calculate Grid Slopes in GSM
pspost.dat Conditional Simulation Post Processing
pscsgs.dat Conditional Simulation—SGS
pscsis.dat Conditional Simulation—SIS
p52301.dat Decluster Data
pdhfil.dat Fill in Missing Grades Using Neighbors
pdhgrd.dat Grid DH using DTM/Gradient
pintrpq.dat Model Interpolation from MSTorque Composites
p52401q.dat Point Validation
pdhmin.dat Tag DH Mineable Intervals
pdhseam.dat Tag Seam Ply intervals
pdhtag.dat Tags DHs Starting/Ending in Ore
psuc.dat Uniform Conditioning
p20801.dat User-Calcs (Assays)
p50801.dat User-Calcs (Composites)
pcmpvc.dat Volume-Variance (Composites)
EXERCISE: Perform Basis Calculations with Torque Data

Create a new sample attribute in your Torque project setup called “Ore” (small integer). Open your Compass
project (geo.prj), and make sure the relevant Torque database is attached to it. Then use the Basis procedure
p20801.dat (User-Calc (Assays)) to tag intervals in which total copper is greater than 0.35 percent. Reload
your data or connect to Torque to view the results.
86 | Using Torque with Basis

NOTES
Using Torque with Basis | 87


2.15 Splitting Large Text Files

The C.S.A. Splitter (Collar, Survey and Assay Splitter)
splits text files into multiple files. It facilitates the pro- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
cess of importing very large data sets or specific
data files into MineSight Torque. The C.S.A. Splitter Split large text files to facilitate importing
divides a set of text files (e.g., one collar, one assay, into Torque.
one survey and one geology file) into multiple sub-
sets, each of which houses selected criteria (i.e. all
sample site names that start with BY- in one set of files and GH- in another). The subsets can be
imported as groups. Access the C.S.A. Splitter from the Utilities section of the Torque Menu.
88 | Splitting Large Text Files

NOTES
Splitting Large Text Files | 89


90 | Splitting Large Text Files

3
Geologic Interpretation
Create geological zones based on drillhole data to use in interpolation, reserves calculations and
scheduling.
Contents
3.1 Drillhole Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
3.2 Cutoff Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
3.3 Geologic Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
3.4 Implicit Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
3.5 Coding & Spearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
3.6 Initializing MSDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
3.7 Drillhole Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

3.1 Drillhole Views

Viewing drillholes in MineSight 3D (MS3D) is a pow-
erful tool for visual analysis. The data object, called LEARNING OBJECTIVE
a drillhole view, depicts your drillhole data in 3D
or 2D. Drillhole views must be linked with a data Display drillholes in 3D and 2D for analysis.
source, such as a MineSight project file (the appro-
priate PCF, assay and survey file), MineSight Torque
or acQuire. You can view multiple drillhole views at
once. The drillholes seen while in section are the
ones within the current projection volume.
All saved filters for Torque drillhole views are

available for use. You can rename, delete or load
filters by highlighting the individual filter in Filter
Manager dialog.
Drillhole View
in MS3D
EXERCISE: Create and Query Drillhole Views

Create a folder called “DH Views.” If you do not already have a section grid set, import EW Grid.msr. Create
drillhole views from Torque, experimenting with different options. Save a final drillhole view for each coverage
and the bench composite.
Create a Drillhole View Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → DH View
From Torque → MineSight Torque → name drillhole view → OK → select your Torque
database → MSTorque-Selection and Filtering Wizard
View in 3D Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
→ Barrels tab → show barrels in 3D → enter Barrel width → select pattern and
size items → Apply
View in 2D attach the section grid set → select desired plane → put Viewer in 2D mode
Query Drillhole Data Desktop Menu → Query → Query Element

Function Tool Bar → Element Toolbar → Query Element
Selecting drillholes in the drillhole view list of the Drillhole View Properties window (Selection Tab) will
highlight those drillholes in the viewer
92 | Drillhole Views
Editing Drillhole Data in MS3D

Editing drillhole data is interactive in MS3D, but note that you are directly editing the values in
your Torque database. As such, it is a good idea to first create a backup of your database.
Drillhole properties, including strings, can be edited manually by right-clicking on a drillhole view
and selecting Edit.
EXERCISE: Edit Drillhole Data in MS3D
Edit Interval Data Data Manager → select and right-click drillhole view → Edit → click desired
drillhole interval in Browse: Drillhole View dialog or in Viewer → Edit → Edit
Drillhole → Apply
Displaying Survey & Interval Labels

Activate drillhole survey and interval labels using Drill-
hole View Properties. Survey labels include the drillhole
ID, Total Depth, Offsection Distance and values for ad-
ditional survey file items. You can display interval la-
bels for any assay or composite item, styled by a color
or cutoffs. Labels work in both 2D and 3D.
Make sure the color of your labels is different than the

background color of the Viewer.
2D Node-style Label (left) and
2D Single-line Label
EXERCISE: Create Drillhole Labels

Activate survey and interval labels for viewing in 2D.
Display Survey Labels Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
→ Survey tab → Labels area → Show Text in 3D or Show Text in 2D → select
label layout → enter labels (Item: DHID) → Apply
Display Interval Labels Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
→ Interval tab → Show Labels in 3D or Show Labels in 2D → select label layout
→ click “+” to add labels → Apply
BARRELS
Barrels can be used to display assays in MineSight 3D (MS3D) instead of
polylines. Size, color and pattern can be set by individual cutoff items.
Adjust the properties of barrels from the Barrels tab in Drillhole View Prop-
erties.
Drillhole Views | 93

Creating Points from Drillholes

Point Geometry Objects can be created through Drillhole View Properties to mark drillhole/blasthole
collars; top and bottom sample item occurrences; and the start of intervals, sample item se-
quences and contacts between particular data values. The points can then be used for Fence
Grid Sets, Implicit Modeler and other MineSight tools and functions.
Drillhole view showing collars (left) and collar points generated from a drillhole view.
EXERCISE: Generate Marker Points from a Drillhole View

Create new point geometry objects from drillhole sample site and sample data. Use the Selection tab to
display the drillholes needed to create points.
Collar Points Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
→ Points tab → Options area → select Collar → Preview → Attribute points
with DH ID → Apply → open geometry file to save points → viewer displays
drillhole collar points → double-click new points geometry object name →
Geometry Properties → Node Labels tab → Element Name → viewer dis-
plays drillhole ID collar point labels
Top and Bottom Most Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
Occurrence Points → Points tab → Options area → select Top Most Occurrence → use edit grid
to specify direction to determine top and bottom → Parameters area →
specify Item → specify Min value → option to Filter intervals → Preview →
Apply → Options area → select Bottom Most Occurrence → Apply → save
points to same points geometry object → viewer displays first and last occur-
rence points of selected item values for each drillhole
Contact Between Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
Values Points → Points tab → Options area → select Contact Between Values → Param-
eters area → specify Item → specify Value → specify Contact with value →
option to Filter intervals → Preview → Apply → open geometry file to save
points → viewer displays contact points between item values such as lithol-
ogy or mineralogy codes
94 | Drillhole Views
Contouring Grade Items from Drillholes

Contouring grade items at specific ele-
vations can be advantageous for eval-
uating grade distribution. Contour
grade values from drillhole intervals us-
ing the Contour Tool.
Copper grade contours

colored using materials.
EXERCISE: Contouring Grade Items

Contour the total copper grade item for a single elevation (1425 m intervals of copper from 0% to 5% at 0.1%
intervals). Attribute the contours with names and materials (using the $value wildcard), and use these mate-
rials to create a nice color display as shown in the image.
Contour Tool Desktop Menu → Polyline → Contour Tool → select parameters → Naming tab
→ select and enter parameters → Apply
Polyline Toolbar → Contour Tool → select parameters → Naming tab → select
and enter parameters → Apply
Drillhole Views | 95

3.2 Cutoff Items

A cutoff item is a special type of data object in Mi-
neSight 3D (MS3D) that assigns a color to an inter- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
val or block based on a range of values. It controls
the display properties of grade or code value items Map cutoff items to a drillhole or model
in drillhole views and model views. block to display properties coded by
The properties of each value in a cutoff table are color.
stored to the cutoff item, which is itself stored in the
Items folder in the Data Manager. The cutoff items
must be mapped to a desired item using the Drill-
hole View Properties or Model View Properties di-
alogs.
Cutoff items can be numeric, alphanumeric or
date type. Only cutoff items matching the format
of the DH item will be listed for selection when map-
ping. For example only numeric cutoff items will be
available for a DH item that has a numeric value.
Once a cutoff item has been created, its intervals
and display properties can be edited via the Cut-
off Line Colors dialog, and the cutoff color scheme
can be saved as a cutoff color palette.
Drillholes mapped with a

cutoff item to reflect copper grade
EXERCISE: Use Cutoff Items

Adjust the mineralogy attribute to have thicker lines for primary sulfide and change the color scheme.
Create Cutoff Items Data Manager → right-click Items folder → New → Cutoff item → New Cutoff
Item dialog → enter name for cutoff item → OK → Cutoff Type dialog →
choose cutoff type (Numeric, Alpha or Date) → OK
Edit Cutoff Items Data Manager → Items → double-click the cutoff item → Cutoff Line Colors
dialog → Intervals → enter parameters → OK → highlight one or more cutoff
value → Properties → Object Properties → set desired properties → OK
96 | Cutoff Items
COLOR PALETTES
Existing cutoff color schemes can be saved to a color
palette. You can use an auto-generated name, spec-
ify a new name or overwrite an existing color palette
from the pull-down list.
EXERCISE: Create a Color Palette
Save Palette Cutoff Line Colors dialog → Save as Palette → specify new palette name →
Prompt Before Overwriting Existing Palette → Edit Palette After Saving → Save
→ Color Range Editor dialog → set up your desired color palette → OK
MAPPING
For drillhole views, cutoff items can be mapped to hole items (DHID, off-section distance, etc.)
and interval items (grade, rock code, etc.). This can be useful when you require an item to be set
up different ways for different tasks. For example, you might want to use a specific scheme when
viewing an item in MS3D and another scheme for plotting.
EXERCISE: Map Cutoff Items

Create a new cutoff item called “Cu Plot,” and use a different color range than you did for total copper. Map
the total copper attribute to the Cu Plot item.
Map to Drillholes Data Manager → double-click drillhole view → Drillhole View Properties → Se-
lection tab → Interval Item-Cutoff Table Mapping button → map cutoff item
to appropriate drillhole items in Set Item-Cutoff Table Mapping dialog → OK
Cutoff Items | 97

3.3 Geologic Interpretation

Geologic interpretation transforms drillhole inter-
vals with geologic codes to solids or polygons de- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
rived from the location of the intervals. In Mine-
Sight 3D (MS3D), the process begins with digitizing Convert coded drillhole intervals into
polygons that define the perimeter of the primary solids for use in geologic interpretation.
sulfide mineralogy for drill program 1. (If time per-
mits, you can also create the oxide and secondary
sulfide polygons.) Color-coding the intervals allows
you to see where to draw the polygons.
EXERCISE: Digitize Polygons for Interpretation
Create a folder called “Geologic Interp” and an object

called primsulf_poly.msr to store the polygons. Digitize poly-
gons (see Tips & Tricks box) in 2D and 3D. Use volume clipp-
ing while snapping to the edit grid to make the task easier.
Try creating multiple polygons on a plane so you can link
them with substrings later on when using the Linker Tool. If
you do not already have a grid set, import EW Grid.msr.
DIGITIZING TIPS & TRICKS

• Geologic interpretation is much easier to perform when you filter your view to see a small number of
planes at a time (volume clipping).
• Generally, edit 2D data in 2D mode and 3D data in 3D mode.
• Left-click and hold while digitizing polylines; a rubber band line displays as a reference for the place-
ment of the next point.
• Cursor coordinates are reported in the MS3D status bar along with the cumulative length and area of
the polyline being digitized.
• The backspace key deletes the previous line segment.
• Snap modes allow you to precisely position data relative to existing data.
• Interpretation polygons can be smoothed with Polyline → Smooth or Polyline → Substring Smooth.
• Scalable cursors allow you to estimate distances.
• Be aware of the drillhole projection volume in relation to the grid set.
• Remember to use the tri-viewer and plane filtering options.
• Undo reverses most recent edit; Redo reverses the most recent Undo; and History List displays functions
for Undo or Redo
98 | Geologic Interpretation
Fence Grid Set

Fence grid sets are vertical cross-sections, defined by a polyline, that bend and change direction
as the section line traverses the project area. They are viewed in 2D “Fence” mode with the bends
straightened out. One grid set plane is created for each polyline.
EXERCISE: Redigitize Polygons from Fence Geometry

