01 introduction tovulcanmanual_v81_20120817-libre

Maptek Vulcan™

Introduction to Vulcan

Version 8.1

ii

2012 Copyright

© 2012 Maptek

Maptek, Vulcan, I-Site, BlastLogic and the stylised Maptek M are registered and unregistered trademarks of Maptek Pty Ltd; Maptek Computación Chile Ltda; Maptek Computación Chile Ltda, Sucursal Perú; Maptek S de RL de CV; Maptek Informática do Brasil Ltda and KRJA Systems, Inc. Registered marks are registered in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Greece, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, the Republic of South Africa, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this manual shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise - without written permission from Maptek™.

No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.

Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the publisher and author(s) assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

[email protected]

Trademarks

Due to the nature of the material, some hardware and software products are mentioned by name. The companies that manufacture the products claim many of these product names as trademarks. It is not the intention of Maptek™ to claim these names or trademarks as their own.

Revision History – Maptek Vulcan 8.1 Introduction to Vulcan

January, 2004 (5.0), United Kingdom, technical review July, 2005 (6.0), United States/United Kingdom, technical reviewMarch, 2006 (7.0), United States, technical updateJanuary, 2008 (7.5), United States, Australia, technical update and layout changeMarch 2009 (8.0), Australia, technical update and layout changeMay 2009 (8.0), International and N American versions, technical updateDecember 2011 (8.1), N America, technical updateAugust 2012 (8.1), N. America, layout change

Conventions used iii

About this Manual

You may notice that images are slightly different on your computer; this may be due to variations in operating systems. In addition some images have been modified to improve readability.

Conventions used

The following conventions are typically used in training manuals and guides.

The following designates a help topic reference.

Example Description

Design > Object Edit Text in bold are commands or options selected from a menu, panel or button.

<LEVEL>_SURVEY_POINTS> File names or extensions, variables, formulas, text entry, layers, triangulations, databases, scripts, macros, and data such as displayed in the Report Window, are in Monospace font.

Top Down or Bottom Up design method

Text in italics are used for emphasis, special terms, tab names, column names, panel group names, etc.

Tip: Designates a hint such as an effective use of an option.

Note: Designates a point to draw attention to; an informational comment.

Caution: Designates a warning that, if not followed, can lead to a serious outcome such as data corruption.

For details see related help topic(s):

The Vulcan Workbench : Preferences : Plotting Utility Envisage : File : Plot : ContentsEnvisage : File : Plot : Plot All WizardEnvisage : File : Plot : Quick Plot

Introduction to Vulcan | Maptek Vulcan 8.1

iv About this Manual

Terminology

Every effort is made to use consistent terminology throughout all Vulcan documentation.

The following terminology is typically used in manuals, guides, and help:

The terms panel and dialog box are used interchangeably. Dialog is also used as a general term to refer to subpanels and tabs.

Panels can have tabs but panels with tree navigation can have subpanels as well

as tabs. The two parts of the panel are called panes. The left pane, also referred to as the navigation pane or tree pane, contains the navigation list and the right pane is the subpanel and contains the details.

Option refers to a command or menu selection, while options may refer to choices

available on a panel.

The terms select and click may be used interchangeably.

The terms tick and check are used interchangeably.

The terms clear box and uncheck box may be used interchangeably.

The terms context menu, right-click menu, and shortcut menu are used

interchangeably. They refer to task-specific menus that appear when you right-click.

The terms Tutorial and Exercise are used interchangeably.

The terms anticlockwise and counterclockwise are used interchangeably.

The terms nominate, choose, pick, and select may be used interchangeably.

The terms directory and folder may be used interchangeably.

Contents v

Contents

About this Manual iiiConventions used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iiiTerminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Chapter 1: Getting Started 1Hardware and System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Computer Requirements for Microsoft Windows® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Confirm System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Graphics Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Environment Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4TEMP and TMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4ENVIS_RESO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installing Vulcan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Corporate Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Creating a Corporate Standards Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Activating Corporate Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Change the Default Specification File Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Service Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Licencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Types of Licences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Pack & Go (Borrow Licence) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Starting Vulcan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Dynamic Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Software Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Plotting Scale Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Project Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Project Coordinate Extents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Data Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Design Data Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Design Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Groups and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 2: Vulcan Interface 17Vulcan Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Menus, Windows and Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Primary Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Vulcan Explorer Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Report Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Application Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Menu and Window Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Parent and Child Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Move Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23


vi Contents

Customising Vulcan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Favourites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Context Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Database Locks and Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Green Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Orange Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Red Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Database Repair and Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Repair a Design Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Restore a Design Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using Vulcan Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Chapter 3: View Data 33Load and Remove Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Zoom, Pan and Rotate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Zoom To Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Rotate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

View Ports and Overview Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Perspective View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Other Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Section View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Create Section View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Other Section View Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Section View Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Chapter 4: Create Design Data 45Design Menu Create Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Snap Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Indicate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Snap to Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Snap to Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Snap to Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Custom Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Directional Digitise Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Key In Point Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Bearing Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Create Line At Given Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Track Section of Existing Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Using Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542D Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543D Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Contents vii

Chapter 5: Label Design Data 57Analyse Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Label Colour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Point Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Point Labels to Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Object Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Object Label to Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 6: Edit Design Data 63Edit Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Layer Edits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Object Edits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Point Edits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Point Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Polygon Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Move Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Translate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Chapter 7: CAD Introduction 77Data Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Report Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Change Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Setting up Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Using Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Chapter 8: Data Import and Export 83File Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Import AutoCAD Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Export AutoCAD Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Import ASCII Data Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Export ASCII Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Import Shape Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Export Shape Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Chapter 9: Analyse Data 87Analyse Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Coordinate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Distance Between Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Distance Along Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Polygon Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Chapter 10: Create a Database 91Database Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Design File Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Key Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Import Data into a Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

ODBC Database Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Link to Microsoft® Access Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

AcQuire™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104


viii Contents

Chapter 11: View a Database in Isis 111Open Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Vulcan Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Notebook/Multiple Window Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Notebooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Multiple Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Chapter 12: View a Database in Envisage 115Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Load Drillholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Label Drillholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Chapter 13: Database Maintenance 123Edit the Database Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Edit Existing Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Insert/Delete Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Find Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Field Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Database Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Collar Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Downhole Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Along Record Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Individual Field Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Save and Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Export Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Database List format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Standard ASCII format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Updating an Existing Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Chapter 14: Drilling Utilities 137Database Record Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137Horizon Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138Work with Drillholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Check Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139Locate Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140Set Visibility of Located Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141Extract Located Holes to CSV/Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141Create a selection file from located holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Mapfile Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Chapter 15: Triangulation Models 145Introduction to Triangulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145Advantages of Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146Disadvantages of Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146Load Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147Unload Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148Triangle Attributes (Properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Contents ix

Chapter 16: Triangulation Surfaces 153Create a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Data Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Boundary Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154Trending Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155Spurs Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156Condition Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Two Polygons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158Grid Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158Image Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Chapter 17: Solid Triangulations 161Create Solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161End Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167Tri Polygons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Chapter 18: Manipulate Triangulations 169Boolean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169Shells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Relimit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Chapter 19: Analyse Triangulations 175Areas and Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175Solid Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175Surface Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Chapter 20: Repair Triangulations 177Check Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177Quick Repair Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Close Solid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180Delete Crossing Triangles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

General Repair Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Chapter 21: Primitives 183Apply Primitives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183Custom Primitives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Chapter 22: Introduction to Grids 189Grid Mesh Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Load and Remove Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190Create Grids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Simple Grids from Object Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191Interpolated Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192Create Grids from Triangulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Grid Masking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193Colour and Contour Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194Colour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Edit Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195Create a Mapfile from a Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197Export Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197


x Contents

Introduction to Grid Calc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198Create a Specification File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198Load Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199Display Loaded Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200Grid Calc Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200Model Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200Grid Arithmetic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Chapter 23: Data Organisation 205.TRI Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205Remote Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205Network Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Access Master Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207Post Data to a Master Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Chapter 24: Plotting 211Plot All Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Specify Filenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211Specify Plot Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Default Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213Drafting Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Title Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214Plot Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214Plot Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Plot Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Chapter 25: Presentation 219Screen Dumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219AVI Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221NGRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Export Data to NGRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222Insert and View NGRAIN Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Download NGRAIN Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Set up Word or PowerPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223Inserting an NGRAIN file into Word or PowerPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

VRML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225Export Data to VRML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225Insert and View VRML Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

Index 227

Hardware and System Requirements 1

Getting Started

Hardware and System RequirementsFor computer intensive options such as block modelling, using large triangulations or databases, recommended requirements are vital.

Computer Requirements for Microsoft

Windows® Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, or XP operating system; Windows 7

recommended.(1)

Dual core Intel® or AMD equivalent processor; quad core Intel or AMD equivalent recommended.

2GB RAM; 4GB or more recommended.(2)

2GB total disk space for installation.

2GB free disk space for swap files.

Video cards

For desktops: 512MB OpenGL compliant 3D video card (e.g., NVIDIA® GeForce®) with an appropriate OpenGL driver; 2GB or more recommended (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro® or SLI™).

For laptops: 128MB OpenGL compliant 3D video card (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro) with an appropriate OpenGL driver; 1GB or more recommended.

DVD-ROM drive for installation.

USB for dongle or network connection for FLEXlm (FLEXnet Publisher) floating licence server.

3 button generic mouse with wheel.

Note: Specifications listed may change in future Vulcan releases.

(1) A 64 bit operating system is recommended.The 32 bit English language version of Microsoft

Excel® 2007-2010 is required for full Chronos menu functionality.

(2) Vulcan works on both 32 and 64 bit operating systems as a 32 bit application.


2 Chapter 1 Getting Started

Screen resolution: 1024 x 768

For desktops: large format widescreen single or dual monitor(s) recommended.

For laptops: 17” or larger screen recommended.

Microsoft Internet Explorer® 6 (or later).

Confirm System Specifications

To confirm specifications for Microsoft Windows® XP:

1. Click the Windows Start button.

2. Open the Control Panel and double-click System. Alternatively, right-click My

Computer and select Properties.

3. Click General, the basic system configuration is displayed.

4. Click Advanced and then Settings.

5. In Performance Options, go to the Advanced tab. Click Change to set the required virtual memory.

To confirm specifications for Microsoft Windows® Vista or 7:


2. Right-click Computer and select Properties. The basic configuration of your system is displayed.

3. Click Advanced System Settings.

4. Under Performance, click Settings.

5. In the Advanced tab, click Change.

6. Deselect Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, and set a Custom size for virtual memory.

Graphics CardsVulcan supports OpenGL® compliant graphics cards such as nVidia® GeForce®, nVidia® Quadro® or ATI Radeon™. For best performance, ensure that the latest version of graphics card drivers is installed.

To verify your graphics card for Microsoft Windows® XP:

1. Right-click on the computer desktop and click Properties.

2. Go to the Settings tab and click Advanced.

3. Go to the Adapter tab to view graphics card details.

To verify your graphics card for Microsoft Windows® Vista:

1. Right-click the computer desktop and click Personalise.

2. Select Display Settings and click Advanced Settings.

The graphic card installed is displayed on the Adapter tab.

Tutorial 1-1

Customise your virtual memory maximum.

Environment Variables 3

To verify your graphics card for Microsoft Windows® 7:

1. Click Windows Start and choose Control Panel.

2. Click Hardware and Sound.

3. Under Devices and Printers, click Device Manager.

4. Expand Display adapters to view your graphics card.

Environment VariablesEnvironment variables are values that affect the way computer processes behave. There are two types of environment variables:

System variables are tied to the machine.

User variables are tied to a specific user profile.

If the same variable is listed in both areas, the user variable is used.