Create a geometry object called “Fence Geometry” and store it in the Grid Sets folder.
Geometry Viewer Tool Bar → Camera to View → Camera to View Plan icon → in 3D plan
view mode, digitize a polyline snapped to drillhole traces
Create Fence Grid Set Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Grid Set →
select type Fence → select the polyline from Viewer → OK
Redigitize Polygons Viewer Tool Bar → Set a Grid Set to the Viewer → Select Fence Grid Set → 2D
viewing mode → digitize geologic interpretation
Linking Polygons
Before attempting to link your polygons, make sure you
understand the use of substrings, strong nodes and the LINKING CHECKLIST
different linking modes. (See the Navigating the Linker Select polyline elements in Viewer for
Tool box on the next page) editing → Desktop Menu → Polyline
It is often useful to create solids by linking closed poly- • Close
gons together one level or section at a time; this type • Check polyline or polygon direction
of work is performed using the Linker Tool. • Thin polylines or polygons for
duplicate points
To produce the best results from the Linker Tool, invest a • Densify polylines or polygons
bit of time properly preparing the polylines. (See Linking • Run poly2drpt.py report for details on
Checklist.) The quality of the polylines or polygons you 2D polygons
create directly affects your success in creating solids. • Redefine endpoints
=⇒
LINKING POLYGONS
EXERCISE: Link Polygons to Form a Solid

Make a new object called “primsulf_linker” to store the linked surfaces; place in edit mode.
Linker Tool Desktop Menu → Utilities → Linker Tool

Desktop Menu → Surface → Create → Linker Tool
Utilities Tool Bar → Linker icon
Geologic Interpretation | 99

NAVIGATING THE LINKER TOOL
To fix a bad link, try the following: 1. change matching; 2. reverse direction; 3. strong nodes (Use strong
nodes sparingly).
Links: Choose one of the following two options and then click on polygons in the Viewer to see a
preview of the link:
1. Polylines to link one polygon to another. 2. Area Select Polylines to link multiple polygons at once.
Strong Nodes: Allows you to manually control connections between points. This option works best with
point snap mode.
Substrings: If you are linking one polygon to two separate polygons on another plane, use a substring to
split the single polygon so that each split piece can be linked to the polygons on the other plane. Note
that the results will be three polygons—the original polygon and each split piece. After adding a
substring, the direction of one of the pieces will be different from the global direction that was previously
set. You will need to reset the direction for that polygon so that it matches the direction of the rest.
Matching: You can change matching options (Point Count, Point Distance, Point Count & Distance,
Closest to Normal) in the midst of the preview. Click Apply to accept the preview. You will be prompted
to create a new geometry object. This object will store the final solid. Do not close the Linker tool.
Closing the Ends of the Solid

There are a number of methods available for closing the open end of a linked solid. The quickest
is to use the Triangulate Polyline function within the Linker Tool, which will triangulate a flat surface
across the open end of a solid. Other options are to extrude or dissipate the boundary towards a
point.
Triangulate Extrude Dissipate
EXERCISE: Close Ends of the Solid
Triangulate Polyline Desktop Menu → Surface → Triangulate Surface → Inside Polyline Boundary
Desktop Menu → Surface → Triangulate Surface → Triangulate Surface → With
Dialog function
Desktop Menu → Utilities → Linker Tool → Triangulate Polyline
Utilities Tool Bar → Linker icon → Triangulate Polyline
Extrude Tool Desktop Menu → Polyline → Extrude

Desktop Menu → Surface → Create → Extrude Tool
Polyline Tool Bar → Extrude Tool icon
Dissipate Boundary Desktop Menu → Surface → Create → Dissipate Boundary to Point
100 | Geologic Interpretation

Merging Solids
Once linked, the surfaces need to be merged to create a solid. It is good practice to copy the
linked solid object (primsulf_linker) to a new object (primsulf_merged) so you have the unmerged
solid to return to as a backup.
EXERCISE: Merge Solids
Merge Viewer → select elements → Desktop Menu → Surface → Merge Selected

Surface and Soilds Tool Bar → Merge Surfaces with OCB icon
Linker Tool → Merge Surfaces in Object or Merge Surfaces Interactively
Checking/Fixing Problems
Whenever you create a new solid or surface, you should perform a few checks to ensure that it is
competent. Surface competency affects volume calculations, coding and other functions. You
can deal with the three most common problems — duplicate faces, openings and self-intersecting
faces — using the Verify tool. You do not have to select the surfaces to check them for problems,
but you do have to select them to repair the problems.
EXERCISE: Check the Solid for Problems

Verify and repair (if needed) your primsulf_merged object.
Verify Tool Desktop Menu → Selection → Make New Selection button → select surface
to check or fix → Desktop Menu → Surface → Verify → Repair (if there are
problems)
Surface and Solids Toolbar → Verify
Slicing Solids into Contours

All data in a particular view can be sliced using a grid set. The Slicing function will miss points
(unless they are exactly on section), reduce polylines to points at the intersection with the section,
and reduce surfaces and solids to polylines and polygons, respectively.
EXERCISE: Slice the Solid

Slice the linked solid by mining benches using a plan PCF grid set. Make sure the solid is open in the folder.
Save the result as “primsulf_sliced.”
Slice View Data Manager → highlight and right-click destination folder → Slice View
Geologic Interpretation | 101


3.4 Implicit Modeling

The MineSight Implicit Modeling Tool (MSIM) is the
latest approach to modeling surfaces and solids in LEARNING OBJECTIVE
MineSight 3D (MS3D). This tool lets you connect di-
rectly to an MineSight Torque drillhole database as Use implicit modeling methods to build a
well as interpreted points, polygons and polylines. solid from drillhole and polygon data.
The flexibility in input data greatly improves the like-
lihood that the final solid will honor the drillhole intersections.
MSIM utilizes a mathematical surface fitting method, called the Radial Basis Function (RBF), that
interpolates points on a surface, leading to smooth, natural-looking solids. Another advantage of
implicit modeling is that it often requires less user input than traditional explicit modeling methods.
It can also create surfaces directly from drillhole data, dramatically reducing the time required for
many modeling tasks.
Oxide polygons with resulting solid from the Implicit Modeling Tool.
TIPS & TRICKS
Creating surfaces with MSIM is an iterative process:

• Saving the RBF will allow you to build surfaces with different cube sizes
• Start with a large cube size and then work your way down
• Simplify the surface for more manageable file sizes.
• Think outside the box! MSIM will take different types of input data — drillholes, polygons, polylines
and control points. It also accepts input data in different orientations, so don’t limit your polygons
to just one direction or grid set.
• You do not need an offset point for every input point. In general, a ratio of about 1:3 works best.
• If you are manually creating off section points, consider using the Polyline → Extrude Tool.
102 | Implicit Modeling

EXERCISE: Build a Solid Using MSIM

Import “oxide_polygons.msr.” Build a solid representing the oxide zone, using both polygons and drillhole
data.
MSIM Desktop Menu → Utilities → Implicit Modeler

Utilities Tool Bar → Implicit Modeler icon
Input connect to your Torque database → choose the appropriate coordinate sys-
tem, desurvey method and intercept calculation method Top and Bottom
→ use the blue cube to select oxide_polygons.msr
Control kernel = Thin Plate Spline → Surface Mode = Automatic Off → skip every second
polygon point
Output cube size = 20 → clip data to input data extents → Simplify Surface → use blue
cube icon to select destination object.
IM TERMINOLOGY
Input RBF: This file stores the results from the calculation engine, allowing the user to generate multiple
surfaces with different resolutions without having to run the RBF calculation multiple times.
Kernel: Each kernel is a different application of the RBF algorithm. Currently, the tool provides two
options: thin plate spline and biharmonic. The different applications yield slightly different surfaces.
Off Surface Points: Points at a known offset are essential to the MSIM tool. These points, which can be
inside, outside or a combination of the two, are created automatically for drillholes and polygons. If you
are using polylines or points, then you will have to define a direction to give the tool a sense of what is
above or below the correct surface. These points can also be created manually.
Anisotropic Fitting: This node gives you the option to define an ellipsoid to fit the surface by transforming
the distances between input points with respect to the ratio between the axis lengths of the ellipsoid.
This option is commonly used for geologic units with trend. The distances for the anisotropy ellipsoid
could be calculated automatically from drillholes, and modified or entered manually. The ellipsoid can
also be rotated.
Clustered Points: For widely spaced data with localized areas of clustered points, it is possible that
off-surface points can cross and cause issues. In such cases, it can be useful to apply a de-clustering
method, which finds groups of points and removes off-surface points from within the groupings.
Cube Size: Because the solution to the RBF algorithm is a matrix that cannot be viewed directly, you must
convert it to a triangulation surface. You can define the size of the triangle faces of the output using the
cube size. The file size and, therefore, the usability of the resultant surface are highly dependent on the
cube size. The smaller the cube size, the more refined the surface but the larger the file, and vice versa.
Implicit Modeling | 103


3.5 Coding & Spearing

Coding and spearing are essential functions for ge-
ology applications in MineSight 3D (MS3D). Spear- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ing allows drillhole intervals to be coded; however,
it is more useful for creating geometry or export- Code and spear drillhole intervals with
ing intersections, which can be evaluated through geology information for use in analysis
geological analysis. Use coding for tasks such as later in the course.
flagging intervals and storing geology. The codes
can then be referenced in calculations or used for limiting in certain MineSight Compass proce-
dures, restricting interpolation, reporting statistics and many other functions.
Geologic codes can be added to compos-
ites or assays by coding the intervals from
polygons or solids. The code number as-
signment can be input directly in the ge-
ometry set (from the Drillhole View Properties
menu), or more commonly from the material
assigned to the solid or polygon. Any integer
attribute in MineSight Torque is available to
store codes. (For composite set coding, the
attribute should be set to “writable.”)
DRILLHOLE CODING VS. DRILLHOLE SPEARING

CODING SPEARING
Can use multiple zones, code by priority, majority, etc. Yes No
Works with acQuire drillhole views No Yes
Stores codes and percents Yes Yes
Creates geometry No Yes
Exports intersections(solids only) No Yes
Works with mscode.exe Yes No
EXERCISE: Import Mineralogy and Lithology Data

Import the Lithology and Mineralogy folders, which contain mineralogy and lithology data from interpreted
polygons and solids.
104 | Coding & Spearing

Setting Up Materials for Coding

Before coding, assign materials containing code values to the geometry elements. Now, when
a geometry object is used to code model blocks or drillhole intervals, the model code value is
assigned to the model blocks or drillhole intervals (CODE items). When the geometry object is
exported as a survey file, the survey code is assigned to the exported data. If you do not assign
materials, you can still use a code override when building the geometry set.
EXERCISE: Set Model and Drillhole Code Values

Create materials for the lithology and mineralogy objects. The code values should match those described in
the data set overview. Assign these materials to the appropriate objects, or use the Attribute Tool for individ-
ual element attribution.
Establish Code Values Data Manager → highlight and right-click the material → Properties → Object
Properties dialog → Material tab → Model Code → set code values
Coding from the Drillhole View Properties Menu

The Code tab uses a solid or polygon element to assign a code value to a specific item for each
individual drillhole interval. Not only does the Code tab allow for storing codes, it stores percent
values as well. The objects used to code are set up as a geometry set.
EXERCISE: Create Geometry Sets for Coding

Create geometry sets from the lithology and mineralogy objects. The code values should match those as
described in the data set overview. Assign these materials to the appropriate objects, or use the Attribute
Tool for individual element attribution.
Create Geometry Set Data Manager → double-click drillhole view name → Drillhole View Properties
dialog → Code DH tab → Geometry Set (blue cube) → create new geome-
try sets → Save
Coding from Solids

You can code from solids by storing a code value to intervals that are within the solid. The solid
must be free of openings, self-intersecting faces and duplicate faces.
EXERCISE: Code from Solids

Code your composite set (Bench) with your lithology and mineralogy solids. You will examine coding from
polygons later with the 3D Block Model. Run the coding procedure twice. The first time, store the majority
mineralogy code to the min code attribute (reset default code of 4); repeat with the lithology solids in the lith
code attribute (reset default code 6). After coding, validate the results by checking the solids and composite
view in MS3D.
Code from Solids Data Manager → double-click drillhole view → Drillhole View Properties dialog
→ Code DH tab → Code From Solids option → Geometry Set Editor (blue
cube) → select geometry set → CODE by Majority Code, Min Value = 0%;
Storing Options: Code As = Ore; choose Zone Code Item → Code → Apply
→ OK
Coding & Spearing | 105


AVAILABLE STORING OPTIONS
CODE by Codes individual intervals with the material codes of the geometry objects
majority code in order of the largest percentage of a geometry object inside the interval.
The result is stored into a single item. For example, geometry objects C and
D have material codes 3 and 4 respectively. Inside a DH interval, geometry
object C fills 30% of the length, while geometry object D fills 40% of the length.
The first block item selected will be coded 4, because object D is the majority
code inside interval A. If a second interval code item is selected, it will be
coded 3, because object C is the second majority code.
CODEs and PERCENTs Like the CODE by majority code option above, with the addition of a per-
in majority order centage item. With this option, the interval will code the interval code item
selected, and the percentage of the interval that the geometry object oc-
cupies. For example, geometry object C has a model code of 3. Inside a
DH interval, geometry object C occupies 23% of the interval. Therefore, the
selected Code Item will be assigned a code of 3, and the Ore Percent Item
will be assigned 23%.
CODEs and major PER- This option is similar to the ’Codes and Percents in majority order’ option
CENTs in priority order above, except that the codes are arranged by code priority order instead of
by majority order. Use the button labeled Prioritize Model Codes... to change
the code priority order. This button is found at the lower left-hand corner of
the dialog.
All PERCENTs This option only codes the percentage of each object contained inside a
in codes order DH interval. They are arranged in code priority order.
Total PERCENT within Only one model item may be updated with this option. The result is the per-
solid(s) or polygon(s) centage of a drillhole interval within all selected geometry objects.
CODE at interval This option is only available for use when coding From Polygons. The coding
centers (from option is the same as CODE by majority order, except the only code applied
polygons only) to DH intervals is the code of the object that is positioned at the interval
center. The result is stored into a single item.
106 | Coding & Spearing

Spearing
All coding options available in the Spear-
ing tab are available in the Coding tab. When choosing surfaces for spearing, make sure the
However, the Spearing tab includes addi- selected surface is large enough that the edges are
tional geometry creation options. Spear- far from the area where drillholes are located. Oth-
erwise, you could obtain erroneous results (i.e. it isn’t
ing is only possible while the geometry ob-
clear if the drillhole is above or below the solid.)
ject is open.
The Exporting Intersections option will ex-
port the coordinates of the intersection
points between the drillholes and the geometry objects to an ASCII file. The format is:
DHID x y z (collar distance) (elevation distance)
EXERCISE: Create Geometry Using Spearing

Create geometry and export intersections using 01-oxide solid.msr as the solid.
Spearing-Geometry Data Manager → double-click drillhole view → Drillhole View Properties dialog
→ Spear tab → select the oxide solid (blue cube) → Create Geometry →
define destination object → Attribute New Geometry and Use Drillhole ID
options → Preview → Update
Export Intersections Data Manager → double-click drillhole view → Drillhole View Properties dialog
→ Spear tab → select the oxide solid (blue cube) → Export Intersections →
define the destination file (.dhs file) → Preview → Update
Coding & Spearing | 107


3.6 Initializing MSDA

MineSight Data Analyst (MSDA) offers a package
of statistical and geostatistical tools. It is a stand- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
alone application, so it can run outside of a Mine-
Sight 3D (MS3D) session from the Start menu. You Connect to a data source for statistical
can also access it from the MS3D Desktop Menu. and geostatistical analysis.
MSDA Projects
Creating an MSDA project simultaneously creates
a set of folders and subfolders. One of them, MSDA
Resources, stores items such as settings and fa-
vorites. MSDA_Charts contains subfolders for stor-
ing charts by type, for example box plots and his-
tograms.
The first time you use a new MSDA project, you may
encounter a few warning messages. The first one
tells you that a project has not been previously set. When you start a new project using File →
You may also be warned that MSDA was not able New → File-New-Empty MSDA Project, MSDA
will ask you if you wish to retain the history
to initialize the data source. This is normal, because
from the previous project. Users creating
you have not yet told MSDA where to find the input
their first MSDA project should always answer
data for the new project. Typically, the input data is “No.”
found in a MineSight project directory, though this
is not a requirement.
EXERCISE: Initialize a New MSDA Project

Create a new MSDA project in your project folder. After starting MSDA, you can create a new empty project
or use the Project Wizard, which automatically configures the import directory and opens the data source
dialog. When you start up MSDA for the first time, a warning message displays to explain that a project has
not been previously set, is invalid or is incomplete. Press OK to start MSDA. MSDA Manager, the main MSDA
window, displays.
Start MSDA Start → Programs → MineSight → MSDA → select project directory
Start a New MSDA Manager → File → New → MSDA Project Wizard → select PCF → Next →
MSDA Project Next → Finish
It is possible to connect to a MineSight Torque project without using a PCF.
108 | Initializing MSDA

Data Sources
Before you can use any MSDA application, you must first connect to a data source. Once the
connection is made, you can run any number of MSDA applications without reconnecting to the
data source. In fact, when you exit, MSDA saves the data source details of your session.
MSDA can directly access MineSight drillhole and blasthole files, and block models. Drillhole data
may be composites or assays. In addition, MSDA can access any ODBC compliant database,
spreadsheet, text file, etc. Databases, spreadsheets and text files are accessed via a Data Source
Name (DSN) which may be easily created from the Microsoft Windows ODBC Data Source Admin-
istrator dialog.
Connecting to a data source is a three-
step process. After each step, click TIPS FOR CONNECTING TO A DATA SOURCE
Apply to move to the next step. You
• The Data Source dialog sets the actual data that
can also save the parameters and load
will be used by all MSDA applications. It is the
them for later use. The Data Source dia-
most critical part of MSDA.
log determines the actual data that will
• You must have a current project and a valid
be used by all MSDA applications. It is a
import directory before using the Data Source
critical component of MSDA.
dialog.
Step 1. Project Definition: Select the • You may return to the Data Source dialog and
project type (i.e. MineSight, MSTorque, update your parameters at any time. Don’t
ODBC or text records). forget to press OK to save your changes, or
Cancel to ignore.
Step 2. Data Source Definition: Select
the data class and the table or file (i.e. • MSDA automatically keeps track of your latest
data source parameters for each project, both
MSTorque drillholes, bench composites).
during an MSDA session and between sessions.
Step 3. Item Selection: Select up to 100 • You can name and save the contents of the
items for analysis. Data Source dialog at any time, and restore the
dialog by name later.
• When connecting to a model file, you have the
option of choosing a homogeneous (regular),
single ore percent or multiple ore percent model
style. Choosing either ore percent option will
enable the Ore Percent setup tab in the Data
Source window.
EXERCISE: Connect to a Data Source

Connect to a MineSight Torque bench composite set, selecting all items.
Connect to Data MSDA Manager → Data → Source → Data Source dialog → Data Source tab →
Project Type → Project File → Apply → choose data class → Apply → select
items for import → Apply
Initializing MSDA | 109


Metadata
Metadata is data about data. It includes information such as field names (sometimes referred to
as item names), data type (string, float or integer) and number of decimal places. Metadata is
useful in MSDA because it will be available in all tools. If metadata has not been loaded as part of
the Data Source connection, it can be added separately.
EXERCISE: Add and Show Extended Metadata
Add Metadata MSDA Manager → Data → Metadata → Add Extended
View Metadata MSDA Manager → Data → Metadata → Show
Setting Up Folders
Upon initialization, MSDA creates several subfolders, including MSDA_Charts. It is good practice to
create a folder structure useful for finding charts later.
EXERCISE: Organize MSDA Subfolders

Inside the MSDA_Charts folder, create the following subfolders: Histograms, Box Plots, Contact Plots, CPP, Scat-
terplots, Reports and Swath Plots.
Add Folders MSDA Manager → View → open current directory in Explorer → add folders
110 | Initializing MSDA

NOTES
Initializing MSDA | 111


3.7 Drillhole Statistics

Generally, statistics are used to analyze data to
determine descriptive parameters and make infer- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
ences about a population based on samples.
The use of statistics for analyzing mineral deposits Generate statistics for analyzing drillhole
requires understanding of a few general condi- data.
tions. It should be recognized that:
• Mineral deposit data is generally spatially dependent.
• Different geologic zones often have different statistical populations; mixing data from different
zones may produce incorrect analyses.
• Different sample types (e.g., assays and bulk samples) have different volumes and should be
analyzed separately.
• Samples at unequal spacing can skew statistical results.
These issues are generally addressed using geostatistical principles, which are outside of the scope
of these exercises. The purpose of these exercises is to give you the ability to use MineSight Data
Analyst (MSDA) to generate statistics with which you can better analyze your sample data.
Box Plots
Box plots are a graphical summary of a numeri-
cal data sample through five statistics: median,
lower quartile, upper quartile, and some indica-
tion of more extreme upper and lower values.
EXERCISE: Create Box Plots

Create box plots for total copper separated by mineralogy type (using the default +4 quantiles). To do this,
create three boxes for the Total Copper item (in the boxes tab) named after the mineralogy code value
(oxide, primsulf or sec sulf) that it is filtered by.
Build a Box Plot MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → Boxplot destination folder → MSDA Man-
ager menu → Tools → Build Box Plot → Box Plot Parameters dialog → enter
information → Boxes tab → Add → Box Definition dialog → Build or Queue
View Box Plot MSDA Manager → select box plot file from Preview screen → Open → select
component
Export to HTML File → Export Statistics as HTML
112 | Drillhole Statistics

Histograms
A histogram is a bar chart
representing a frequency dis-
tribution; the heights of the
bars represent observed fre-
quencies. The Histogram
application offers several re-
lated views: the histogram
(chart), the cumulative fre-
quency curve and a sim-
ple report by cutoff grades
based on the same histogram intervals.
EXERCISE: Create Histograms

Generate three histograms for total copper by mineralogy code. The bin width will be 0.1 with 15 bins. After
creating the three histograms, use the Manage External Histogram function to add them to the same chart.
Build a Histogram MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → histogram destination folder → MSDA Man-
ager menu → Tools → Build Histogram → Primary Data → set bin information
→ Filter tab → enable desired filters → Title and Labels tab → Build or Queue
View Histogram MSDA Manager → select histogram file from Preview screen → Open
Add External Histograms Histogram screen → External Histograms → Manage
View Data Statistics MSDA Histogram screen → Statistics → Summary Statistics
View Cumulative Histogram screen → View → Cumulative Frequency Curve

Frequency
View Cutoff Grade Histogram screen → Report by Cutoff Grade tab

Report
FORMATTING
Right-clicking inside a chart brings up access to several formatting options, including colors, fonts, point
labels and legends. After setting up the format, hit Apply Style to save your formatting. File → Export
Style to Template creates a file that can be applied to other charts.
FILTERS
The Filter tab appears throughout MSDA. This tab allows you to set up multiple custom filters on data
(e.g. histogram of copper only where lithology = 2). To use a filter, click the Enable button and then click
Add. Filters can also be set up as groups (e.g. lithology = 1 and mineralogy = 2), and can be saved and
opened for other tools. The filter’s file suffix will automatically append to the chart name.
Drillhole Statistics | 113


Contact Plots
A contact plot shows mean grades as a function
of distance from a geological contact of a given
type. A contact is a change in code between two
drillhole intervals (i.e. between two different lithol-
ogy types). For example, we might plot the mean
copper grade as a function of distance from the
3-1 contact; this would take into account all data
that occurs in a region within the drillhole contain-
ing lithology type 3 in the top part, and lithology
type 1 in the bottom part.
Typically, a contact plot is used to determine
whether the grade transitions smoothly across the The Queue button allows you to queue plots
contact type or whether there is a sharp discon- for later use. To run them you can later, go
tinuity. A contact plot may optionally be repre- to Jobs → Queue, and click Start. If you
sented as the difference between the values be- have customized the look of your chart, cus-
low the contact and the values at the same dis- tomized chart settings can be saved to style
tance above the contact. This is known as a “dif- templates.
ference contact plot.”
EXERCISE: Create a Contact Plot

Create a contact plot comparing total copper values as distance increases from contacts between miner-
alogy codes. Use a step size of 15 and a max distance of 700.
Build a Contact Plot MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → Tools → Contact Plots → Build Contact
Plot → enter parameters → contact plot destination folder → MSDA Man-
ager menu → Build or Queue
Cumulative Probability Plots (CPP)

Cumulative probability plots show the probability
that the value of a specified grade item is equal to
or less than the value on the y-axis. A probability plot
can be useful to identify outliers in a population.
EXERCISE: Create a Cumulative Probability Plot (CPP)