To manage environment variables in Microsoft Windows® XP:


2. Select Control Panel, and then double-click System. Alternatively, right-click My

Computer and select Properties.

3. Click the Advanced tab and then click Environment Variables.

To manage environment variables in Microsoft Windows® Vista or Microsoft Windows® 7:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Right-click Computer and select Properties.

3. Click Advanced system settings to access the System Properties dialog box.

Figure 1-1 Advanced system settings

Tutorial 1-2

Determine the graphics card installed on your computer.

Note: Administrator privileges may be required to create or edit environment variables.



4. Click Environment Variables.

Figure 1-2 System Properties - Environment Variables

The environment variables to set are:

HOME

TEMP

TMP

ENVIS_RESO (recommended)

HOME

HOME directs Vulcan where to find files such as login.csh and startup.csh.The Value of this variable is a path to a folder. The path may not contain spaces or special characters.

TEMP and TMP

Vulcan uses these directories to create and store temporary files. As other programs use these folders, these environment variables may already be set on the computer. The Value of this variable is a path to a folder. The path may not contain spaces or special characters.

ENVIS_RESO

The ENVIS_RESO environment variable points to the location of the Resources folder for all Vulcan system data files such as:

Plot templates – Stored in the file drafting.dgd.isis

Symbols – Stored in the file symbols.dgd.isis

Line styles – Stored in the file lines.dgd.isis

Installing Vulcan 5

Fonts – The different fonts used in Vulcan, stored in .font files

Import specifications – For importing ASCII and .csv files

A standard set of Vulcan resources is provided with each Vulcan version. Standard resources are located in the folder: <vulcan>\etc\resources, where <vulcan> is the path to the Vulcan program folder. To ensure that customised resources are available when new Vulcan versions are installed, copy the items in the standard resource folder to a unique location, then enter the path to this folder’s location as the Value for ENVIS_RESO.

If multiple people require access to a Resources area, establish a resources folder on the

network. For example X:\Vulcan_resources where X is the network drive. The ENVIS_RESO environment variable and the path to the resources folder must be defined on all computers that will share the resources file.

Click the Resources tab in Vulcan Explorer to determine the location of the current Resource area. The path can be found at the top of the Resources tab.

Figure 1-3 Vulcan Resources Location

Installing VulcanDuring installation, note any changes made to the system. Backup all files before you edit or replace them. Administrator privileges may be required to install software or make any modifications to the computer.

For sites requiring a network licence (FlexNet Publisher), a notification is sent with the licence file. Use the Install Network licence option to set up the server.

Read the End-User Licence Agreement.

Administrator privileges are required.

Do not install a newer version of Vulcan over an old version. Save each version to a unique folder.

If installing Vulcan to use with a node-locked Vulcan licencing dongle. It is

important to install the correct dongle drivers.

Tutorial 1-3

1. Ensure the HOME environment variable is set to an appropriate path.

2. Set the TEMP and TMP variables to a file path name which does not include spaces.

3. Create a resources folder at C:\Vulcan_resources and set up ENVIS_RESO.



Corporate Standards

For companies with multiple sites, corporate standards are used to maintain company wide standards for Vulcan specification files. Each employee accesses a single set of files stored at a central location. The following file types are supported by corporate standards:

.scd – Colour scheme file

.ftd – Feature file

.gcv – Grade Control configuration file

.bdf – Block definition file

.bef – Block estimation file

.res – Advanced Reserves specification

.tab – Advanced Reserves reporting tables

Corporate standards do not prevent users from accessing their own personal specification files. By default, it directs users to the corporate standard files first and then allow them to browse elsewhere.

Creating a Corporate Standards Folder

If a central Resources folder (mapped with the ENVIS_RESO variable) already exists, create a new folder in the same area for the corporate standards specification files to be stored.

To protect company specification files from being overwritten, set the corporate standards folder to read-only.

Activating Corporate Standards

If corporate standards is enabled during installation, a VULCAN_CORPORATE environment

variable is created. Enter the correct path to the corporate standards folder as the value for VULCAN_CORPORATE.

If corporate standards are not enabled during installation, create VULCAN_CORPORATE to enable corporate standards functionality.

Change the Default Specification File Location

The default working directory is set to the corporate standards folder for several menu options. Press the corporate standards button at the bottom of applicable dialog boxes to set the option to look for files in the home directory instead of the corporate standards folder for the current Envisage session. If the corporate standards environment variable has not been set, this button does not appear.

Corporate Standards Enabled – Files available in drop-down menu are located in the corporate standards folder.

Home Directory Enabled – Files available in drop-down menu are located in the current working directory.


System Administration : Environment Variables

Licencing 7

Service Packs

Vulcan service packs are released when fixes for known issues and critical updates are made.

Primary contacts at each mine site are notified when a new service pack is available for download.

Licencing

Types of Licences

Licence files are required to run Vulcan. There are two types of licences:

Node-locked – Dongle with matching licence file for use with a single computer.

Floating licence – Dongle with matching licence file on a server, which can be

accessed by multiple users.

Store the licence file in an easy to remember location such as C:\Vulcan_licence.

To activate a licence file:

1. Click Licence Administrator on the Vulcan start dialog box.

Figure 1-4 Vulcan start panel – Licence Administrator

2. The interface varies slightly with the licence type used.

To activate a node-locked licence, browse to the location of the licence file (.lic).

To use a floating licence, ensure the server name matches the dongle location (FLEXnet Publisher). To display licence information click Refresh.

The Total and In use columns display the number of licences available for each configuration and the number of licences in use.



Different lines indicate different configurations, which are combinations of menu options.

Licence Type indicates Nodelocked or Floating depending upon the type of licence being accessed.

Figure 1-5 The Licence Administrator dialog box

Pack & Go (Borrow Licence)

A licence can be borrowed, or checked out from a server. This allows use of Vulcan independent of a network or dongle.

When a floating licence configuration has been borrowed, associated features stored on the server for that configuration are not available to others until the licence is returned.

A borrowed licence is set with a time limit that protects against loss or theft of the licence.

To use a borrowed licence:

The licence must have borrowing privileges.

Install a current version of FLEXnet Publisher on the server.

Set a MAPTEK_BORROW environment variable.

To verify a floating licence:

Contact the network administrator to ensure the licence has borrowing enabled.

If borrowing is not enabled, contact Maptek to request a new licence file with borrowing functionality. There is no charge for this service.

To verify a FLEXnet Publisher on the server machine:

Click lmtools.exe in the FLEXnet Publisher folder, typically C:\flexlm, to launch LM Tools. Click Help > About. The version should be 11.9 or later.

FLEXnet Publisher may be installed from the Vulcan Installation CD.

To install a FLEXnet Publisher licence on the server machine:

1. Double-click autorun.exe.

2. Click Install Vulcan and Drivers then select Install Network licence.

Verify MAPTEK_BORROW is on the machine borrowing the licence.

Tutorial 1-4

Ensure the Licence Administrator can see your licence.

Click to confirm that a licence configuration can be used successfully

Tests dongle

functionShows who is using a

configuration.

Licencing 9

Figure 1-6 MAPTEK_BORROW settings

To activate a Borrow Session:

The computer must be connected to the network which runs the floating licence. To connect to the licence server:

1. Start Vulcan then click Licence Administrator.

2. In the File or Server box at the top of the window enter <@server name>. If you do not know the server name, contact the network administrator.

Figure 1-7 Vulcan Licence Administrator dialog box – File or Server box

3. Click Refresh to show the floating licence types available.

4. Select the licence you would like to borrow and click Borrow licence.

5. Set a date and time to return the licence. If the time period requested exceeds the borrow limit allowed for the licence, an error is displayed.

6. Click Start Borrowing.

7. Click OK. Licence Type and Borrow Time change to BORROWED.

8. Click OK to exit the Licence Administrator.

9. The Licence Key on the Vulcan start dialog box indicates that a licence has been borrowed.



Figure 1-8 Vulcan start panel with borrowed licence

To return a borrowed licence:

1. Reconnect the computer to the network.

2. Start Vulcan and click Licence Administrator.

3. Click on the licence to return.

4. Click Borrow licence then click Finish Borrowing.

5. Select the item to return and click Return Feature.

6. Click OK to return to the Licence Administrator window.

Starting Vulcan1. Launch Vulcan from the programs folder or an icon on the desktop.

2. Double-click on Browse and navigate to the folder which contains Vulcan data. Click OK.

The folder appears in the work area box.

To delete a directory, right-click on the folder and select Remove from

History or Remove all to delete the entire list.

The work area history is stored in a file called .vlauchpref, which is

located in your user directory.

Note: If the borrow time limit is exceeded, the licence is disabled on the machine which borrowed it. The machine will have to be reconnected to the server to borrow the licence again.

Starting Vulcan 11

Figure 1-9 Double-click to browse for a file or folder

To launch an application, double-click its name on the right-hand side of the dialog box:

Envisage – 3D viewer and editor.

Isis – Database editor that interacts with Envisage.

Plot Utility – Plot files viewer.

Settings – Dynamic Array settings (also called the Dynamic Memory settings).

Dynamic Arrays

Click Settings to launch the VULCAN Dynamic Array Configuration dialog box. Choices in this option modify the size of Envisage arrays, which allows large objects, grids and triangulations to be manipulated in Vulcan.

This panel can also be accessed in Envisage under Tools > Dynamic Memory Settings.

If the Envisage Memory Availability bar decreases to a small amount, other options may not have enough memory available to run. Leave Default values until a higher setting is required.

Tutorial 1-5

Browse to the start data folder.

Note: If modifying arrays using Tools > Dynamic Memory Settings from within Envisage, you will need to restart Vulcan before changes can take effect.



Software Setup

The first time Vulcan is launched after install, the 3D Software User Setup Wizard is displayed.

Figure 1-10 Vulcan 3D Software User Setup Wizard – Workbench Layout

In Vulcan there are several layouts each with a different resolution size. It is advisable to select default_1024. The three different layouts are:

Default - Standard screen layout.

Classic - Resembles older versions of Vulcan.

Maxgraphic - Maximises the graphics display area.

The layout can be changed using the Tools > Layout > Import. Layout defaults are saved in .cui files located in <vulcan>\etc\defaults, where <vulcan> is the Vulcan install location path.

Figure 1-11 Vulcan Workbench Layouts

Plotting Scale Units

Tip: Delete the Vulcan.prefs file in your user folder to reset plotter units. Deleting this file deletes all Vulcan preferences, so make a backup copy.

Starting Vulcan 13

Select Plotter Scale Units as Metric or Imperial.

Figure 1-12 Plotter Scale Units

Project Details

A project file (.dg1) must be accessed each time Envisage is started. This file contains the project code, coordinate extents information for the project and the project units.

Figure 1-13 Choose or create a Vulcan project file

Tutorial 1-6

Select the default_1024 layout and set the plotter scale units to Metric.



Figure 1-14 Project details

Figure 1-15 Project coordinate extents

Project Coordinate Extents

The following values are defined in the .dg1 file:

Coordinate extents – Minimum and maximum easting, northing and RL values for the project. This defines the size of the Primary window in Envisage.

Vertical exaggeration – Exaggeration value applied to all project Z values.

Project Display grid – Specifies how the rotation axes are labelled in Envisage.

Coordinate unit – Required coordinate units for the project.

Name of the .dg1 file.

Abbreviation for the

site or project. A

maximum of four

characters allowed.

A code added to secondary file; maximum of four characters allowed.

Leave as default

Click Finish to open

Envisage


Envisage : Introduction : Setting Up Envisage : Creating a Project File

Data Overview 15

Data OverviewThe most commonly used data in Vulcan are CAD data and triangulations. CAD data, such as points, lines, and polygons, are stored in a design database (dgd.isis). Triangulations are stored as separate files with the extension .00t.

Design Data Structure

Points

CAD data at the lowest level is made up of points consisting of X, Y, Z coordinates.

Objects

Sequential point entries make objects. For example:

A group of unconnected points.

A line (sequential group of connected points).

A polygon (sequential group of closed lines).

Layers

Objects are stored in layers.

Layers can contain one or more objects.

Layers can be used to organise objects by common attributes.

Design Database

Layers are not stored as individual files; they are stored in a design database file.

Multiple layers can be stored in a single design database file.

Design databases (also called design files) follow the following naming convention: <project_code><database_name>.dgd.isis.

The associated index file for a design database is named<project_code><database_name>.dgd.isix.

Tutorial 1-7

Create a new .dg1 file using the information provided below:

Start File Name: training.dg1

Project Prefix: THOR

Environment Prefix: KRJA

Easting: 75,500 / 79,500

Northing: 2,500 / 6,000

Level: -300 / 300

Coordinate Unit: Metre



Groups and Features

Groups – Object attributes flag individual objects into a common group allowing you to work related objects simultaneously. For example, you could group all cross-cuts on a level so they may be edited as one.

Features – A group of properties is stored in a file called a feature set. Each feature set is assigned a feature name. Objects which are coded with a feature name share the properties defined within the feature set. The feature file uses the naming convention <project_code><identifier>.ftd.

Features and groups are discussed in “Change Attributes” on page 78.

Vulcan Work Area 17

Vulcan Interface

Vulcan Work AreaIn this chapter we will learn about the Vulcan user interface and how to customise it.

Figure 2-1 Vulcan user interface

Main menu Menu toolbars Primary window

Vulcan Explorer

windowStatus bar Report window Windows toolbars Application bar

Properties window

Start menu


18 Chapter 2 Vulcan Interface

Menus, Windows and Toolbars

The user interface consists of the following:

Main menu

Start menu

Windows

Primary window

Toolbars – menu and window

Vulcan Explorer window

Report window

Properties window

Status bar

Application bar

Toolbars

Main Menu

The Main menu is the horizontal bar below the title bar. Options displayed in the drop-down lists vary for each Vulcan licence.

Many menu commands provide keyboard shortcuts, which can be used in lieu of a mouse. For example [Alt+F] opens the File menu.

Windows

There are several types of windows:

Hidden – A window that is not visible. These are useful for enlarging the client

area.

Client – A window positioned in the client area. Use [Ctrl+Tab] to cycle through

windows docked in the client area.

Floating – A window that can be positioned anywhere on or outside the work area.

Floating windows are always visible on top of other windows.

Own – A window that can be positioned anywhere on or outside the work area.

Own windows are used when several Vulcan applications run concurrently. They are not always visible on top of other windows.

Docked – A window is positioned in a docking area.


Envisage : Keyboard Controls

Vulcan Work Area 19

Figure 2-2 Vulcan windows

Primary Window

The Primary window is the default 3D design window as defined by the coordinate extents in the .dg1 file. By default, the Primary window is confined to the client area.

To change the primary position:

1. Click Window > Windows.

2. Select the window to move then click the new position for the window.

3. For more advanced options, click the Advanced button.

Figure 2-3 Window Properties dialog box

Vulcan Explorer Window

Vulcan Explorer is used to organize and easily load data. Files in the current working directory are categorized within the folders. The Other folder contains orphan files.

Virtual folders contain groupings of like data.

Icons help visually distinguish data types. For example, an image of a block indicates block model files.

Directories other than the current working directory can be displayed.

Inside a virtual folder, subdirectories are displayed before the list of files. Remote directories and .tri folders are two examples of subdirectory folders. See “Remote Directories” on page 205.

Docked toolbar Floating toolbar

Floating windowWork Area



The tabs at the bottom of the Vulcan Explorer window provide other views into the system:

Data – Displays files in the Vulcan work area. Files and layers that are loaded into Envisage appear bold in this view.

Resources – Displays files in the Vulcan Resources area, which is defined by the ENVIS_RESO environment variable.

Envisage – Displays only the files loaded on-screen, providing a concise list of data currently in use.

Figure 2-4 Vulcan Explorer

Report Window

The Report window displays text information generated from the application in use. Results from options such as statistics or reserves are generated in the Report window.

Figure 2-5 Report window

There are three tabs on the Report window:

Workbench – Displays errors or messages which relate to the Workbench.

Envisage Console – Displays errors or messages which relate to Envisage.

Envisage – Displays reports generated when performing certain operations, such as object details or block reserves.

Other tabs may appear when other applications are running, such as Grid Calc or the Block Model Utility. The text based results can be copied and pasted into other applications. Highlight the text, right-click and click Copy from the context menu.

Tip: Click Windows Explorer to quickly access files in the work area.

Close contents

Print contentsSave contentsClear contents

Vulcan Work Area 21

Status Bar

The Status bar displays information relating to the current application such as:

Prompts relating to an active menu option, including function tags.

Coordinates of the mouse pointer location on-screen.

Name of the open design database.

Application Bar

The visible icons on the Application bar correspond to active utilities such as Envisage or the Report window. There is also a quick-link to Vulcan help.

Figure 2-6 Application bar

Click the Close button of an open window to close a utility or application. Reopen

applications and utilities via: the Window menu, Vulcan Start, or by clicking the corresponding icon on the Application bar.

Figure 2-7 Vulcan Start menu

TC Shell, available in Vulcan Start, opens a new shell window, where commands and scripts can be executed.

Menu and Window Toolbars

A toolbar is a bar containing graphic buttons or other controls providing fast access to commands.

There are two types of toolbars:

Menu toolbars are located above and left of the Primary window and correspond

with menu commands.

Window toolbars are located below and right of the Primary window. Window

toolbars are linked to the window they are associated with, in this case the Primary window. These options can not be found in any of the menus.

Envisage Vulcan

Explorer Vulcan Help

Properties

Window

Report

Window

Start

Application



When using a command, the current option must be completed or cancelled before another option can be selected. However, options from the Window toolbars can be used in conjunction with options from the Menu toolbars. For example, while drawing a line using Design > Create > Line you are able to rotate and pan without cancelling out of the line creation option.

To see a list of other available toolbars right-click in a space alongside an existing toolbar.

The list varies between the Menu and Window toolbar docking areas. Another way to view toolbars is to choose Tools > Toolbar Visibility. Note that the toolbars at the bottom of the list beginning with [PRIMARY:] are Window toolbars

Figure 2-8 Available window toolbars

Parent and Child Toolbars

Toolbars can also be classified as parent toolbars and child toolbars. Child toolbars, hidden within the parent toolbar, provide additional functionality. An arrow symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of an icon indicates that a child toolbar exists in the option.

On the Graphics toolbar, several icons have a small, arrow symbol in the bottom

right hand corner to expand the toolbar. Left-click and hold on the icon to display the child toolbar. Left-click, hold, and drag to display the child toolbar as a floating window. Close the child toolbar to hide it under the parent toolbar.

Vulcan Work Area 23

Figure 2-9 Zoom data extents child toolbar

Several icons have three points (ellipsis) in the bottom right-hand corner. Left-click

the icon to toggle the function on and off. Right-click the icon to display a properties dialog box, which provides additional options used in conjunction with the option.

Figure 2-10 Slice properties dialog box

Move Toolbars

Toolbars may minimise from view, float on the desktop or dock in the window.

Figure 2-11 Move toolbars

To minimise a docked toolbar:

1. Click the blue arrow at the head of the toolbar to minimise it.

2. Click again to maximise the toolbar.

To float a toolbar use one of two methods:

Double-click the double lines at the start of the toolbar.

Left-click and hold the double lines at the start of a toolbar. Drag to a new location.

To dock a toolbar use one of two methods:

Left-click and hold the title bar at the top of the toolbar window.

Drag the toolbar to a docking space. A preview rectangle appears to show where the toolbar will dock.

Double-click on the toolbar’s title bar to re-dock in its last docked position.

Tutorial 2-1

Practise floating and docking toolbars.

Expand

child

toolbar

Double-click to float

Click once to minimise



Customising Vulcan

The Tools menu contains options for customising your work area. Preferences can be set to control display options, such as colour, position of dialog boxes and appearance of the background.

Preferences

Use Tools > Preferences to modify work area appearance or set defaults.

If working with data which is stored on a network, it is important to:

Enable Network mode: Tools > Preferences > Workbench > Vulcan Explorer

Set up an Alternative Work Area: Tools > Preferences > Envisage >

Miscellaneous

The most commonly used preferences are:

Set a default Rotation mode: Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics >

Input

Stop continued rotation: Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics > Input

Reverse wheel zoom direction: Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics >

Input

Assign Text Defaults: Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Defaults > 2D Text and

Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Defaults > 3D Text

Enable the Properties Window: Tools > Preferences > Envisage >

Miscellaneous

Set up Remote Directories: Tools > Preferences > Workbench > Vulcan

Explorer. See “Remote Directories” on page 205.

Figure 2-12 Preferences dialog box

Vulcan Work Area 25

Toolbars

Custom toolbars can be created for easy access to frequently used commands. Only items visible in menu toolbars can be added to a custom toolbar.

To create a custom toolbar:

1. Choose Tools > Customise.

2. Select [*] New Toolbar on the Toolbars tab (right panel).

3. From the Vulcan Menus tab (left panel) click and drag the commands into the [*] New Toolbar folder. Expand the Untitled Toolbar by clicking the expand

button . Note that a new option to add a [*] New SubMenu appears. Right-click the title to Rename the toolbar.

Figure 2-13 Create custom toolbar

4. Click OK to display the new toolbar as a floating toolbar. If a menu command has a shortcut icon associated with it, then the icon displays in the toolbar in place of the menu command name.

5. Enter a name for the new toolbar.

Figure 2-14 Name customisation file

6. Tick Set as Default to automatically load the toolbar next time Vulcan starts. The .vwc file is saved with the convention: <customise_file_name>.vwc.

7. Click Tools > Layout > Save to save the position of all toolbars.

Note: [*] New SubMenu and [*] New Toolbar at the bottom of the right panel are present by default, and can not be deleted.

Tip: To make efficient use of the work area, menu command items can be shown as submenus in the toolbar. This ensures that the menu commands display in a vertical listing, however an additional mouse click is required to access them.



Keyboard Shortcuts

Hotkeys execute menu commands quickly. Key strokes can be customised to execute commonly used commands.

To customise keyboard shortcuts:

1. Choose Tools > Customise and click the Hotkeys tab.

2. On the Vulcan Menus tab select a menu option. Under Modifier and Key, create a keyboard shortcut, for example [Shift+F4].

3. Click Apply Hotkey and click OK.

Figure 2-15 Create hotkeys

Favourites

Right-click the Primary window to quickly execute stored favourite commands.

To customise favourites:

1. Choose Tools > Customise and select the Favourites tab.

2. From the Vulcan Menus tab (left panel) click and drag the commands into the Favourite Menus folder (right panel). Click OK.

Tip: To enable favourites, click Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics > Dialogs and

Popups, then check Right mouse click displays favourite menu items.

Vulcan Work Area 27

Figure 2-16 Customise favourites

Chosen favourites display above right-click history menu items.