Generate a plot showing the probability of copper grades. The grade is in the y-axis, and the probability
value is in the x-axis. The minimum grade is 0 and the maximum grade is 2.
Build a CPP MSDAResources → MSDA_Charts → CPP destination folder → MSDA Manager

menu → Tools → Build Cumulative Probability Plot → enter requested infor-
mation → Build or Queue

Scatter Plot
A scatter plot illustrates the values of two dif-
ferent items to show their correlation of occur-
rence. This can help determine if grades can
be modeled with the same parameters.
EXERCISE: Create a Scatter Plot

Create a scatter plot of total copper versus moly. Copper ranges from 0–3 and moly from 0–1. Enable the
overflow categories to group points together, and use a condition expectation line.
Build a Scatter Plot MSDAResources → MSDA_Charts → Scatterplot destination folder → MSDA

Manager menu → Tools → Build Scatterplot → enter requested information
→ Build or Queue
Custom Report
Custom Reports are convenient to prepare tables for various reports. You can customize the for-
mat in MSDA, and cut and paste into software like Excel and Microsoft Word. The following pro-
cedure demonstrates how to generate a basic univariate custom report. Univariate describes an
expression, equation, function or polynomial of only one variable. It is also termed a one-way
sensitivity analysis.
EXERCISE: Build a Report File

Show mean, median and standard deviation for total copper and moly. Also add a filter group by mineralogy
code.
Report File MSDAResources → MSDA_Charts → Report destination folder → MSDA Man-

ager menu → Tools → Build Custom Report File → enter requested informa-
tion → Build or Queue
Drillhole Statistics | 115



4
3D Block Modeling
Build and interpolate into a 3DBM using composites and geological solids. Perform model
calculations and report resources/reserves.
Contents
4.1 Surface Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
4.2 Surface Model Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
4.3 3D Block Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
4.4 Sub-blocking the 3D Block Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
4.5 Adding Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
4.6 Coding Model Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
4.7 Interpolating the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
4.8 Block Model Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
4.9 Calculating Model Item Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
4.10 Quick Model Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
4.11 Model Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
4.12 Reporting Model Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

4.1 Surface Models

A surface model stores values (typically elevation)
in 2D surfaces called grids. Two examples are “un- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
consolidated overburden” and “topsoil thickness,”
which are useful for calculating future stockpiles or Create surface models to assist in visual
for reclamation work. and statistical analysis.
Surface models are stored as a File 13, also called
a gridded surface file (GSF), and viewable in Mine-
Sight 3D (MS3D) using model views. Each grid in a model file typically contains several items of
information (i.e. different geology surface elevations). Before you can store any surfaces, you must
initialize the model.
Surface models showing a triangulated surface (left) and colored to show elevation.
118 | Surface Models

NOTES
Surface Models | 119


4.2 Surface Model Views

Creating a model view allows you to interact with
the model file, visualize model data as contoured LEARNING OBJECTIVE
surfaces or polygons, and store data in the surface
model. You can also code a model directly from Create a model view of a gridded sur-
a MineSight 3D (MS3D) solid or polygon. Model face file.
views show items from a model at different spatial
regions, but they require a 2x2 block configuration.
When creating a model view from a Special Pit Optimization GSF (File 13), you can create multiple
model views for each of the gridded surfaces contained in that File 13 using one dialog. If the File
13 contains more than 50 items, multiple model views can be created in one step.
EXERCISE: Create Model Views

Create a File 13 model view in MS3D in a new folder named “Model Views.” The first view will be displaying
TOPOG because topography will be gridded first.
GSF Model View Data Manager → select and right-click destination folder → New → Model
View → New Model dialog → choose name and location for new model
view (this will be used as a prefix) → select the PCF and File 13
Gridding
To grid a surface is to overlay the
model grid on a surface geometry
object; calculate the surface value
(usually elevation) over each model
block; and store the resulting values
to a selected item in the gridded sur-
face file. After you have gridded
a surface, the grids (size defined by
the PCF) will show elevation values
based on average calculations done
for each grid cell. The topography
should fully cover the project bounds
before gridding in order for all the
grids to receive a value.
EXERCISE: Grid a Surface

In the Data Manager, import the surface.msr if you have not already generated a topography surface. Grid
the topography surface into the TOPOG item in your surface model. Use a geometry set containing the topo
surface.
Gridding Data Manager → double-click model view → Geometry tab → Geometry Set
Editor (blue cube) → browse to surface → save geometry set → OK → Grid
tab → choose item to store values to (i.e. TOPOG) → click Grid at bottom
right of panel
120 | Surface Model Views

NOTES
Surface Model Views | 121


4.3 3D Block Models

The 3D block model (3DBM) is the basis for resource
evaluation and mine design. It commonly repre- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
sents large, disseminated deposits such as base
metals and uranium. Geologists often use the Understand the concept behind a 3D
3DBM to interpolate composite samples and store block model.
geologic codes.
The 3DBM is a three-dimensional grid of blocks that all have the same dimensions. Block height
usually conforms to the proposed bench height in an open pit operation. The lateral block dimen-
sions are often dependent on the deposit, spacing and resolution needs. In general, these lateral
dimensions must adequately represent the grade distribution. Storing a topography is critical in a
3DBM for showing a grade item and the percent of material below the surface.
The File 15 model view displays the 3DBM but can also be used to code and run calculations.
A 3DBM
EXERCISE: Create Block Model Views

Create File 15 model views in MS3D in the “Model Views” folder. Use your PCF and your File 15 (3DBM) to
create your model view.
MS3D Model View highlight and right-click destination folder → New → Model View → name the
Model View → OK → browse to PCF → select sub-block model file
122 | 3D Block Models

NOTES
3D Block Models | 123


4.4 Sub-blocking the 3D Block Model

Occasionally, the block model scale is inappropri-
ate for visualizing some features of the deposit. For LEARNING OBJECTIVE
example, a 25x25x15 m block size may not be ideal
when looking at veins or faults. The natural solution Enhance 3D block model resolution using
would be to universally decrease the model block sub-blocking.
size, which leads to larger model file sizes that can
quickly become unmanageable. In addition, it
may only be necessary to enhance the resolution of parts of the block model (e.g., alteration
zones or geological contacts). Sub-blocking in MineSight gives modelers access to a new level of
detail in their 3D block models by allowing them to redefine the block sizes of specific items quickly
and easily.
3D block model (left) versus sub-blocked model
EXERCISE: Sub-block a model file

Use the Model Manager to sub-block your model file. This will enhance the resolution of the geologic infor-
mation coded into the model in subsequent sections.
In the model manager, use geo10.dat as the PCF and geo15.dat as the File 15. Choose to sub-block all items
except ORE% and TOPO. Use sub-block counts of x = 10, y = 5 and z = 4. The tool will display the size of the
sub-blocks, ensuring that all the sub-blocks divide evenly into the parent block.
Model Manager click on model → Edit → Sub-block Model → check Create Sub-block File →
enter new block count → OK → check Items for sub-blocking → Save
124 | Sub-blocking the 3D Block Model

NOTES
Sub-blocking the 3D Block Model | 125


4.5 Adding Topography

Add topography to your 3D block model (3DBM) to
ensure that resource calculations do not include LEARNING OBJECTIVE
areas that are not below the surface (in the air).
Each block stores a percent value to show how Clip the 3DBM to account for data that
much of that block is below the surface. Coding extends above the surface (in the air).
the topography to the model is essential. If done
as the first step when building the model, the to-
pography percent can be used in different calculations.
Topography separates data above and below the surface
EXERCISE: Add Topography to the 3DBM

Use a geometry set containing the topography surface to code the topography percent. Set the default to
0 percent.
TOPO% Data Manager → double-click model view → Model View Editor → Geometry
tab → select the surface for coding → Code tab → Code from Surfaces op-
tion → set the storing option as Code Total PERCENT between/below surface
→ Choose TOPO item as the Ore Percent Item → Code
EXERCISE: Sub-block Topography

If you are planning to use MineSight Reserve to generate a resource report on your sub-blocked model, you
will need to sub-block the topography. Since sub-blocks do not store block percentages, it will not be possible
to use the existing TOPO item. Instead, a new item will need to be added to the model. The item will store
a flag value indicating whether each sub-block is below the topography or not. To add the item, open the
Model Manager and create a new item called TOPOS with a Min of 0, Max of 1, and Precision of 1. Then
code the surface to TOPOS using the Model View Editor.
Sub-block Model Manager → click on geo15.dat → Edit → Add (Add Item) → Name Item
→ enter min, max, precision → check Sub-block → Save
Code Surface Model View Editor → Geometry Tab → select Topography Surface geometry set
→ set the code value for the surface to 1 → Save Geometry Set → Code tab
→ Select From Surfaces → Code by Majority → set the minimum percentage
to code block to 50% → set Reset Item Before Coding to 0 → select TOPOS
item → Code
126 | Adding Topography

NOTES
Adding Topography | 127


4.6 Coding Model Blocks

Model coding can be performed from closed
solids, surfaces or polygons. If solids overlap, in LEARNING OBJECTIVE
which case the sum of the partial percents will be
greater than 100 percent, you may run into incor- Code the 3D block model from geology
rect resource estimations later. If the overlap is polygons and geology solids.
small, normalizing the total partials to the topog-
raphy percent in each block will help resolves this
issue. If the overlap is significant, use the Intersect Solid tool prior to coding.
As with drillhole interval coding, material type controls the value coded to the model blocks. You
should assign a material to each geologic solid before coding. Otherwise, you can use the over-
ride option when you create the geometry set.
Coding above or below a single surface is also possible with the Code from Surface option. You
can store the accompanying percent values at the same time.
Coding from Geology Polygons

Coding from polygons involves projecting
the polygons onto orthogonal planes and
assigning a volume of influence to each
polygon. Default coding expands from
the projected polygon to halfway between
planes on either side. However, you can
also expand from the projected polygon to
another plane (in the direction of increasing
coordinate value). You should create poly-
gons based on an existing grid set and use
that grid set as the reference plane list.
EXERCISE: Code from Mineralogy Polygons

Create a folder in the Data Manager called “Geology” and import the mineralogy polygons. Create a ge-
ometry set with the polygons and the EW Grid grid set.
Code from Polygons Data Manager → double-click sub-block model view → Code Model tab →
From Polygons option → Geometry tab → create Mineralogy Polygons ge-
ometry set → Code Model tab → Polygons tab → Grid Set button → choose
a grid set (planes) → extrude the projected polygons to solids (polygon cod-
ing options) Coding Options tab: CODE by Majority Code (Storing Options),
0% (Min Value), Ore (Code As), default value to reset=4 → choose Zone
Code item MNLRP → Code
128 | Coding Model Blocks

Coding the Model from Geology Solids

Coding the model from geology solids is performed through the Model View Properties dialog
using at least one solid. You can store majority codes only, or you can store majority code and the
accompanying percent. The two items to which you store these codes are the zone code item
and the ORE% item.
EXERCISE: Code from Geology Solids

Import the lithology and mineralogy solids into the Geology folder. Code the lithology solids to the LITO item
(majority code only), and code the mineralogy solids to the MNRLS item along with the total percent within
the mineralogy solids to the ORE% item.
Code from Solids double-click sub-block model view → Code Model tab → Code from Solids
option → Geometry tab → select geometry set (lithology or mineralogy
solids)Code Model tab: (see below) → choose Zone Code item (and Per-
cent item for Run 3) → Code
→ Run 1 (Lithology Solids): Code Model tab: CODE by Majority Code (Storing Options), 0% ( Min Value), Ore
(Code As) , default value to reset=6, Code Item = LITO
→ Run 2 (Mineralogy Solids): Code Model tab: CODE by Majority Code (Storing Options), 0% ( Min Value),
Ore (Code As) , default value to reset=4, Code Item = MNLRS
→ Run 3 (Total Ore % Inside Mineralogy Solids): Code Model tab: Total Percent with Solids(s), Ore (Code As) ,
default value to reset=0, Ore Percent Item = ORE%
Coding Model Blocks | 129


4.7 Interpolating the Model

Interpolating the model is the only way to transfer
the composite grades or qualities into a 3D block LEARNING OBJECTIVE
model. Different types of interpolation routines are
available in MineSight. This course will cover inverse Add composited data to the 3DBM using
distance weighting (IDW). the inverse distance weighting interpola-
Interpolating the model requires the MineSight Ba- tion method.
sis procedure pintrpq.dat. One way to verify the in-
terpolation is to create a model view for the main PROCEDURE pintrpq.dat
interpolation control item in MineSight 3D (MS3D) Group 5A-3D Modeling
and compare it with a drillhole view of the com- Operation Calculation
posite file. Description Various interpolation routines
to store grades to the model
Below are the input, calculations and output con-
siderations for pintrpq.dat.
Input Calculation Output