Figure 2-17 Favourites display

Context Menus

Right-click an object in Vulcan to display associated context menus. Click Tools > Context Menus to customise commands which appear in context menus.

Figure 2-18 Set desired context menus

Colours

Colour schemes are saved in the scheme file (.scd). The file is stored in the current

working directory unless the corporate standards environment variable is enabled. The Scheme file naming convention is <project_code>.scd or corpstd.scd.

Click File > Colour Table > Colours to edit the current colour palette. Alternately, click Colour on the Status toolbar, and choose Edit Colours.

Favourites section

Right-click

history section



Colours can be edited manually or automatically.

Figure 2-19 Choose colour palette

To save the current colour table to a specific design database, click File > Save to save the active colour table to an open design database (.dgd).

Save the current colour table to the scheme file:

Click File > Colour Table > Save and enter a Legend name for the colour table scheme. The colour table identifier can contain up to 20 alphanumeric characters.

The table is saved to the Colour scheme file (<proj>.scd) located within your current working directory. If this file does not exist, a warning appears before being automatically created.

To edit the colour table manually:

1. Click File > Colour Table > Colours.

2. Select a colour from the colour table. The colour displays in a colour box to the right.

3. Use the sliders to change the colour. The colour in the display updates dynamically.

4. Click Replace.

Tip: Click File > Colour Table > Save to save the default colour palette before making changes.

Note: The colour table is not available to other design databases unless it is saved to the scheme file (.scd) with File > Colour Table > Save.

Tip: To apply a colour table saved to an .scd file to any design database:

1. Open the design database and click Colour on the Status toolbar.

2. Click Edit Colours and click Load Colour Palette.

3. Select the Colour scheme file. Click Open and select the colour table.

4. Click OK twice then click File > Save.

Database Locks and Recovery 29

To edit the colour table automatically:

1. Click File > Colour Table > Colours and click the Auto tab.

2. Select a range of colours to edit. To do this, click on the first colour in the range, press and hold the [Shift] key, then click on the second colour.

3. Select an option from the Auto Edit list.

4. Click Apply. Click OK to update the current colour table.

Figure 2-20 Available automatic colour ranges

Database Locks and RecoveryIf a system failure occurs, such as a computer crash, the design database can easily be recovered.

Changes made to existing design data are performed on a copy of the data contained in the work file (.wrk). The data is updated in the design database after each save.

Lost CAD data can be recovered by reloading a previous version of the work file.

Green Lock

A green lock indicates a .dgd is open.

Orange Lock

Indicates that data may have been lost during an improper shut-down. The database should be recovered before work continues.

Caution: If everyone on a server crashes at the same time, recovery steps should be followed by one person at a time. If everyone attempts to recover at the same time, data becomes permanently lost.



To recover a design database after a system failure:

1. Restart Envisage but do not remove any lock files.

If you have added a default design database to your project file (.dg1) and this was the file that was open when you exited Envisage, a message displays informing you that the file is locked. Click OK to accept this message.

2. In Vulcan Explorer an orange lock marks the database name that was in during the system failure.

3. Right-click on the lock and select Recover. This creates a recover.dgd.isis in the same location. When recovered, a message informs you of recovery success.

4. Right-click on the database you just unlocked and click Open. A green lock is displayed next to the database name.

5. Click File > Load Recovered Layers to load the lost design data.

6. Click File > Save to save the design database.

7. Delete the recover.dgd.isis file.

Red Lock

Red locks are activated by an .isis_lock file, which is temporarily created while a .dgd is active.

Database Repair and RestoreSometimes a design database may become unstable. Symptoms that a design database may need attention:

Layers are missing from the design database.

Layers are loaded into Envisage, but are not visible until another layer is loaded.

Layers load into Envisage, but are never visible.

Error message that a layer is already loaded when attempting to load a layer.

Error accessing design work file messages.

Repair a Design Database

To repair an unstable design database:

1. Make a backup copy of the design database.

2. Right-click on the design database in Vulcan Explorer and choose Repair.

3. Check Restore deleted layers if layers appear to be missing. Click OK.

Tutorial 2-2

Ensure you have a green lock on a .dgd.

Database Repair and Restore 31

Figure 2-21 Repair Design Database

Restore a Design Database

Vulcan automatically saves a copy of a design database the first time it is accessed each day. Backups are stored in the working directory in a dgd_backup folder automatically created by Vulcan. This functionality must be enabled in Tools > Preferences >

Envisage.

Figure 2-22 Enable automatic design database backup functionality

To replace a design database with a prior version:

1. Close the design database.

2. Right-click on the design database in Vulcan Explorer and choose Restore

Backup.

3. Select which backup copy to replace the current design database.

4. Click OK to replace the design database with an older version.

Figure 2-23 Choose design database to restore



Using Vulcan HelpVulcan Help is accessed by pressing the [F1] key, clicking Help > Vulcan Help, or the help icon on the Standard toolbar. Some dialog boxes contain a help icon which displays the help relevant to the option.

Figure 2-24 Dialog box help icon

Figure 2-25 Help icon on Standard toolbar

Under some help topics, certain words may be underlined (hyperlinks) or highlighted in blue (tool tips). Click a hyperlink to open related topics. Hover over a tool tip to display extra information.

Pages in the Help menu that are frequently referenced can be added as favourites by selecting Add on the Favourites tab.

Tutorial 2-3

Start Vulcan Help and read about a menu option.

Load and Remove Data 33

View Data

Load and Remove DataLayers, triangulations and other files can be loaded using the menu options or the Vulcan Explorer Window. When files are loaded, the name appears in bold.

To load data use one of the following methods:

Double-click on a file.

Drag and drop a file into the Primary window.

Right-click on a file and select Load.

Click File > Open.

Click Open on the Standard toolbar.

To remove data use one of the following methods:

Right-click on the file in Vulcan Explorer and select Remove.

Right-click on an object loaded in Envisage and select Remove.

Use icons on the Standard toolbar for removing layers and underlays.

Figure 3-2 Standard toolbar icons

Figure 3-1 Vulcan Explorer

Tip: To load multiple consecutive files, click and hold [Shift], then select the top and bottom file in the range. Right-click on the highlighted files and select Load.

To load multiple non-consecutive files, click and hold [Ctrl] while selecting individual files. Right-click on the highlighted files and select Load.

Open icon

Remove Underlay(s)Remove Layer icon


34 Chapter 3 View Data

Zoom, Pan and Rotate

Zoom

Zooming can be accomplished using several methods:

Use the middle mouse wheel. For example, to zoom into the northeast corner, move the mouse pointer to that corner and scroll using the mouse wheel.

Use the Zoom icon. To define a zoom area, click once in the bottom left hand corner of the zoom area, then click a second time in the upper right hand corner of the zoom area.

Figure 3-3 Zoom icon

Use the Zoom factor field box on the Digitise toolbar.

a. Click in the Zoom factor field box.

The default zoom factor is 0.8, but any number can be entered, including numbers greater than 1.0. For example, a zoom factor of 2 produces 2 x magnification.

b. Press [Enter] any number of times to apply the entered factor.

c. When the desired view is achieved, click in the Primary window to re-focus the cursor.

Figure 3-4 Zoom factor field

When viewing data in a neutral situation, it is possible to zoom in or out using the middle mouse button and the right mouse button simultaneously. An overlay circle temporarily appears on-screen. Drag the cursor towards the circle to zoom out and move away from the circle centre to zoom in.

When in virtual sphere or Z-up rotation modes (see “Rotate” on page 36), use the [S] key from the keyboard to zoom in/out.

If the Zoom toolbar is active, use either the + (plus) or - (minus) keys to zoom in and out. These toolbar icons use a zooming factor of 1.25 and 0.8 respectively.

Right-click to cancel out of zooming mode.

Note: An underlay is a temporary graphical item. Examples include triangulations, labels, and block model slices.

Tutorial 3-1

Practise loading and removing the POLY1 layer and the topo.00t triangulation.

Zoom, Pan and Rotate 35

Zoom To Toolbar

The Zoom Data Extents icon sets the zoom value to allow all graphics to be displayed in the Primary window.

If zooming to a specific object(s) is desired, highlight the object(s) and click the Zoom Highlighted icon under the Zoom Data Extents child toolbar.

To zoom to the active layer select the Zoom Current Layer icon under the Zoom Data Extents child toolbar.

Click Reset View on the graphics toolbar to return the Primary window to Plan view.

Figure 3-5 Zoom toolbar options

Pan

Panning is accomplished in a variety of ways:

Click on the Pan icon. Once active, use the left mouse button to click relative From and To points in the Primary window

Figure 3-6 Pan icon

On a 3-button mouse, hold the middle and left mouse buttons while moving the mouse.

Position the mouse and zoom in and out with the middle mouse wheel.

Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to pan up, down, right and left.

Tip: Press the [Z] key on the keyboard to activate zoom mode while in Plan view.

Press the [B] key and the [F] key on the keyboard to cycle backward and forward through the last zoomed views.

Zoom Data Extents icon

Reset View icon

Zoom Highlighted

Zoom Current Layer

Tip: Click the [P] key on the keyboard to activate the pan mode.



Rotate

Four different rotate modes are located in the rotation child menu.

Figure 3-7 Rotation Child Menu

Ortho Sphere Rotation: The axes display in different colours. Left-click and hold

rings of the displayed sphere to rotate about the three principal axes (X, Y and Z).

Virtual Sphere Rotation: Left-click and drag the mouse to rotate.

Z-Up Rotation: Left-click and drag the mouse to rotate. Similar to Virtual Sphere

Rotation, except the Z axis is always up. This mode ensures that the horizon remains horizontal when viewing topographical data.

Ortho Rotation: Left-click and drag the mouse to rotate. Keyboard strokes can

control rotation around vertical [V], the plane of the screen [W], and perpendicular to the screen [U].

Click Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics > Input to set the default rotation.

Figure 3-8 Input options

Tutorial 3-2

Try all four rotate modes and select the most comfortable option.

Ortho Sphere Rotation

Virtual Sphere Rotation

Z-Up Rotation

Ortho Rotation

Input options Default rotate modes

Tip: Rotation speed is controlled by the distance the cursor is away from the centre of rotation. To decrease the rotation speed, move the cursor away from the centre of rotation and describe a wide arc. To speed up the rotation, move the cursor in a tight circle around the centre point.

Tutorial 3-3

Set your favourite rotate mode as the default.

View Ports and Overview Window 37

To exit rotation mode press [Enter] or [Esc] or simultaneously click all three mouse buttons. Further rotations in the current session remember the rotation centre until another centre is specified.

View Ports and Overview WindowThe Overview window is used to simultaneously view data loaded in the Primary window from two different directions.

Figure 3-9 Overview window icon

The Overview window may be resized, moved or docked. This window is associated with a modified set of toolbars.

Figure 3-10 Overview window

Perspective ViewPerspective View displays data from an isometric perspective. This is ideal for visualisation of topographic models. Click the Perspective View icon or by pressing the [V] key to toggle the option.

Figure 3-11 Perspective View icon

Tutorial 3-4

Load an Overview Window. Zoom in/out in the Primary window. Notice the blue extent lines change in the Overview Window as you zoom.



Using Zoom in Perspective View mode, behaves differently from zooming in normal view. When zooming in perspective mode, three boxes are displayed to help visualise the zooming process.

All objects inside the smallest box are still visible after the zoom. All objects outside the largest box are not visible after the zoom. Objects between these two boxes may be visible, but it depends upon the depth of the zoom. The middle box represents the user-defined area.

Figure 3-12 Zoom in Perspective View

Figure 3-13 Data in Perspective View

In the above example, the data closest to the viewer appears to be distorted by the perspective. In actuality, all tunnels are of the same cross-sectional size. Perspective View mode is a visualisation tool only and is not recommended for normal digitising work.

Tutorial 3-5

1. Turn Perspective View on.

2. Try zooming, panning, or rotating and pick out differences between being in regular view and Perspective View.

3. Turn off Perspective View.

Other Views 39

Figure 3-14 Regular mode and Perspective View

Other ViewsThe Window file holds information about windows that are created. The Window file uses

the naming convention <project_code>.wnd.

The Envisage view can be changed in several ways using the View menu. The most common tools are:

View > Change View > Set View: Select an axis position in Envisage, then

specify the rotations around the X, Y, and Z axes.

View > Change View > Vertical Exaggeration: Enter a vertical exaggeration.

This exaggeration has an effect until the Reset View resets exaggeration to a default value of one.

View > Windows > Fit Layer: Generates a new temporary window which fit to the coordinates of a nominated layer. This is useful if the data is located outside the extents defined in the .dg1.

VisibilityVulcan has two visibility toolbars, Visibility and PRIMARY:Visibilty.

The Visibility toolbar is associated with tools located under View > Visibility.

The PRIMARY:Visibilty toolbar is a Windows toolbar; therefore it is not associated with any menus. It is useful because these visibility tools can be used while performing other menu options. For example, while digitizing a design, a

Tip: When using Perspective view, open an Overview window and note the perspective pyramid. The apex of the pyramid is the viewing point and the pyramid itself defines the depth of view. Data not within the pyramid overlay are not visible in the Primary window.



triangulation which is impeding the view of other objects can be rendered invisible without exiting a digitizing mode.

Figure 3-15 Visibility toolbar

Figure 3-16 PRIMARY:Visibility toolbar

Section View

Create Section View

Click View > Create Section (or press the Create Section View icon on the Standard toolbar) to limit what is viewed on-screen to a defined section and thickness.

Figure 3-17 Create Section View icon

Make Objects Visible

Make Objects Invisible

Make Triangulations Translucent

Make Objects Shadowed Make Triangulations Solid

Note: You cannot snap to an object that is shadowed or invisible

Tip: To make an entire layer in which the object resides visible, shadowed or invisible, choose a visibility option, then press and hold the [Shift] key while selecting the object.

Note: This option does not unfold a section based on a multi-segment line. To unfold a section, use tools in Geology > Drilling Section.

Section View 41

Figure 3-18 Create Section dialog box

The Create Section dialog box is broken down into four areas:

Section Type – Defines the window and objects to slice through.

Create or replace the window’s primary section: The view changes according to chosen specifications.

If Create a section through all objects or Create a section through a

single object are used, the view is not realigned until Align view is enabled on the Slice Properties toolbar.

Figure 3-19 Align view icon

Primary Section Shadows – Shows data in a buffer outside the defined section width

Clipping Planes – Defines the section’s appearance.

Select Plane By – Choose the method for defining the section. If 2 points or 3

points are used, standard snap modes can be used to define these points.

The coordinates of the current screen plane are displayed in the status bar. To exit

Section view, left-click the Toggle Sliced View icon on the Graphics toolbar.



Figure 3-20 Toggle Sliced View icon

Other Section View Notes

If multiple non-primary sections have been created, all section slices are displayed at once. This allows block models sliced in different orientations to be viewed simultaneously.

Figure 3-21 Vertical and horizontal dynamic block slices.

Where multiple non-primary sections have been created, the clipping width of each

individual section is influenced by the others. A fail-safe way to have the current section obey the clipping criteria, is to set all of the non-current sections to No Clipping.

Tutorial 3-6

1. Create a Section view with a clipping width of 25 on either side of the section.

2. Make your step size 50.

3. Select the plane by 2 points and click anywhere along the topo triangulation.

Section View 43

Section View Properties

Right-click the Toggle Sliced View icon from the Graphics toolbar to open the Slice

toolbar. This dialog box is used to navigate and control the Section view.

Figure 3-22 Slice toolbar

Slice Forward and Slice Backwards steps forward and backward through the

data at the defined Step interval.

Move Slicing Plane navigates through the data dynamically. Enable the option,

then hold down the left mouse button while dragging. This command can also be accessed using View > Move Sections.

Align View With Current Slicing Plane is useful after rotating out of the Section

view. It is frequently used after creating a non-primary section, because this type of section does not automatically change the view to be in the plane of the section.

Highlight Intersections toggles plane intersects on and off. For example, the

intersection of a triangulation with the section plane.

Drag the Display slider bar pointer to control the visibility of the section plane grid. The

grid display is invisible when the slider control is all the way to the left and fully visible when the slider bar is all the way to the right.

Clip Translucent Solids controls whether translucent triangulations remain

complete or be clipped by the section. Use the Clip drop-down list to change the view of the section by altering the clipping.

By Width clips data by the distance entered in the Front and Back fields.

Forwards displays all data on and in front of the slice at the plane.

Backwards displays all data on and behind the plane slice.

No Clipping sets the section to an infinite width.

Slice Forward

Slice BackwardsMove Slicing Plane

Align View With Current Slicing PlaneHighlight Intersections

Display slider bar

Clip Translucent Solids

Clip drop-down menu

Tip: The colour of the section grid plane display, and optionally, the coordinate annotation, is set in the Create Section dialog box using the Display colour palette.

Tutorial 3-7

Move up and down through the sections with the Overview window on to become familiar with Section view.



Design Menu Create Tools 45

Create Design Data

Design Menu Create ToolsUse the Design > Create tools to create layers and objects. This menu creates CAD objects, but does not contain editing tools.

Figure 4-1 Design toolbar

To begin digitising in Envisage first create (using New Layer) or allocate a layer.

To create Points, indicate an X,Y and Z location in 3D space using the mouse cursor.

Line segments are created from a series of X, Y, Z locations.

A Polygon is a connected series of lines and a Textured Polygon is one with a triangulation or texture image tiled over it.

To define a Rectangle, select the bottom left and a top right corner.

Use Spline, Arc, and Ellipse commands to create curves.

Any closed CAD data, such as polygons and circles, can be filled with a pattern. To add a pattern right-click on the object, select Properties and choose a Pattern.

Do not digitise a closing segment when creating polygons as it is created using the shortest distance between the first and last points digitised. Right-click to close.

Use the backspace key to undo the last digitised point while still actively digitising. If not in an active digitising mode, use Design > Point Edit options to modify existing points.

Undo/redo functionality can be used to undo an entire object rather than just a point.

The Design toolbar can be turned on/off under Tools > Toolbar Visibility.

New Layer

Line

Textured Polygon

Spline

Ellipse

2D Arrow

2D Text

Feature

Point

Polygon

Rectangle

Arc

Grid

3D Arrow

3D Text

Symbol


46 Chapter 4 Create Design Data

Tutorial 4-1

CAD Creation – Points, Lines, and Polygons

1. Ensure that a design database is open so that a new layer may be created.

2. Click Design > Create > Layer and enter DESIGN for the layer name and a description.

3. Create five points anywhere on your screen using Design > Create > Point.

4. Create a line anywhere on your screen using Design > Create > Line.

5. Create a polygon using Design > Create > Polygon.

Tip: When creating a layer:

Avoid using ‘special’ characters such as !,@,#,$,%,^,&,or *.

An underscore ‘_’ is a valid character, but cannot be the first character.

Layer names are limited to 40 characters.

Layer descriptions are limited to 80 characters.

Tutorial 4-2

CAD Creation – Arcs and Circles

1. Create a new layer using Design > Create > Layer.

2. In the Layer field, type DESIGN2.

3. Add a Description then click OK.

4. Click Design > Create > Arc.

Figure 4-2 Circular Arc dialog box

5. Select both options Centre and Radius and Radius and set the diameter to 10. Enter 1 for the Arc length step size. Click OK.

6. When prompted, indicate the centre point.

7. Right-click to exit the command.

8. Click Design > Create > Rectangle.

9. Use Design > Create > Polygon Textured.

10. Choose Use tiled texture and select EARTH

Snap Modes 47

Arrows

Click Design > Create > Arrow 2D to label objects with a Plan view arrow. Design > Create > Arrow 3D will create arrows in multiple planes.

Symbols

Symbols can also be chosen for use in the design. Vulcan contains a symbol database, symbols.dgd.isis, found in the Vulcan Explorer window under the Resources tab. This database contains some standard symbols for oil and gas wells. Symbols from this database can readily be added to a design layer using Design > Create > Symbol. Custom, user-defined symbols can also be created using File > Symbols > New along with standard Vulcan CAD tools.

Snap ModesThe Snap Mode options are located on the Digitise window toolbar.

Figure 4-3 Digitise toolbar

Indicate

Indicate (or Free snap mode) digitises points without snapping to existing objects.

Points are created on a default Z elevation defined on the status bar at an X and Y point indicated with the mouse.

If a gradient is defined on the status toolbar, the first point inherits the default Z value and the remaining points follow the defined gradient. Hold down the [Shift] key to digitise a point with the same Z level as the last edited/selected point.

Tutorial 4-3

1. Insert a symbol using Design > Create > Symbols.

2. Choose Centre Scaled X.

3. When prompted indicate the first and second alignment points.

Track Section of Existing Line

Snap To Objects

Create line at given angle

Toggle Dynamic

Volume, right-click

for properties

Indicate

Snap

To

Points

Snap

To

Grids

Bearing

input Cancel Current Operation

Smart Snap, right-click for properties

Key In

Point DataEnter Zoom Factor



Snap to Objects

Snap to Objects snaps to any existing graphical object. The X,Y and Z coordinates are interpolated from the object clicked.

Snap to Points

Snap to Points digitises at points or intersections. When a position is chosen in Envisage, snapping occurs to the closest existing point. The X, Y and Z coordinates for the new point are the same as the existing point.

Snap to Grid

Snap to Grid requires that a 2D mapping grid is loaded on-screen. When executed, input is snapped onto the closest grid intersection beneath the cursor.

Custom Cursor

To activate the custom cursor, left-click the custom cursor icon on the graphics toolbar. Right-click the icon to modify cursor properties.

Figure 4-4 Custom Cursor Properties dialog box

A Scaled Cursor changes accordingly when zooming in or out. A Fixed Cursor does not dynamically scale up or down but remains the specified size, which is from edge to edge of the cursor. For example, if Circle is checked as the Scaled Cursor, then the specified size is the diameter of the circle.

Tip: Use the Indicate mode in Plan view or in Section view. If the screen is rotated, the resulting point may not be created where intended.

Tip: Before creating a point, hold the [Shift] key to preview where Vulcan will ‘snap to’. To snap to a point, click on the line segment close to the desired point instead of clicking the exact point desired.

Directional Digitise Tools 49

Directional Digitise ToolsVulcan has three main directional tools to aid with digitised designs: Key In Point Data, Bearing Input and Create Line At Given Angle. These features are accessed via icons on the Digitise toolbar.

Figure 4-5 Digitise toolbar

Key In Point Data

Key In Point Data can be used in two different ways:

Get point coordinates

Create points with coordinates

Both options have a button in the Keyboard Input dialog box.

Figure 4-6 Keyboard Input dialog box

To use Get Point functionality:

1. On the Keyboard Input dialog box click Get Point.

2. Click on any point on-screen. X, Y and Z windows are populated with the chosen point’s coordinates.

To use Create Point functionality:

1. Open a layer. Click Design > Create to digitize an object such as a line, arc or rectangle.

2. Click the Key In Point Data icon, then click Create Point to enter relative or absolute coordinates while digitizing the object.