• PCF • Locate composites • Updated mine
• Mine model file (File
13, 14 or 15) ⇒ within search window
• Match block/geology ⇒ model file with
interpolated grades
• Geology codes codes (required for
• MineSight Torque sub-blocking)
composite set • Apply limiting factors
• Determine nearest
composites
• Compute weights
• Calculate and store
grades
Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW)

IDW is done through the procedure pintrpq.dat. The influence, or weight, given to a composite
varies inversely with the distance separating the composite and the block center. You can set the
power of the IDW (2 Square, 3 Cube, -1 to average or other higher powers). Geological matching
between codes from composites and blocks is also available.
G = estimated value of block
V = value of sample
D = distance of sample to center of block
n = power (or exponent ) of D (distance)
k = No. of samples
130 | Interpolating the Model

EXERCISE: Run pintrpq.dat

Run the interpolation for total copper and molybdenum with a 180-meter search distance and default op-
tions (and the bench composite set). Store the results to CUI and MOI. At the same time, run the polygonal
interpolation and store to CUPLY and MOPLY. Store back to the AVDST, CLDST, NCOMP and NDHS items. At-
tach the Torque database to the Compass setup panel first. Under Geologic Matching, choose LITO or MNRLS
as the model item and Lith Code or Min Code for the composite item.
pintrpq.dat Compass → open procedure pintrpq.dat → enter the data into the panels →
Save responses → run the procedure
Interpolation Options
DEBUG ELLIPSOID
In this option, only one specified block is interpo-
lated. It can be used with kriging and inverse
distance weighting methods. An ellipsoid will be
generated for viewing in MS3D — which includes
tie lines to composites used and a list of weights.
Using this option can be very helpful when trou-
bleshooting an interpolation run.
Debug ellipsoid with model block and
composites shown in MS3D
OCTANT/QUADRANT OPTIONS
Useful when dealing with clustered data. Several op-
tions are available to choose from for restricting how
much data is used from each sector. This allows for
better use of clustered data.
Split quadrant option — the sphere represents the

search area and the planes show the search split into
sectors
ANISOTROPIC DISTANCE OPTION

This option can be used to further reduce the in-
fluence of composites along the minor axis. This
is an important option while doing an inverse dis-
tance interpolation as it will influence the weight
of each composite. It is less important in a kriging
interpolation because variograms handle sample
weighting. The ellipse can also be rotated. (The
Two composite locations sharing differences
rotation conventions are described in the proce-
between true and anisotropic distances
dure.)
Interpolating the Model | 131


BASIC SEARCH PARAMETERS

The first three parameters (PAR1, PAR2 and PAR3) de-
fine a general search box around each block. The
search will be refined further in a later panel in the pro-
cedure. The fourth parameter (PAR4), the “Max 3D dis-
tance,” should match the major axis of the ellipsoidal
search for the interpolation to work properly (if using
ellipsoid search).
Basic search parameters
BLOCK LIMITING & GEOLOGIC MATCHING OPTION

The Block Limiting option will restrict the
interpolation calculations to only those
blocks containing specific codes (such as
for a particular geologic unit). This ap-
proach is practical when you want to use
different interpolation parameters for dif-
ferent geologic domains in the project.
The Code Matching option uses only
those composites for the interpolation
calculations that have the same code as
the model blocks. This method is com-
monly used for hard boundaries, such as
in a particular geologic domain, and pre-
vents a composite value from a different Composites and block model showing code values.
domain from influencing the block being With geomatching activated, blue composites are
calculated. Geologic matching or block used for blue blocks, red for red blocks and so on.
limiting must be used to interpolate to
sub-blocked items. Otherwise, interpola-
tion will only consider the parent block.
132 | Interpolating the Model

NOTES
Interpolating the Model | 133


4.8 Block Model Views

Attaching a model view to a MineSight 3D (MS3D)
project allows you to visualize model data as sur- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
face/slab, contours, filled polygons, blocks, or
block grade shells. Create model views to see se- Attach a model stored in a project file to
lected items from a model, different spatial regions MS3D for viewing.
of a model and, in the case of 3D block mod-
els, grade shells from which you can create a ge-
ometry object. You can restrict what region of Create views for each item as it is loaded; for
the model to view, and specify primary and sec- example, the first view will be TOPO because
ondary display items. The Model View Editor lets topography will be coded first. That way, you
you change display properties, create grade shells can return to the model view and see your
and code the model. coding setup still intact.
Creating a model view also allows you to interact

with the model file. You can code a model directly from an MS3D solid or polygon. Each grid in a
model file typically contains several items of information (i.e. different geology surface elevations).
Before you can store any surfaces, you must initialize the model.
Two model files may be used to create a model view: File 15—3D block model (3DBM) or gridded
seam model (GSM); and File 14—GSM summary file (GSM projects only).
Model Display Styles

The Model View Editor controls display options, which differ for 3D and 2D modes. Displaying the
model in 2D is a good way to explore model cross sections of data.
The Display tab allows independent control of the
model display extents for 3D and 2D viewing. You can
use it to show 3D display limits and boundary lines. It
also has an optional Immediate Refresh check box,
which will refresh the limits as you change them with-
out having to click Apply. Note that displaying your
entire model view at once will slow performance.
3D Mode
Displaying item labels for blocks is only possible in 2D
mode. You can choose from existing items in the
File 15 and display five labels at once. Each label can
be offset horizontally and vertically. The default label
color is white; however, you can choose to set the la-
bel color based on the item’s cutoff value.
2D Mode
It can be more convenient to view polygons (or blocks) while they are unfilled (highlight the desired
buttons → Properties → Surfaces tab → choose to show lines and not show faces).
134 | Block Model Views

EXERCISE: Change Display and Query

Experiment with the various 3D and 2D options.
Display Type and Style double-click model view → Display tab → activate display type and option →
Apply → Cutoffs button → select the cells for the cutoff values for which you
would like to show polygons unfilled → Properties button → Surfaces tab →
check and uncheck Show Faces and Show Lines options → OK
Display Range double-click model view → Range tab → slide the limit bars to the desired mini-
mum and maximum; each end of the limit bars gives the number/coordinate
value → Apply
Display in 2D Mode Viewer Tool Bar → Set a Grid Set to the Viewer → browse to a grid set → choose
a plane or section → put Viewer in 2D mode
Display Labels in 2D double-click model view → Labels tab → select the item whose label you want
Mode displayed and any accompanying parameters for that row → Apply
QUERYING A SUB-BLOCKED MODEL

Sub-blocking comes with a modified query window capable of displaying both parent and sub-
block information. Item values appear in the sub-block section of the query window; the SB column
indicates if the values are from a sub-block or parent block,allowing the user to easily distinguish
the different types of data. Three different display options also let you customize how the sub-
blocks are visualized in the viewer.
Displaying sub-blocked zones (left) and individual sub-blocks (right) using query.
EXERCISE: Querying a sub-blocked model
Query Sub-block Model Desktop Menu → Query → Query Element → select 3DBM block
View Sub-blocks by Query Window → View → Display Sub-blocks As → Zone → Query window →
Zone Sub-blocks section → use arrows to toggle through zones or select in viewer
Display Block Statistics display sub-block zones → Query window → View → Show Sub-block Stats op-
tion
View Sub-blocks Query Window → View → Display Sub-blocks As → Zone → Query window →
Individually Sub-blocks section → use sub-level, sub-row, sub-column arrows or click in
viewer to view individual sub-blocks
Block Model Views | 135


3D VIEW DISPLAY TYPES
Standard View Displays the portion of the model requested on the Range tab of the
Model View Editor, with the requested view style applied.
Level/Bench Plans Displays the model as horizontal sections. Filled polygons are the only view
style that can be used with this 3D display type.
EW Sections Displays the model as vertical East-West sections. Filled polygons are the
only view style that can be used with this 3D display type.
NS Sections Displays the model as vertical North-South sections. Filled polygons are the
only view style that can be used with this 3D display type.
3D AND 2D VIEWING STYLES
Contours Displays contours of the selected model item on the spatial extent of
the defined model region. This is the fastest and least memory intensive
method of viewing the model. Smooth Contours displays contours with a
gradual change in the contour colors on the spatial extent of the defined
model region.
Filled Polygons Displays individual model blocks as polygons.
3D Blocks Displays the model as individual blocks. Blocks are displayed at 90% of their
size. WARNING: Viewing a large region as 3D blocks is a memory intensive
operation. It is not recommended on machines with limited RAM.
Surface/Slab Available for more efficient display of the model. In both cases, a “mesh”
is used instead of a triangulated “shell.” A mesh is just a grid, and is more
efficiently displayed in MineSight than a shell. Slab rendering, the style
used with a 3D block model, displays only the bounding of two rows, two
columns and two benches of the model; the interior blocks are not dis-
played. Surface rendering, the style used with gridded model files, displays
a mesh that connects all of the midpoints of the grid.
SUB-BLOCK DISPLAY STYLES
Block Grade Shell Displays grade shells following block outlines defined by the cutoff table of
the primary display item.
Filled block contours This is the 2D equivalent to the "Block Grade Shell" in 3D styles.

LIMITING BLOCKS
Using the Options tab of the Model View Editor, you can limit the blocks viewed based on a range
of values in an item. Item Limiting and Item Filtering are two different ways to limit blocks. Item Lim-
iting lets you enter the range of values while Item Filtering lets you type in your own filter expression.
Block size is set to be shown at 90% scale in all three dimensions (x, y and z). In the Options tab,
you can set block size and opt to Scale by Block Percent or Scale by Percent Item.
EXERCISE: Limit Blocks Based on Item Value

Limit the view to show only blocks above a cutoff of 0.3% copper (CUI). Reduce block size by the Ore% item.
Item Limiting Option double-click model view → Options tab → Limit By box → Select item → set
range of values → Apply
Item Filtering Option double-click model view → Options tab → Filter By box → enter filter expressions
→ Apply
Control Block Size by double-click model view → Options tab → Scale by Block Percent → enter x, y
Block Percent and z percents → Apply
Scale by Percent Item double-click model view → Options tab → Scale by Percent Item → choose
the item to scale by (usually a TOPO% or ORE% item) → Apply
Grade Shells
A grade shell is a solid representation of a code or real
value retrieved directly from the 3DBM. It is intended
to provide an indication of where the blocks with cer-
tain geologic codes or grade values are located in the
model.
Grade shells can be created for a grade item be-
tween a minimum and maximum value, and can be
further limited by a secondary item, such as a TOPO%
or geologic code. A grade shell is created primarily for
Grade shell with a
visualization purposes, and not for volume or reserves
cutoff value of .3% copper
calculations.
EXERCISE: Create a Grade Shell of Mineralized Zones

Create a grade shell with a cutoff value of 0.3% copper (CUI). Save the shell as a geometry object in the
Model Views folder.
Grade Shell highlight the _msresources folder → create or select a folder for the grade shell
→ create a model view (for any display item) and open its properties →
Grade Shell tab → select the desired grade shell item → enter a minimum
and optional maximum → turn on block outlines → Make Shell → Save


Exposed Ore Display

The Exposed Ore Display in MS3D allows you to project
the color cutoffs of the desired model item onto a sur-
face geometry element in the Viewer.
Pit shell with exposed ore.
EXERCISE: Display Exposed Ore

Show the CUI grade on the pit shell surface. You will need to create a new geometry set with this surface and
have the pit shell open in the Viewer.
Exposed Ore Open a surface geometry element (set to show surfaces as Faces Only) →
open and double-click a model view → Display tab → select the desired dis-
play item → Geometry tab → select surface element → Exposed Ore button

NOTES


4.9 Calculating Model Item Values

You can calculate item values based on existing
model item values. In these calculations, you can LEARNING OBJECTIVE
use existing items directly in the desired calcula-
tion or as a RANGE/OMIT boundary for calcula- Calculate model item values.
tions. Model calculations that do not need to
be performed on the entire model can be limited
based on existing items, model area and geomet- The Help doc is a great resource for syntax.
ric boundaries.
Calculating Between Model Items

p61201.dat: The procedure p61201.dat is used to PROCEDURE P61201.DAT
do model calculations between model items (File Group 5a-3D Modeling
13 and File 15). The model items must be from Operation Calculation
the same model. Outside of the calculation, you Description User-specified model calcula-
can also use existing items to limit blocks being tions
used based on the item value in a particular block.
The calculation is stored in a chosen item from the
same model.
EXERCISE: p61201.dat
Calculate EQCU. The expression syntax will be:
EQCU= CUI + (MOI * 99.23/19.73).
cp-ModelCalcTool.pyz: The procedure cp-Model PROCEDURE CP-MODELCALCTOOL.PYZ