Select All Relative if all coordinate entries are relative to the last point.

Alternately enter R before the coordinate entry to convert that value into a relative distance. For example, a Z value of R100 is interpreted as 100 units greater than the previous Z value; R-100 is treated as 100 units less than the previous value.

Enter R or check All Relative; do not use both concurrently.

Bearing Input

Key In Point Data Create Line At Given Angle

Tip: To get or create a point relative to the last digitised point, enter an R in front of a coordinate value or check All Relative.



Bearing Input

Bearing Input creates new points at a specified angle and distance or from the last point when in a digitising mode.

Points are created with this tool in one of three ways.

Figure 4-7 Bearing Input dialog box

Bearing and Inclination angles can be controlled.

Enter Bearing values in decimal degrees (dd), degrees.minutes.seconds (dms) or gradients (grad).

Inclination refers to the amount of grade (slope) from the last digitised point. Values must be entered in decimal degrees. A positive inclination projects the point above the horizon, and a negative value produces a point below the horizon.

Tutorial 4-4

Use Key In Point Data to create the shape shown below in a new layer named CAD_INPUTS.

Tip: Vulcan remembers the coordinates of the last created or selected point. Relative values, are calculated from the last point entered or selected in Envisage.

Bearing units

Tip: Bearing values can be converted between decimal degrees, degrees.minutes.seconds, and gradients using the toggle buttons for bearing units (Figure 4-7).


Create Line At Given Angle

There are four methods for creating a new point with Angle Input. The Angle Input option only works if you are in a menu option that prompts for a point coordinate such as Design

> Create > Line or Design > Create > Polygon.

Figure 4-8 Angle Input dialog box

Angles may be entered in percent (%), decimal degrees (dd), degrees.minutes.seconds (dms) or in gradients (grad). If the input point is to be at a specified screen angle, then the Angle field must be filled out.

Check Enter distance to control distances between a reference point and the new point. The specified distance can be either positive or negative. Distance direction is defined by looking at the point order of the reference line. Travelling from point one to point two, to the direction to the right is positive; to the left is negative.

Before Angle Input can be used, a reference line must be selected. If no reference line has been selected, a default reference line with zero azimuth is used.To select a reference line, click Get line and select the line segment. Both the origin and direction of the line are stored in memory for as long as the current session of Vulcan is open or until another reference line is chosen.

At specified screen angle – creates a new point at an angle entered in the panel.

The angle is measured clockwise from the location of the reference line.

Perpendicular to given line on screen – creates a new point 90 degrees to the

right of the original direction of the reference segment.

Parallel to given line on screen and Parallel to given line in 3D – create a new

point in the same direction as the reference segment.

Tutorial 4-5

Use Bearing Input and Keyboard Input dialog boxes to create the shape shown below (in red) in the CAD_INPUTS layer created in Tutorial 4-4.

Angle units



Tutorial 4-6

Use Bearing Input, Angle Input and Keyboard Input dialog boxes to draw the purple shape shown below in the CAD_INPUTS layer.

Tutorial 4-7

1. Create a new layer named BOUNDARY.

2. Digitise a point: X:77802, Y:4958, Z:200

3. Draw the polygon shown below.


Track Section of Existing Line

Figure 4-9 Track Section of Existing Line icon

Track Section of Existing Line traces portions of objects quickly. This is helpful when tracing contours or pit strings. This option only works in an active digitising mode such as Design > Create > Polygon or Design > Create > Line.

Figure 4-10 Trace a contour line

Tip: If the track section is tracing the line or polygon the wrong way, press the space bar to trace the opposite way.

Tutorial 4-8

1. Load layer TRACK_SECTION on-screen.

2. Create a single polygon that traces around all four lines in the loaded layer.

3. Click Design > Layer Edit > Copy to create a copy of the polygon to a new layer named TRACK_SECTION_POLYGON.



Text

Using Fonts

There are two types of text in Vulcan: 2D text and 3D text. 2D text is always oriented in Plan view. 3D text can be created in any plane.

Figure 4-11 3D text example

Text fonts are stored in the Resources area as .font files. If the files are missing, the text does not appear. Furthermore, if the environment variables TEMP and TMP are not set up correctly, the text drop-down lists are blank. 2D and 3D text defaults can be set in Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Defaults. For more information on the resources area, TEMP, or TMP, refer to “Environment Variables” on page 3.

2D Text

There are two basic types of 2D text:

Fixed Fonts remain the same size in Envisage and are always horizontal and

legible, no matter how the screen is rotated or zoomed. These fonts are ideal for drillhole labelling. Do not use for plotting as it is difficult to determine the text size on the actual plot. The fixed fonts are: SMALL, NORMAL, MEDIUM and LARGE.

Scaled Fonts resize with zooming. Text size is set a particular scale. The text is

only legible in plan view.

Vector Fonts are supplied with Vulcan and are available to every Vulcan

user. SCALED, TIMES+ or SCRIPT are all vector fonts.

True Type Fonts are loaded on an individual computer independent of

Vulcan. To create a True Type font, right-click on any 2D text object and select True Type Font.

Tutorial 4-9

Click Tools > Preferences and turn off text defaults for both 2D and 3D text.

Note: A True Type Font can be applied to any 2D text object, but fixed text must be converted to scaled text before the True Type font can be applied. Envisage converts the text automatically when choosing to apply a True

Type Font.

Text 55

To create 2D text:

1. Click Design > Create > Create Text.

2. When prompted, indicate the direction of the text.

3. Click Design > Text Edit to edit text and text attributes.

Right-click on text and select Edit Text to change text content.

Right-click on text and select Properties to alter text attributes.

Figure 4-12 Boundary polygon labelled with text

3D Text

Unlike 2D text, 3D text can be used in any plane. There are no different types of 3D text. All available fonts are listed, and you may not apply a True Type font after creation. The fonts provided are similar to the vector fonts of 2D text. 3D text is a particular size at a particular scale, and therefore becomes larger and smaller with zooming.

Tutorial 4-10

1. Create a new layer: PRACTICE_TEXT.

2. Add three separate 2D text objects using:

a. A fixed font.

b. A scaled font.

c. A vector font.

3. Apply a True Type font to the scaled text.

4. Load the BOUNDARY layer and label the boundary polygon with your name and today’s date. Ensure the text is a reasonable size and is easy to read.



Figure 4-13 3D Text Attributes dialog box

To create 3D text:

1. Click Design > Create > Create 3D Text.

2. When prompted, indicate text origin and direction.

3. Click Design > Text 3D Edit to edit the text or its attributes.

Right-click the text and select Edit Text to change text content.

Right-click the text and select Properties to alter text attributes.

Choose to mirror text in the Horizontal plane or the Vertical plane.

3D text can mirror in horizontal and vertical planes to obtain correct text facing.

The limits for 3D text are 132 characters per line with a maximum of 60 lines.

Tip: Create a Section view in the plane where text should appear before creating text. Manual rotations may not be exact, which may cause improper text placement.

Tutorial 4-11

1. Create 3D text in the PRACTICE_TEXT layer using various rotations to experiment with how 3D text works.

2. Set up 2D and 3D text defaults in Tools > Preferences.

Analyse Tools 57

Label Design Data

Analyse ToolsThe Analyse > Label menu contains several options for labelling data in Envisage. The Analyse options are broken down into the following main functions:

Point Labels

Point Labels to Text

Object Labels

Object Labels to Text

Menu Options

Label Colour

By default, label colour is defined by a colour choice made in Tools > Preferences >

Envisage > Graphics > Colours. Click Analyse > Label > Underlay Label Colour to override a default colour choice.


Envisage : Analyse : Label : Contents


The Vulcan Workbench : Preferences : Envisage : Graphics : ColoursEnvisage : Analyse : Label : Underlay Label Colour


58 Chapter 5 Label Design Data

Point Labels

Analyse > Label > Point Label displays as fixed font, which means labels remain the same size in Envisage regardless of the current zoom and are always legible regardless of screen orientation. Analyse > Label > Point Label to Text described later in this section allows control over text properties.

1. Click Analyse > Label > Point Label.

2. Select a label method. Attributes vary with the label method chosen.

Figure 5-1 Label Object Point(s) dialog box

Point Label allows one set of labels to be displayed at any given time.

Load data to be labelled in Envisage, then select data with an appropriate method.

Figure 5-2 Selection panel menu

To remove labels click Analyse > Label > Remove.

Table 5-1 Select By menu

Command Definition

Object Selects one object at a time.

Group and Layer Selects all objects within a specific group and layer.

Feature and Layer Selects objects with common features in a single layer.

Layer Selects all objects within a chosen layer.

Group Selects all objects within a specified group.

Feature Selects all objects within a desired feature.

Name Selects objects entered by name rather than picking on-screen.

Tip: To label the points using a context menu, right-click on an object and select the appropriate label method.

Menu Options 59

Point Labels to Text

Click Analyse > Label > Point Label to Text to place point labels in a layer as printable text objects. Converted labels can be saved with other design data. If labels are saved to a layer, more than one type of label may be displayed simultaneously.

Figure 5-3 Convert point data to text objects

Settings options control data type and format.

Control label colour with Colour options.

Decimal options are usable when numerical labels are selected.

Display Style properties can be specified when multiple label types are chosen.

Font Settings configure the size and type of text used for labels.

Tutorial 5-1

1. Close all open layers.

2. Load my_label.arch_d using File > Load Archive.

3. Click Analyse > Label > Underlay Label Colour and select Use Object

Colour.

4. Label the points in the triangle by Name.

5. Label the points in the hexagon by ZValue with 0 Decimals.

6. Label the points in the square by Wtag with 2 Decimals.

7. Label the points in the curved line by Sequence. Select All points.

8. Click Analyse > Label > Remove and select Layer. Choose any object to remove points from all objects in the MY_LABEL layer.

9. Click Analyse > Label > Underlay Label Colour and select Use colour from

colour table. Choose a colour from the Colours table which contrasts with the loaded layer.

10. Choose to label all Points in every object in the MY_LABEL layer.



Object Label

Clicking Analyse > Label > Object Label displays as fixed font, which means labels remain the same size in Envisage regardless of the current zoom and are always legible regardless of screen orientation. Click Analyse > Label > Object Label to Text to control font type or size.

Select a label type. Attributes vary with the label method chosen.

Figure 5-4 Select object labels

To remove the object label click Analyse > Label > Remove.

Tutorial 5-2

1. Load the MY_LABEL layer.

2. Ensure no object is labelled.

3. Click Analyse > Label > Point Label to Text.

4. Select MY_LABEL from the Layer drop-down list.

5. Check Name and W.

6. Change the TrueType font to SCALED.

7. The text should be 2 cm at a Drafting angle of 45 decimal degrees.

Tutorial 5-3

1. Load the MY_LABEL layer. Ensure no object is labelled.

2. Click Analyse > Label > Object Label.

3. Label every object in MY_LABEL with its corresponding Name displayed in the Centre of each object.

4. Label every object in MY_LABEL with its corresponding Value displayed with 2 Decimals.

5. Label every object in MY_LABEL with its corresponding Group.

Menu Options 61

Object Label to Text

Analyse > Label > Object Label to Text generates printable object labels in a layer. The converted labels can be saved with other design data. Use options in Design > Text Edit to manipulate existing text positions.