CalcTool.pyz is also used to perform model calcu- Group 5a-3D Modeling
lations between model items (3D block or surface Operation Calculation
models, but not stratigraphic models). You can Description Calculate values for model
also limit by a specified area of the model and items from MineSight solids,
by existing geometry (solids, surfaces, polygons). polygons and equations.
The calculation is stored in a chosen item from the
same model.
140 | Calculating Model Item Values

EXERCISE: cp-ModelCalcTool.pyz
Calculate SG based on lithology codes. Remember to store back to SG. The syntax is:
if $(LITO)==1:
$(SG) = 2.9;
elif $(LITO)==2:
$(SG) = 2.8;
elif $(LITO)==3:
$(SG) = 2.7;
elif $(LITO)==6:
$(SG) = 2.7;
else: $(SG) = 2.7
Classify measured (1), indicated (2) and inferred (3) resources based on the closest distance to a composite
(CLDST) and the number of drillholes (NDHS). Store the results back to the CLASS item. The syntax is:
if (0 <= $(CLDST) <= 80) and $(NDHS) > 2 :

$(CLASS)= 1
elif (0 <= $(CLDST) <= 30) and $(NDHS) == 1 :
$(CLASS)= 1
$(CLASS)= 2
$(CLASS)= 2
elif (80 <= $(CLDST) <= 180) and $(NDHS) > 1:
$(CLASS)= 3
else: $(CLASS)= $(undefined)
Calculating Model Item Values | 141


4.10 Quick Model Statistics

Once you’ve interpolated your model, you should
produce quick statistics for checking purposes. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Statistics quantitatively explain the model. They
are useful for analyzing aspects such as total ton- Produce quick model statistics for verifica-
nages in each cutoff grade, grade distribution and tion purposes.
probability.
The Quick Model Stats Tool in MineSight 3D (MS3D) lets you quickly validate and examine changes
in the model by modifying interpolation parameters. Using quick statistics, you can identify gross
discrepancies before generating more detailed model statistics and graphs.
Cutoff chart from the Model Quick Stats Tool
EXERCISE: Calculate Quick Stats for Grade Based on Cutoffs

Calculate stats for the CUI item based on cutoffs.
Quick Stats Desktop Menu → Model → Quick Model Stats
Model Setup select PCF and model → click on items to use → pick CUI → set CUI as the
primary item → Show Model Data → set up custom cutoffs (0 to 1.2 with an
increment 0.05)
Optional Limits Weight section → select SG and TOPO items (use a default value of 2.5 for SG)
→ TOPO = percent item → Run
Quick Model Stats view the stats per cutoff (tonnage, percent, mean and standard deviation) →
Reporter Chart → AccumCutoff → view the Grade Tonnage Curves for this distribution
After you have arranged the tables or the graphs in your desired format, save the templates for future
use.
142 | Quick Model Statistics

Cutoff chart from the Model Quick Stats Tool
EXERCISE: Calculate Quick Stats for Grade Based on CODES

Calculate quick stats for CUI based on the classification codes.
Quick Stats Desktop Menu → Model → Quick Model Stats
Model Setup select PCF and model → click on items to use → pick CUI and CLASS → set
CLASS as the primary control item → Show Model Data → set up three cus-
tom cutoffs (1, 2 and 3)
Optional Limits Weight section → select SG and TOPO items (use a default value of 2.5 for SG)
→ TOPO item = percent item → Run
Quick Model Stats open field list → leave only Class-Number and Mean CUI in the Data area sec-
Reporter tion → Accumulate → uncheck the cutoff option → view the stats table in
the PivotChart per cutoff (tonnage and CUI mean value per CLASS code)
Quick Model Statistics | 143


Grade tonnage curve for the CUI distribution
Model Quick Stats table by CLASS
144 | Quick Model Statistics

NOTES
Quick Model Statistics | 145


4.11 Model Statistics

After the model has been coded and interpo-
lated, and all calculations are finished, it is nec- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
essary to produce statistics and a total resource
report. Statistics quantitatively explain the model Produce model statistics and a total re-
and can be used to analyze aspects such as to- source report.
tal tonnages in each cutoff grade, grade distribu-
tion and probability. Using MineSight Data Analyst
(MSDA), you can compare statistics from the model with statistics taken from the source drillhole
data set. The model statistics set up is similar to the drillhole statistics setup. You can compare your
model statistics with the drillhole statistics to examine grade distributions and for other analyses.
MSDA model statistics currently only assesses parent block values. It does not consider sub-block
values.
Histograms
The histogram application offers several options: a
histogram (chart); a cumulative frequency curve; a
grade/tonnage curve; and a simple report by cut-
off grades, based on the same histogram intervals.
EXERCISE: Create Histograms

Compare IDW and polygonal plots of CU (CUI and CUPLY). Use 15 bins, 0.1 width. Also, view the cumulative
frequency curve and grade/tonnage curve for CUI. Filter all results where topography is defined.
Build a Histogram MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → left-click histogram destination folder →

MSDA Manager menu → Tools → Build Histogram → Primary Data → set bin
information → Set button → File Chooser dialog → Filter tab → enable desired
filters → Title and Labels tab → Build
View Cumulative histogram screen → View → Cumulative Frequency Curve

Frequency
Add External Histograms histogram screen → External Histograms → Manage
View Grade Tonnage histogram screen → View → Grade Tonnage Curve toggle
Curve
View Cutoff Grade histogram screen → Report by Cutoff Grade tab

Report
146 | Model Statistics

Custom Report
The following procedure demonstrates how to gen-
erate a basic univariate report.
EXERCISE: Build a Report File

Report mean, max and standard deviation for CUI grade and tonnage for each reserve classification (CLASS
item). Filter by TOPO >0 to ignore blocks in the air. Change the row and column grouping and adjust the
display properties.
Report File MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → report destination folder → MSDA Manager
menu → Tools → Build Custom Report → enter requested information → Build
View Report Chart MSDA Manager → click report file in Preview screen → MSDA Manager OK but-
ton → Chart
Swath Plot
Swath plots convey a general trend in grade in
a given direction. You choose a direction and
swath/step size, and the data is aggregated in two
dimensions and projected in the third. Swath plots
are useful as a validation tool to compare interpo-
lation techniques against each other and against
composite data.
EXERCISE: Build a Swath Plot

Create a swath plot for the model (File 15) and compare it to the composite set (bench). You will create two
separate plots. They must have the same direction (column/easting/x) and number of steps (step size = 1 for
model, 25 for comps).
For the model, the tonnage expression is VOLUME * SG * TOPO/100 and should be viewed as bars (right axis).
The grade envelope and analysis item is CUI, and the grade item in the composite is total copper. Afterwards,
use the Import Swath Plot function to view the two plots together. (File → Import Swath Plot).
Swath Plot MSDA Resources → MSDA_Charts → swath plot destination folder → MSDA Man-
ager menu → Tools → Build Swath Plot → enter requested information → Build
Model Statistics | 147


4.12 Reporting Model Resources

MineSight Reserve is a calculation tool that uses a
specified MineSight block model to generate re- LEARNING OBJECTIVE
serve reports from solids or polygons, between GSF
surfaces (file 13) or from a range of coordinates. It Produce resource reports in Reserve to
utilizes Advanced Reporting and Charting (ARC) gain insight into the deposit.
options that allow quick and simple creation of
charts, graphs and reports in multiple formats. Re-
serve can be executed in stand-alone mode or directly from MineSight 3D (MS3D).
The tool uses the following assumptions for calculating reserves:
• A thickness item is used to calculate the block volume in conjunction with the X and Y cell
dimensions of the block. If this item is not specified, then the bench height of the block model
is used.
• Volume Type allows you to choose between mined out and topo logic. The associated model
item represents a percent of the block present (Topo) or missing (Mined-out). This item is used
to represent the boundary between air and rock. If you are reporting reserves on a sub-
blocked model, you must use a sub-blocked Volume Item.
A single bench of the block model, with the copper values displayed inside the clipped pit solid.
Pitres.dat, accessed through MineSight Compass and the Calculate Reserves Tool in MS3D, formed the
traditional method of reserve reporting. It has now made way for Reserve.
148 | Reporting Model Resources

EXERCISE: Create a 3DBM Resource Report

Create a resource report for CUI and MOI grades. To accomplish this, you will create a logic file, add grade
and zone items, and define materials before calculating reserves. The steps are outlined in the following
sections.
For the resource report, report all material below topography, and then report all material below topography
separated by class and mineralogy. Cutoff values are 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. Use the SG item that has been
stored in the model.
TERMINOLOGY
Topo clipping: Used if the ore percents in the block do not already reflect the topo (the shapes used to
code them were not clipped at the surface). This will result in the percents being reduced by the topo
percent within the reserves engine.
Partial: The volumetric percent of the block being taken.
Take Ore First: Prioritizes ore to be taken before waste when the partial is less than 100 percent.
Zone Code: The integer code used for material classification; it can be a model item or a computed
zone item.
Zone Item: The model item(s) or computed zone item(s) containing our zone code(s).
Cutoffs: The “real” values that the control grades are compared against for the binning of material
within a material (as defined by a zone code/zone item in our material set).
Discrete items: Items used to further classify material with up to five additional integer items. These can
be used for reporting purposes.
Reserves Logic
The first step in reporting reserves is creating the logic file. A reserves logic is essentially a set
of options to use for a specific reserve or resource report based on a selected 3D block model
(3DBM). Whether using Reserve as a stand-alone program or using it within MS3D, you will need to
set up a reserves logic.
When creating a new reserves logic file, you will see a dialog in which you can define the MineSight
Project Files (PCF and model file), the plan name and fundamental options, such as the treatment
of topography versus partial percentages. At this stage, you can select whether you’re using a
single or multiple ore percent model. Once this definition is accepted, a new dialog provides
more detailed configuration options.
EXERCISE: Create a New Reserves Logic

Create a new logic file for a single ore percent model. Save the plan and logic file as “classmin.resx.” Re-
serve is accessible from the Model Menu inside MS3D. There is also a stand-alone version accessed from the
Windows Start menu.
Reserves Logic MS3D Desktop Menu → Model → Reserves Setup → File → New → select PCF,
3DBM file and TOPOS item → Volume Is Percentage = False → OK
Reporting Model Resources | 149


Adding Grade and Zone Items

After creating the plan, you can add grade items and discrete items for reporting, and define
calculated items for the reserve report. To add a new grade item to the reserve logic setup, click
the Add Grade button, and enter the name of the grade item and the treatment (accumulated,
mass-weighted average, item-weighted or volume-weighted average).
Calculated fields can also be added on the fly for reserves calculations and reporting. To create
a new calculated field, click the New Field button and select the type of calculated field, which
could be a grade field (e.g. EQCU), a grade by zone field (e.g. dilution item), or a zone field (e.g.
material classification field).
If your 3DBM is subblocked, you can specify to use only non-subblocked model items in the reserves
logic by defining False in the Subblock Mode Plan Option. If you set this mode to True, the option
to Use In-Out Partials when calculating reserves for the individual subblocks becomes available.
EXERCISE: Add Discrete, Grade and Other Model Items

Report by two zones (CLASS and MNRLS) to break down the analysis by resources classification and mineral-
ogy. Read the SG from the model, and add the copper and moly grade items. Use a calculated field for
equivalent copper.
Add Items Reserve → Add Grade Items = copper and moly → add Primary Zone Item =
CLASS → add Secondary Discrete Item = MINRLS → edit value labels by click-
ing on discrete item name → add a Calculated Grade Field for equivalent
copper – e.g. EQCU=CUI + (MOI*99.23/19.73) → select the SG item from the
model → Save
Material Sets
Once the grade items are set, you will define the material set. The Material Set dialog consists
of the Zone Details on the left and the Material Set Properties along the right side. Add zones
manually or by using the “Auto” button, in which case the program will read the zone information
directly from the 3DBM.
An example of a material set broken down by cutoffs and classification scheme.
EXERCISE: Create a Material Set
Material Set Reserve → Material Set Mode → Auto button → change names to Measured,
Indicated, Inferred and default → bin materials by 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 →
Save