Figure 5-5 Convert object data to text objects

Tutorial 5-4

1. Load the MY_LABEL layer. Ensure no object is labelled.

2. Click Analyse > Label > Object Label to Text.

3. Select MY_LABEL from the Layer drop-down list.

4. Set up the Settings tab so that each object’s Name appears in the Centre of the object.

5. Change the TrueType font to SCALED.

6. The text should be 4 cm at a Drafting angle of 45 decimal degrees.

7. When prompted, Select by Group and click the triangle.

8. Append the resulting text to MY_LABEL.

9. Right-click on a label and select Move to reposition it.

Tutorial 5-5

1. Load the REFERENCE_POINT layer.

2. Label the start point of the boundary polygon with X and Y coordinates.

3. Save the labels to a layer named REFERENCE_POINT_LABEL.

4. Label the gradient of the RAMP layer.



Edit Tools 63

Edit Design Data

Edit ToolsMany Vulcan data editing options are grouped together based on function:

Layers: Design > Layer Edit

Objects: Design > Object Edit

Points: Design > Point Edit

Other edit options are designed to work at object and point levels:

Layer EditsTo modify layers, select options in Design > Layer Edit.

Design > Polygon Edit

Design > Text Edit

Design > Text 3D Edit

Design > Arrow Edit

Design > Line Style Edit

Design > Feature Edit

Design > Point Insert

Design > Attribute Edit

Table 6-1 Layer Edit commands

Command Definition

Identify Displays information on a selected object in the Report window.

Name Modify layer name or description.

Copy Copies information from one layer to another. An existing layer may be chosen, or enter a unique name to create a new layer. Select CAD data to be copied. Data becomes shadowed (grey) when selected.

Delete Deletes layers from a list or by object selection in Envisage.

Transfer Moves data from one layer to another. An existing layer may be chosen, or enter a unique name to create a new layer.


64 Chapter 6 Edit Design Data

To change a layer name:

1. Load a layer. Click Design > Layer Edit > Name.

2. When prompted, select an object in the layer.

3. Enter a new Layer name and/or Description. Click OK.

4. Select another object or right-click to exit the command.

5. Click File > Save to update the Explorer window.

Figure 6-1 Layer Name and Description dialog box

Object EditsUse tools in Design > Object Edit to modify objects loaded in Envisage.


Envisage : Design : Layer Edit : Contents

Tip: All options in Vulcan prompt in the lower left hand corner (as well as the top of the screen) for selections and actions. Follow the prompts when learning a new menu option.

Tutorial 6-1

Transfer the boundary polygon from the REFERENCE_POINT layer into a layer named BOUNDARY.

Table 6-2 Object Editing tools

Command Definition

Identify Displays information on a selected object in the Report window.

Delete Deletes objects.

Delete By Poly Deletes points outside or inside selected polygons. Lines, which connect points, may not be flush with the selected polygon.

Clip by Poly Deletes points outside or inside selected polygons and relimits lines to the edge of the polygon. Resulting object lines are flush with the selected polygon.

Trim Cuts lines to a nominated object so that they are flush with the object. This is similar to the AutoCAD trim function.

Drag Interactively move or copy selected objects.

Split Splits an object based upon point location, existing segments, or disconnections.

Object Edits 65

Several examples of how the Object Edit functions work are provided below. The options are easy to understand by following the prompts and reading the associated dialog boxes.

To register an object:

1. Load layers TOP_PIT and topo.00t triangulation on-screen.

Hover the cursor over the TOP_PIT layer. Notice that the elevation displayed at the bottom of the Vulcan screen is zero. If the triangulation is solid shaded and you are in plan view, you will not be able to see the layer without rotating the display or making the triangulation transparent.

Figure 6-2 Pit string before registration

2. Click Design > Object Edit > Register.

Join Lines Combines objects at end point locations to create one object.

Coalesce Combines multiple objects into a single object without physically connecting them.

Reverse Reverses an object’s point sequence. Vulcan recognises the order in which objects are drawn for applying other functions. This is useful when digitising pits, dumps and fault strings.

Consistent Makes point order within each selected object either consistently clockwise or counterclockwise.

Connection Connects or disconnects points. Disconnected points do not have line segments between them.

Filter Filters out unnecessary points in either 2D or 3D space based on an entered tolerance. Use filtering where detail is not required, or automatically-generated data contains too many points. Fewer points can reduce display and processing time.

Register Changes the Z elevation of an object to correspond with Z values of a triangulation.

Z Value Assigns a Z value to all points in a selected object.

Grade Changes the grade of an entire object, or part of an object. The applied grade can be a specific number, or the object can grade between two existing points.

Explode Splits an object so that each individual line segment or point becomes an unique object.

Table 6-2 Object Editing tools (Continued)

Command Definition


Envisage : Design : Object Edit : Contents



3. As only one triangulation is loaded in Envisage, it is automatically selected. If more than one triangulation is loaded, select a surface to register the string to when prompted.

4. Select Object in the Select By menu.

5. When prompted to Select Object to register, select the polygon in the TOP_PIT layer.

2D registration changes the Z elevation of the polygon to drape it onto the triangulation. Interpolate inserts extra points into the polygon to allow it to better follow triangulation contours.

Click OK.

6. Select Register to confirm the polygon’s registration.

Rotate the display to view the changes. The polygon should conform with the triangulation surface.

Figure 6-3 Pit string after registration

Figure 6-4 Registered BOUNDARY polygon

To change the grade of an object:

1. Load the GRADE_LINE layer and rotate the layer into full view.

2. Click Analyse > Label > Point Label, and label the point sequence of the layer.

3. Click Design > Object Edit > Grade.

4. Select Specify grade manually.

Tutorial 6-2

Register the polygon in the BOUNDARY layer to the topo.00t triangulation as shown in Figure 6-4.

Object Edits 67

Figure 6-5 Grading Method menu

5. When prompted to select object, choose the line on the upper left.

6. Pick point 1 as the start point and point 2 as the end point.

7. Enter a Gradient of 20. Uncheck Grade with constant length. Click OK.

8. You are prompted to Retain or Reject graded object. Select to Retain the grade. You can continue selecting objects for editing. Pick the upper middle line.


10. Enter a Gradient of 20. Check Grade with constant length.

11. Select Move points following end point, which assigns new X, Y and Z coordinates to all points following the end point, in such a way that the gradients following the end point are not changed.

12. Select to Retain the grade.

13. Pick the upper right line.


15. Enter a gradient of 20.

16. The Confirm menu is displayed. Select the Do not move following points option.

17. Select to Retain the grade. The objects should look like those shown in Figure 6-6.

Figure 6-6 Objects with grade applied

To filter unnecessary points:

1. Load the FILTER layer.

2. The majority of the points in the circle could be filtered without affecting the shape.

3. Click Design > Object Edit > Filter to remove points. Select by Object, then choose the circle. Right-click twice to access the Filter panel.

4. Filtering occurs when the specified perpendicular distance between a point and the theoretical line between the points on either side of it is less than the deviation specified in the panel as illustrated in Figure 6-7.



Figure 6-7 Effect of deviation entry on filtering process

5. Apply a 2D Filter with a Minimum deviation from the line of 0.1. The filtered line

is displayed in grey, and you are prompted to Retain or Reject the filter.

6. Zoom in close enough to view the filtered points. If the new object is acceptable, select Retain filter. Output from the filtering process is displayed in the Report window.

Note: If an object is designed in 3D, such as triangulation profiles, select the 3D Filter option. This option allows you to specify the deviation from the line and filters X, Y, Z values, whereas the 2D Filter does not change the Z value. If filtering contour lines, a 3D filter does not affect the Z values as each object has only one unique Z value.

Tutorial 6-3


2. Load my_split.arch_d using File > Load Archive.

3. Right-click the green line, then click Label > Point Sequence. Choose to label All Points.

4. Click Design > Object Edit > Split and select Split by point. Follow the prompts to split the green line at points 4 and 8.

5. Click Design > Object Edit > Join Lines. Join both sides of the solid green line with the ends of the dashed blue line.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 to join the solid red line with the dashed purple line.

7. Delete the two remaining solid inner strings.

Tutorial 6-4

Load the layer named 50_METER_LINES. Use options in Design > Object Edit to cut the lines so they exist only within the boundary polygon as shown in Figure 6-8.

Point Edits 69

Figure 6-8 Lines trimmed to a polygon

Point EditsDesign > Point Edit tools modify points, or points in objects, loaded in Envisage.

Table 6-3 Point Edit Tools

Command Definition

Move Moves a point to a new location.

Move to

Intersection

Moves a point to a position defined by two intersecting lines. If two chosen lines do not intersect, then the point is moved to the point of the projected intersection.

Name Names and labels one or more points in an object.

Z Edit Changes a point’s Z value.

Delete Removes individual points from an object.

Disconnect Removes a line which connects two points.

Connect Connects a nominated point to adjacent points in the same object. Adjacent points are those that precede or follow the nominated point in a digitised sequence. Start and end points of a string are considered adjacent.

Cut Deletes a section from a string of points.

Append Adds extra points to either the start or end of a string.


Envisage : Design : Point Edit : Contents

Note: To ensure accurate point selection, click the line near the point, not on the point.



To move a point(s) to a new location:

1. Click Design > Point Edit > Move.

2. When prompted, select an object.

3. When prompted, select the point to move.

The selected point is highlighted. As you move the mouse, a rubber band line extends from the point to the cursor.

4. When prompted, click to indicate a new point location.

5. Select another point or right-click twice to exit the command.

All snap modes can be used when moving points. If in Indicate mode, then the Z elevation of the moved point changes to the default Z elevation. Options in Tools > Preferences >

Envisage > Graphics > Input control new elevations of moved points.

To change the Z value of a point:

1. Click Design > Point Edit > Z Edit.

2. Select an object, then a point in the object.

3. Enter a new point elevation. Click OK.

Tip: Hold the [Shift] key while moving a point in Indicate mode to toggle the choice made in Tools > Preferences > Envisage > Graphics> Input.

Tutorial 6-5

1. Load the MY_POINTS layer.

2. Click Design > Point Edit > Move and move one of the points in the hexagon.

3. Click Design > Point Edit > Move To Intersection and move one of the points in the line to a corner of the square.

4. Click Design > Point Edit > Append and to extend one end of the line.

Tutorial 6-6

1. Load the RAMP layer.

2. Change the Z elevation of the uppermost point to an elevation of 100 to match topo_countours.00t.

3. Apply -8% grade to the ramp. Ensure the first and last points do not move.

Point Insert 71

Point InsertUse tools in Design > Point Insert to add points to objects.

To replace a string:

1. Draw a polygon on-screen (Design > Create > Polygon).

2. Right-click twice to exit the command.

3. Click Design > Point Insert > Replace String.

4. When prompted, select the object, then click on a start and end point.

5. Select to replace the highlighted or not highlighted portion.

Figure 6-9 Use Replace String on an existing polygon

6. Re-digitise new point locations for the chosen segment. Begin at the point labelled S (start) and work toward the point labelled E (End).

7. Right-click when the string is re-created.

8. Select Interpolate to alter digitised Z values, or Do not interpolate to retain digitised point elevations.

9. Observe the preview, and choose to Retain or Reject replacement.

10. Right-click to exit the command.

Table 6-4 Point Insert Tools

Command Definition

Insert Inserts points between two existing points.

Replace String Define, then re-digitise part of a polygon string.