Reporting Reserves
Once the reserve logic is defined and saved, there are two options for defining a reserve volume
within MS3D. From the Model menu, choose Quick Reserves from OCB to select a geometry ele-
ment through the Object Contents Browser. Alternatively, use Quick Reserves from Viewer to select
geometry directly from the Viewer. In the stand-alone version, under the Geometry link, it’s possi-
ble to calculate reserves based on cuts, surfaces or a coordinate range. Cuts can be imported
directly from an MineSight Planning Database (MSPD).
Once you have selected one of the above options, the MineSight Reserve Reporting dialog will
open. This analysis provides the familiar Advanced Reporting and Charting options (ARC), includ-
ing the drag-and-drop Pivot Grid options.
EXERCISE: Report Reserves Inside Pit Solid

Select the diorite lithology solid from the viewer. Create a quick analysis and publish the reports.
Reporting MS3D Desktop Menu → Model → Quick Reserves from Viewer → select the
diorite solid → Analysis Report = pivot chart and grid → Publish Report
Analysis report showing pivot grid and paired chart below.
Reporting Model Resources | 151



5
Utilities
Learn about plotting, multiruns and other modeling tools.
Contents
5.1 Multi-runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
5.2 Plotting in MS3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
5.3 Using MSDART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
5.4 Rotating the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
5.5 Conclusion & Future Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

5.1 Multi-runs
Use a multi-run when you want to run the same pro-
cedure, or set of procedures, multiple times using LEARNING OBJECTIVE
different parameters each time. Multi-run pack-
ages range from the simple task of running a few Package procedures and their response
procedures or scripts with a few varying parame- sets for the purpose of running them in a
ters (i.e. calculating simple statistics) to the more sequence.
complex task of running several procedures with
numerous varying parameters (i.e. interpolating a
model and experimenting with different parameters).
Multi-runs make it easier for all users to be on the same page because you can write comments
about why each procedure is being run. You can also audit your task flow from the list of proce-
dures in the package. The multi-run packages can be transferred to different MineSight Compass
projects.
The procedures you select for a particular multi-run are stored in a package. The parameters that
vary in a package are stored in a response set, and a package can contain several response sets.
Two options exist for running a multi-run package:
1. Run each individual procedure in your multi-run package one or more times before proceed-
ing on to the next procedures in the package.
2. Run all of the procedures in Loop mode. This option repeats the entire sequence of proce-
dures, one after another as a group, a specified number of times. The default is to run the
same procedure the specified number of times before running the next one. The loop mode
will cycle through the entire package set before repeating the same procedures again.
Before using a procedure in a multi-run, you should run through that procedure at least once to
familiarize yourself with it and learn what type of variable information is needed.
154 | Multi-runs
MULTI-RUN DIALOG TABS
Procedures Procedures are selected in order of their execution.
Variables As you complete the procedure setup panels and enter a data variable that has
not yet been defined, the Variables dialog is displayed. This is the page where
values for variables are entered.
Files If there is more than one set of DH or Model files, Files tab is where you can specify
names of the project files to vary during your multi-run. The Files button on the
Procedures page is used for selecting the file to be used for the procedure or
to set the file type to be varied. You must first toggle Vary using the Files button
on the Procedures tab (click the open file folder button) before you can set the
names used in the Files tab.
EXERCISE: Create a Multi-Run Package

Create a multi-run package.
Multi-run MSCompass → Options tab → New Multi-run → select procedures → Setup

button (see Note 1) → select number of runs → save the package → Run
(see Note 2)
Note 1: Click the Setup button next to the procedure you have
selected and go through each procedure involved in setting the Put the cursor in the procedure
values and variables; use a “?nn” for variables that will change box and select from the MSCom-
with each run. “?nn” refers to unique numbers for each variable— pass procedures list to save your-
“?01” for the first variable, “?02” for the second variable and so self some typing.
forth. When you click the right arrow in the panel to proceed to
the next panel, the Variables tab displays so that you can enter
the values for the variables. You cannot continue with the procedure until you click Continue while in the
Variables tab.
Note 2: If you want to run the entire sequence of procedures, one after another, select the Loop checkbox,
then click Run to activate loop mode.
Multi-runs | 155

5.2 Plotting in MS3D

A plot is an informative display of 3D or 2D data
from the MineSight Viewer. Plotting is used for many LEARNING OBJECTIVE
purposes in mine design, such as viewing mining ar-
eas or blast patterns in a plan view and displaying Plot data from MineSight 3D for various
cross-sections of geologic data. types of output.
You can output a plot to printed pages, plot files
(i.e. HPGL2, PDF), image files (i.e. jpeg) and DXF. Plotting to plot files lets multiple users share the
data without having to open MS3D to send the plot to a printer. Image files let you review your
plot without printing; and plotting to DXF allows you to open the plot in AutoCAD.
THE CENTRAL PLOTTING FOLDER

A plot layout is an object that consists of one or more Viewers. A plot layout can also contain a
title block, scale bar, North arrow and one or more legends.
To prepare for the plot layout, create a folder or save a Project Map that will contain all the
data you want to plot, including geometry objects, drillhole views, model views and Viewers. Title
blocks, legends and the plot layout objects should be saved to a Plotting folder in the Data Man-
ager as they are created. To ensure consistency, you should also create a Viewer that will be used
solely for plotting.
You can preview how the plot layout will look using the Preview at the bottom of the Plot Layout Ed-
itor. If you would like to be able to zoom in to check details and line thickness before sending data
to the plotter, you can plot to an image file and open the file as a picture. Plotting to an image
file and then sending the results to the plotter can also help to reduce memory consumption.
If you include the page size in the name of the plot layout, you will be able to use this plot layout
as a template for later plotting to this page size. The same concept also works well for legend and
title block naming.
156 | Plotting in MS3D

The Plot Layout Editor

Three primary factors affect plotting: page size, plotting extents (i.e. boundary) and page scale.
The Plot Layout Editor, which is accessible once you create a plot layout, gives you control over
these three factors for scaled plotting. You can set two of the factors; the third is computed from
the other two. Access the Plot Layout Editor the same way you access the Object Properties
dialog.
THE PAGE TAB

The Page tab is where the primary factors affecting plotting, (see plot layout editor section), are
controlled. This tab is broken down into four areas: Paper, Scale, Area and Boundary.
Paper: Select your preferred plot size and orientation. From the Page Size drop down, you can
select the custom option that will allow you to set custom page settings.
Boundary: This section defines the boundary of the plot. You can choose from screen capture, grid
set or user defined. By default, everything within the yellow bounding box will be fit to a maximum
size centered within the Viewer Area. The elements being plotted will be scaled to fit accordingly
as well.
The user defined boundary option allows you to manually specify the boundary for the plot to use.
You can orient the boundary in plan, EW, NS and 45 degrees vertical orientation. You can choose
a mode to create the boundary: using a start point, end point and height; or using a single origin
point, width, height and azimuth. There are also numerous choices for which corner or point of the
boundary you may use as the basis for the starting, ending or origin points.
Scale: Here you select your area’s (i.e. Viewer) scale type. You can choose from screen capture
or a user defined scale. Screen capture will scale the elements within the boundary to a size that
corresponds to the selected boundary type.
The other two options, Control area’s scale and Control area’s scale, uniform scale, allow you to
force any additional areas to use the control area’s scale, or in the latter case, a uniform scale
based on the control area if it is itself not uniform.
User defined scale: This scale option allows manual input of the scale sizes. It also allows quick
adjustments to reset the scale with the grid set or user defined boundary, reset with the screen
capture boundary, or to quickly round up the scale size the nearest reasonable whole increment.
Check the Vertical Scale box to allow the Plot Layout Editor to set a vertical scale separate from the
horizontal scale. The vertical scale may also be set to match the vertical exaggeration of the Viewer.
Area: The first two options deal with how additional areas are controlled. You can force the sec-
ondary area(s) to center on the same point as the control area and/or populate the grid sets in
the boundary section of additional area(s) with the grids attached to the control area.
The clip to boundary option is used to force data outside of the boundary to not be displayed.
This is only applicable if the plot area is larger than the boundary centered inside of it. You may
resize the area to fit the boundary size exactly.
Plotting in MS3D | 157


THE LAYOUT MODE TAB

From this tab, you can either control all three factors (Paper Size, Control Area Scale, Control Area
Size) or allow a third factor to be computed from the other two.
THE AREA TAB
In this tab you can add or remove various plot items to the plot layout. Plot items include additional
viewers, title blocks, legends, scale bars, and a north arrow. There are various connection choices
for how to specifically manage a plot items orientation on the plot layout as well as whether to
arrange by cm/in or %.
THE OUTPUT TAB
This tab is where you select your desired output type for the plot (file, images, or printer). You may
also apply a text size or line width factor as well as choose to plot lights, hidden surfaces or in all
black.
THE PROJECT TAB
This is where you can quickly save or load a project map corresponding specific plot setup.
THE INFO TAB
From this tab you may edit the name of the plot layout object or add user notes.
Common Plots
Plot layouts are designed to be customizable. They can serve as a quick record of what is being
displayed in the Viewer or Viewers in 2D or 3D, or they can be set up for a detailed series of
sections including title blocks, legends, logos and scales. Plot layouts are transferable between
projects and can be used for more than one type of plot. In the following exercises we see a few
examples of how this tool can be set up and used.
EXERCISE: Create a Quick Plot Using Screen Capture

Create a plot layout in a new folder called Plotting, and then create a quick plot image to see how the plot
relates to the Viewer display. (The image in the Viewer will be displayed at the same aspect in the plot.)
Change the display in the Viewer and repeat the process. Print options: There are several formats to export
the plot. We are using Preview, which is a good way to check your plot before you export.
Plot Layout right-click Plotting folder → New → Plot Layout → name the plot layout → right-
click plot layout object → Properties → Plot Layout Editor
Quick Plot Plot Layout Editor → Page tab → select paper size → set scale and boundary
to screen capture → center element in boundary → Apply → Preview

EXERCISE: Create a Quick Plot Using User Defined Boundaries

Create a plot layout that reduces the outside empty in the screen capture boundary. See how focusing in
a more narrow boundary increases the detail of the image by reducing the necessary scale size. There are
several ways to create the necessary boundary. We are using the first mode (defining starting and ending
top points with a height.)
User Defined Plot Plot Layout Editor → Page tab → select paper size → set scale to Screen Cap-
ture → set boundary to User Defined → create boundary around element in
Viewer → Apply → Preview
EXERCISE: Create an Independent Dual Area Plot

Create a plot-dependent dual area plot layout that will display a cross-sectional view in the control Viewer
and a plan view in the additional Viewer. The control Viewer should show drillhole data (by strip with DHID la-
bels), model blocks and topography data in section, while topography contours and collar points are shown
in plan view in the additional Viewer. We will ensure that the additional Viewer uses the control area’s target
so it is centered above the current sectional plot, and that it has the same grid set attached so that we can
enable volume clipping.
Dependent Dual Plot Plot Layout Editor → Page tab → select paper size → set control area scale to
Screen Capture → set control area boundary to Grid Set → Area Tab → add
additional Viewer → Page tab → set additional viewer scale to Use Control
Area’s Scale → enable Use Control Area’s Target and Use Control Area’s
Grids → Apply → Preview
Title Blocks
Title blocks are one type of text data object in
MineSight; other text data includes labels such If you prefer a different information layout, click
as drillhole labels and user labels, which are a field to edit the defaults. If you would like
used as annotation. The Title Block Editor dia- different formats for the project, the list in the
right-hand window provides the variables for
log consists of two main tabs—the Title tab and
the most commonly used data formats.
the Info tab. The Title tab is where the actual
creation of the title block occurs.
Click the Resize All or Parts of the Title Block button to use a uniform font size, row height and/or
column width in your title block. Then enter a value to either adjust the settings by a factor or set
them to a fixed value.


EXERCISE: Create a Title Block

Create a custom default title block design by creating a title block object named default_titleblock.msr. If
default_titleblock.msr is in the root of _msresources, it serves as the template for new title block objects. You
may create it outside of the Plot Layout Editor or, if one does not already exist, from within.
Title Block Plot Layout Editor → Area tab → add new title block area → name title block
→ enter a project name and/or edit token substitutions → use Add, Remove
or arrow buttons to adjust columns and/or rows → specify row height, font
size, font alignment and column width → Preview
Tokens
The Token Tool, which is accessible at any time
at the bottom of the Plot Layout Editor or from This tool can also be accessed through the Utili-
within the Title Block or Legend objects, allows ties Menu, the Legend Tool Properties dialog, or
you to add variables to title blocks and legend for quick access, from the Plot Layout Editor.
objects. You can create text strings and asso-
ciate them with a ‘token’ or variable that can be used in the MineSight title block or legend
object. All Tokens must begin with a “?”.
EXERCISE: Create a Token
Tokens Title Block Editor → Token Tool button → in the Token column add type ’?Test’
→ in the text column type ’User ID’ → Apply → return to the Title Block Editor
and input the Token in the Title Block → Preview
Legends
A legend is a type of MineSight data object; as with other data objects, it is created from the
Data Manager. If one does not already exist, it may be created from within Plot Layout Editor. The
Properties dialog for the legend object can be accessed by double-clicking on the legend name
in the Data Manager, or by right-clicking and selecting Properties.
EXERCISE: Create a Legend
Legends Plot Layout Editor → Area tab → add New Legend Area

LEGEND TABS
The Common tab and the Info tab always stay the same. However, the middle tab displayed is
dependent upon which legend type you have chosen. The Common tab allows you to define the type
of data the legend will display (company logo, cutoff table, drillhole view, model view, geometry or
materials). The Info tab provides information about the title block; type, location, size and creation and
modification dates are listed. The lower text field provides an area for user notes.
Note that the minimum legend size is displayed in plotter units along the base of the legend object
properties dialog.
Company Specify an image file, which will then be available as an area that can be inserted
into a plot layout.
Cutoff Specify an item from the Items folder and select the desired display option.
Drillhole Choose a drillhole view. Properties for a 2D viewer displayed include the primary dis-
play item, any items used for labels and any items used for strip/histogram displays,
along with minimum and maximum values where applicable. Properties for a 3D view
displayed include only the primary display and interval label items.
Model Choose a model view. Properties for a 2D view displayed include the primary display
and labeling items. Properties for a 3D view displayed include only the primary display
item.
Geometry Define a geometry object as a legend object. This provides the flexibility to create
custom legends such as map explanation, or other applications where simply adding
a text or geometry object will clarify your plot. To use this option, the data in the
geometry object needs to be in plan.
Materials Choose the materials to display. Blank materials are ignored. A material can be spec-
ified multiple times. Under Style, choose the display style: name, point, polyline, poly-
gon, name display or surface. Under Comments, add the notation that will appear
in the legend next to the material. The comments will be displayed using the body
font properties from the Common tab. If no comment is added, and you would like
the material name displayed, toggle ON the option “Blank comments display material
name.” Use the Select column to select lines to be reordered using the arrow buttons
on the left. Right-click in the table to select/unselect all or delete selected materi-
als. Also on the right-click menu is a refresh option. Use this to refresh the material
list if materials have been added or deleted since the Legend Properties dialog was
opened..


5.3 Using MSDART

MineSight Data ASCII Reformatting Tool (MSDART)
is a stand-alone program that reformats ASCII files. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
One purpose is for reblocking model files (text or
File 15). Other functions include analysis and refor- Translate data fields, and calculate and
matting text files. The program dialog contains six store them to a new data field.
tab pages that should be filled out in sequence,
from left to right. When executed, MSDART opens
on the Load Options tab page on which you specify the name and path to the input and output
files. You can type the path and filenames into the input fields, or you can use the Browse button
to locate the files.
⇒
Use MSDART to change block sizes, while properly handling grades, densities, codes and other
block model items. It can also convert an irregular/sub blocked model to regularized sizes.
Input and Output Options

The Input and Output Options tabs deal with formatting and are used for all operations performed
in MSDART. Set the Input Options tab to properly bring in your starting ASCII data format and name
each field. In the Output Options tab, you can choose a new output format and the fields that
you desire to dump. When conducting calculations on the model (i.e. reblocking), you can go
directly from model to model or from text file to model.
TYPES OF TRANSLATIONS
Add Constant: Adds or subtracts (if negative to the field by the value entered).
Multiply Factor: Multiplies the field by the value entered.
Clamp Value: Clamps the values in the selected field to the specified range. Values greater
than the specified maximum value are changed to the maximum value, and
values less than the minimum value are changed to the minimum value.
Replace: Replaces a particular value in a field with another value.
Range: Uses only the data where the selected item’s values are within (Range) or outside
(Omit) the minimum and maximum values specified.
Remove Quotes: Removes “ ” (double quotes) or ‘ ’ (single quotes) from the data field.
Substitute List: Substitutes different values for multiple values in a field.
162 | Using MSDART

Translating Data Fields

The Data Translation Options tab allows you to manipulate your data. Field Name consists of all
the columns that you choose for output. Two help icons are located near each of the Translations
and Substitution List panels. Be aware that the translations entered will be order-dependent.
EXERCISE: Translate Data Fields

Use the assay input file (assay.csv) and perform some simple translations (i.e. add a constant or clamp value).
Translate Data MSDART → Data Translation Options tab → Field Name → Add
Calculating and Storing to a New Data Field

In the Calculation Options dialog, you can create and use formulaic expressions with data fields
from the input file as well as create new data fields for use in the expressions. You can also change
project and model coordinates for rotated models.
For rotated models, click on the Rotate X Y to set the parameters to rotate the data on the XY
plane without a 3D component, or click on Rotate 3D to set the parameters to rotate the data
in all three directions. On either of these dialogs, the rotation parameters from an existing PCF
can be imported. In the Calculation Options tab, the formulaic expression is where formulas are
created and tested prior to being added to the Calculated Fields section. A New Field can be
given a default value, and any of the input data fields can be used in the expression. The formula
is defined in the Expression field and is equal to the field name entered in New Field. A value can
be entered in the Test Data section and then the expression can be tested. If the formula passes
the test, then save it to the Calculated Fields section for MSDART to use in the conversion process.
EXERCISE: Calculate a New Data Field

Calculate the recoverable grade using total copper and a recovery of 80% (CUREC=total copper * 0.8) from
the assay file.
New Data Field MSDART → enter name of new field to calculate, default value expression while
appending from the available field → Test → Save
Using MSDART | 163


5.4 Rotating the Model

You can use the MineSight system to orient your
model with respect to real project coordinates. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
The project boundaries remain orthogonal to the
project grid North, while the model resides within Rotate your block model along the strike
the project bounds in any orientation. The ad- of an ore body while keeping drillholes in
vantage to model rotation is that drillhole data re- the project coordinates.
mains in the project coordinates as they were sur-
veyed, while the model can be rotated along the
strike of the ore body.
Model rotation is found in the File menu. Model rotation must be performed with caution, and it is
recommended that you plan your model rotation procedure before attempting to implement it.
Compositing Considerations
It is often necessary to re-composite your drillhole data after changing model rotation parame-
ters. If you created your composite set using either bench or seam compositing, the composite
locations will no longer be valid. This will have an effect on block estimation during interpolation.
Grid Sets
Once you’ve applied the model rotation parameters, you can create grid sets that are parallel
to the rotated model axes. In the Grid Set Creation dialog, select Parallel From PCF and choose
between PCF (model) Plan, PCF(Model) EW, or PCF(Model) NS.
164 | Rotating the Model

Rotating the Model

To define a rotated model, you must specify a rotation origin and up to three angles of rotation,
which results in the model having a different set of coordinate axes than the project from which it
was built. In MineSight, the project coordinates are designated easting, northing, and elevation;
the respective model coordinates are denoted by Model X, Model Y, and Model Z. For conve-
nience, the term Rotated PCF should be understood to mean PCF with rotated model, since the
project coordinates will always remain orthogonal to north.
EXERCISE: Rotate the Model

Use Rotation Origin = Easting 5500, Northing 2500, Elevation 0; Rotation Angle 1 = 45, Rotation Angle 2 = 0,
Rotation Angle 3 = 0
Rotate the Model File → Rotate Minesight Model (PCF) → select the sls10.dat PCF → select the
rotation origin (see Note 1) → specify rotation angles (see Note 2) → Apply
→ MSCompass → Rotation tab
Check Rotation MSCompass → Rotation tab
Note 1: Select the rotation origin. The rotation origin is the point with model coordinates (0, 0, 0) and is
specified by easting, northing and elevation (in project coordinates). You can optionally pin the model origin
to the project origin to use a common point for the origin.
Note 2: The next step is to specify the rotation angles. These angles are defined in MineSight as a series of
rotations in a specific order.
• Rotation: The first rotation is a horizontal rotation about the project Z axis, with positive being clockwise.
The defined angle is known as the model rotation azimuth.
• Second Rotation: The second rotation is a rotation around the new X axis; this rotation moves the model
Y-axis into the desired position. The second model rotation is known as the model rotation dip, and the
positive direction of rotation is up.
• Third Rotation: The third rotation is a rotation around the new Y-axis, which moves the X-axis into the
desired position. The third rotation also defines the positive direction of rotation as up
Adjusting the Project Limits

After rotation, the project limits must be adjusted; MineSight provides tools that allow the automatic
calculation of these limits as well as the manual entry of desired project limits. Your project limits
should be large enough to include the rotated model. Model rotation parameters are applied to
the PCF, so multiple model files within the same project will have the same rotation parameters.
EXERCISE: Adjust Project Limits
Project Limits File → Rotate Minesight Model (PCF) → Extents tab → uncheck Auto Update
box → change project limits → Apply
Rotating the Model | 165


NOTES
166 | Rotating the Model

5.5 Conclusion & Future Training

We hope you will be able to use the tools covered during this MineSight software training course
to improve productivity at your mine. As you apply the concepts you have learned, please phone
or email us with questions. Our contact information is listed on the inside cover of this book and
on our website, www.minesight.com. The website also gives you access to our download/upload
page, the latest updates to our software, news, seminar papers and newsletter articles about our
software.
Future Training
Whether it takes a few hours or a few days, training with MineSight’s newest tools can pay instant
dividends. Designed to fit your schedule, our mix-and-match formats support your learning needs
no matter what your expertise with MineSight software.
Spend some time using our software in day-to-day applications. When you are comfortable with
working in MineSight, contact us at training@mintec.com or visit www.minesight.com to set up your
next training.
MineSight for Geology — 3D Block Modeling. V3. August 25, 2015
c
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 by Mintec, Inc. and Leica Geosystems AG. All rights reserved. No part of this document shall be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
permission from Mintec, Inc. All terms mentioned in this document that are known to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies have been appropriately identified. MineSight is R a registered trademark of Leica Geosystems. This material is
subject to all the terms in the MineSight End User License Agreement (EULA).
Conclusion & Future Training | 167


168 | Conclusion & Future Training

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MineSight for Geology — 3D Block Modeling. V3. August 25, 2015

3D BLOCK MODEL (3DBM) STRATIGRAPHIC MODEL

ECONOMIC PIT LIMITS & PIT OPTIMIZATION

PIT & UNDERGROUND DESIGN

No matter your location or the time of

SHORT TERM PLANNING MineSight software is always improving

MineSight Consulting Services offers

The Solutions Group specializes in cus-

4 3D Block Modeling 117

4.1 Surface Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

1.1 The MineSight Project

Store project folders created MineSight

MS3D Torque MSDA

2 | The MineSight Project

The MineSight Project | 3

1.2 Geo Copper Data Set

4 | Geo Copper Data Set

Geo Copper Data Set | 5

1.3 The MS3D Project

Organizing Your Project

EXERCISE: Initialize an MS3D Project

6 | The MS3D Project

The MS3D Project | 7

1.4 The MS3D Interface

Viewer Toolbar 

EXERCISE: Change Project Settings

8 | The MS3D Interface

The MS3D Cursor

EXERCISE: Customize the MS3D Cursor

The Data Manager

The MS3D Interface | 9

MANAGING YOUR DATA

EXERCISE: Import and Export Topography Contours

The MineSight Viewer

10 | The MS3D Interface

ADJUSTING VIEWER ORIENTATION

AZIMUTH AND DIP DISPLAY

PANNING DATA IN THE VIEWER

The MS3D Interface | 11

THE MINESIGHT VIEWER POPUP MENU

EXERCISE: Get Familiar with the MineSight Viewer

Viewer Set Up Viewer Toolbar → Viewer icon → Viewer Properties dialog

Quick Viewer Desktop Menu → Viewer → Quick Viewer Movement ON/OFF

12 | The MS3D Interface

Accessing Other MineSight Programs

MS3D ONLINE HELP

To Access MS3D Online Help: Desktop Menu → Help or F1

The MS3D Interface | 13

1.5 The Model Manager

THE PROJECT CONTROL FILE (PCF)

14 | The Model Manager

EXERCISE: Create a New PCF

Viewer Toolbar