Interpolate Inserts points to divides a single line segment into multiple line segments. Enter a desired distance between points or a number of resulting line segments to control segmentation.

Apply Curve Creates a smooth curve based on an entered radius.


Envisage : Design : Point Insert : Contents



Polygon EditDesign > Polygon Edit options alter existing polygon objects.

Tutorial 6-7

1. Load the MY_POINTS layer.

2. Click Design > Point Insert > Insert to change a section of the hexagon. Do

not interpolate Z values.

3. Click Design > Point Insert > Interpolate. Select the square and one of its sides. Choose Equal parts, then enter 4.

4. Interpolate 4 points into another side of the square which is perpendicular to the side chosen in step 3.

5. Click Design > Point Insert > Apply Curve and apply a curve with a radius of 50 to the corner between the two sides of the square modified in steps 3 and 4.

Tutorial 6-8

1. Load layer TRACK_SECTION_POLYGON created in Tutorial 4-8 and the EXTENSION layer.

2. Modify the polygon in the TRACK_SECTION_POLYGON layer to include the object in the extension layer. See Figure 6-10.

Figure 6-10 Modify TRACK_SECTION_POLYGON

Table 6-5 Polygon Edit Tools

Command Definition

Area Adjust an existing polygon area to meet a target.

Expand Proportionately increases (expands) or decreases (shrinks) the size of an existing polygon.

Merge Merges two existing polygons.

Build Generates polygons from existing objects.


Envisage : Design : Polygon Edit : Contents

Polygon Edit 73

Tutorial 6-9


2. Load the MY_DELETE layer.

3. Click Design > Polygon Edit > Merge, select Union, then select the circle.

4. Select by Object and choose the hexagon. Select Retain to merge the hexagon and circle.

5. Click Design > Polygon Edit > Merge, select Intersect, then choose the shape just created.

6. Select by Object, choose the triangle, then click Retain to create an intersection the two shapes.

Tutorial 6-10


2. Load my_build.arch_d using File > Load Archive.

3. Click Design > Polygon Edit > Build.

4. Enter MY_POLYS as the Polygons layer name and click OK.

5. Select by Layer, and choose any object in MY_BUILD.

6. Confirm Build polygons and Retain polygons.

7. Remove the MY_BUILD layer to view resulting polygons.

Tutorial 6-11

1. Using various CAD tools of your choice, draw a polygon as outlined below with reference to the boundary polygon. This serves as the base of our warehouse. Ensure this polygon is in a new layer named WAREHOUSE.

Figure 6-11 Polygon

2. Register this polygon onto the topo.00t triangulation. Use a lowest point registration so that the base of the polygon is flat.



Move DataThe Move toolbar contains various tools to change the position of objects. Click Tools > Toolbar Visibility and check Move to enable the toolbar. The Move toolbar is a subtoolbar (child) of the Modify toolbar.

Figure 6-12 Move subtoolbar

Translate

The most common move command is Design > Transformation > Translate. It is used to specify a reference point (start point) for the movement and then the destination point (translation point). The selected objects are moved along a vector between the reference point and destination point. Since object movement is based solely on distance and direction between the reference and destination points, these points can be specified anywhere in Envisage. It is not necessary to snap to data when creating reference and destination points.

To use Design > Transformation > Translate, load the CAD_INPUTS layer on-screen and follow the instructions below to create a copy of the purple box as shown in Figure 6-13.

Figure 6-13 Copying an object

1. Click Design > Transformation > Translate.

2. When prompted, indicate the translation reference point. As a reference point, use Snap To Points mode and snap to the top left corner of the original, purple box.

3. When prompted, indicate the destination of the point. Use Snap To Point mode and click on the lower right hand corner of the green box.

4. On the Translation Option menu, select Create copy.

Tip: Use the Input options (keyboard, bearing, and angle) in the Digitise toolbar to specify exact point coordinates when moving objects.

Move Data 75

5. Select by Object and pick the original purple polygon.

6. On the Confirm menu, select Translate.

Drag

Design > Object Edit > Drag quickly moves or creates a copy of an object loaded in Envisage. Left-click and hold the object, then drag it to a new location. Release the mouse, then choose to Move or Copy the object.

Right-click on a loaded design object and choose Move to quickly move the object. Move the mouse to preview the new location position. Left-click once to place the object in the desired location.

Tutorial 6-12

Create a copy of the WAREHOUSE polygon ten metres directly above it. See Figure 6-14. The new polygon is used to design the warehouse roof.

Figure 6-14 Duplicated WAREHOUSE polygons

Tip: Design > Object Edit > Drag moves or copies 2D text, but does not work with 3D text.

Tutorial 6-13

1. Create crest line for the warehouse roof as shown below. The line should divide the roof into two equal parts.

Figure 6-15 Roof crest line

2. Change the Z elevation of the roof crest line so it is three metres higher than the roof polygon.

Figure 6-16 Roof crest line moved 3 metres



Data Attributes 77

CAD Introduction

Data AttributesIn addition to the hierarchy for .dgd, layers and objects, each object has associated attributes to: classify, group information or simplify data selection.

Report AttributesUse the information icon located on the Status toolbar to quickly obtain properties for any object loaded in Envisage.

Figure 7-1 Status toolbar – Information icon

Object details are generated to the Report window.

Figure 7-2 Object Attribute Report

Information in parentheses ( ) provides layer and object descriptions.

Layer Name

Layer Description

Object Name

Object Description

Value

Group

Primitive

Feature

Note: Right-click any object and choose Report Details to view robust object information. Alternately, click Analyse > Details > List. For more details, see Table 9-1 on page 89.


78 Chapter 7 CAD Introduction

Change AttributesTo change a layer name or description, use Design > Layer Edit > Name.

Manipulate other object attributes through options in Design > Attribute Edit.

Groups

Utilize groups to work with a number of otherwise un-related objects simultaneously. To group objects together, select desired objects and set the group attribute to a common value. Select object within a single layer, or across multiple layers.

To group data together manually:

1. Click Design > Attribute Edit > Group.

2. Select the data to be grouped.

3. Enter a Group name.

Design > Attribute Edit > Group by Attribute groups different objects by graphical attributes such as colour, line type, pattern or object value. Check grouping with the Information icon.

Figure 7-3 Assign groups by object attributes

Tutorial 7-1

1. Load the CONTOURS layer on-screen.

2. Group the contour lines into MINOR and MAJOR groups. Major contours are at 5 meter intervals (100,105). All other contour lines are in the Minor group.

3. Use View > Visibility > Design Visibility to hide all minor contours and show only major contours in Envisage.

Change Attributes 79

Features

A feature is a predetermined set of attributes, such as colour, line type or pattern. Features require set up before they can be applied to data.

Setting up Features

Design > Feature Edit > Create configures feature sets. Up to 512 features can be created and stored in a <project_prefix>.ftd file in the current working folder.

Each type of attribute defined in a feature can be applied one of three ways:

Tutorial 7-2


2. Load my_attribute.arch_d using File > Load Archive.

3. Click Design > Attribute Edit > Apply Spline and select the hexagon.

4. Label the point sequence in the new shape which was formerly a hexagon.

5. Click Design > Attribute Edit > Insert Points on Spline, and Set the step to 20. Apply these parameters to the new shape which was formerly a hexagon.

6. Right-click on the shape which was formerly a hexagon, and Label > Point

sequence. Be sure to label All points in the sequence.


Envisage : Design : Attribute Edit : Apply SplineEnvisage : Design : Attribute Edit : Remove SplineEnvisage : Design : Attribute Edit : Insert Points on Spline

Note: When specifying a feature name, the word ‘SYMBOL’ can not be used.

Table 7-1 Attributes for features

Attribute Definition

Current Uses the current default Envisage properties.

Prompt Asks for attribute choices during object creation. Text entered when the feature was created appears as a prompt for the person using the feature. For example, if the feature should prompt for the name of an object, enter Surveyor Name as the prompt. When someone uses the feature, he or she is asked to enter Surveyor Name as the object name.

Force Automatically forces the properties defined in the feature code.



The following dialog boxes show some properties that can be set for a feature.

Figure 7-6 Control prompts while digitising

Figure 7-4 Define Layer/object names Figure 7-5 Establish object attributes

Change Attributes 81

Using Features

After features have been set up, they can be applied to existing data or to new objects. Features can not be assigned to text objects or symbols.

Design > Attribute Edit > Feature applies features to existing data.

Figure 7-7 Application of features to original (orange) strings

Design > Create > Feature applies features to data upon creation. Select the feature and digitise objects in Envisage. Objects express attributes defined in the feature selected.

Features can be applied to data imported from CSV or ASCII files.

Tutorial 7-3

Set up two features, one for toe lines and one for crest lines using the following guidelines.

Table 7-2 Set up guidelines

Toe Crest

Layer Name Prompt for survey number/date Prompt for survey number/date

Object Name Prompt for Surveyor name Prompt for Surveyor name

Colour Green Red

Group Toe Crest

Tutorial 7-4

Load the TOES_AND_CRESTS layer. Assign the TOE feature to the toe strings, and the CREST feature to the crest strings.

Tutorial 7-5

Create a new layer named SURVEY and using the features created, draw a toe and a crest line.



Objects which share a common feature can be made visible, invisible or shadowed. The Visibility toolbar contains the feature visibility icons:

Visible by Feature

Shadow by Feature

Invisible by Feature

The same visibility settings can be found under View > Visibility.

Figure 7-8 Feature visibility tools on

Tutorial 7-6

Practise using the visibility settings using both features and groups.

File Selection 83

Data Import and Export

There are various ways to transfer data in and out of Vulcan. Direct import and export

options between Vulcan and other software packages such as AutoCAD®, Datamine®, Micromine® and Surpac® are located in File > Import and File > Export.

File SelectionIn general, there are two ways Vulcan prompts for file selection. The desired file is either moved from the left side of a panel to the right side, or it is chosen from a drop down list. Both panels usually include functionality to Browse to a folder other than the current working directory.

Figure 8-1 Select files by moving within panel

Figure 8-2 Select files from drop down


Envisage : File : ImportEnvisage : File : Export


84 Chapter 8 Data Import and Export

Import AutoCAD FilesUse File > Import to import design data, grids and triangulations from AutoCAD® files. The methodology changes slightly with each import method.

Figure 8-3 Import AutoCAD® files

Export AutoCAD FilesLoad data in Envisage, then click File > Export. Some export options allow triangulations and grids to be selected from a drop down list, but others require that data is selected from Envisage. Panels and options change with the method chosen.

Import ASCII Data FilesAlways open the ASCII file in a text editor to understand the import data. Formatting, location of specific data, and position of data fields are needed upon import. Panels and options change depending on the data imported.

ASCII import settings may be saved in specification files and used for future imports. Settings are saved to an asciiread.spc filed stored in the Resources area. See “ENVIS_RESO” on page 4.


Envisage : File : Import : Import DXF DataEnvisage : File : Import : Import Data From DWGEnvisage : File : Import : Configure ICF TablesEnvisage : File : Import : Import DXF Triangulations


Envisage : File : Export : Export Data To DXFEnvisage : File : Export : Export Data To AutoCADEnvisage : File : Import : Configure ICF Tables

Note: Import .csv files with File > Import > ASCII. Do not use File > Import > CSV as this imports .csv files into an Isis database.

Export ASCII Files 85

Figure 8-4 Import ASCII or CSV file

Export ASCII FilesLoad data to export in Envisage, then click File > Export. Use panel selections to create either a .csv file or an .asc file. Panels and methodology change for each file type.

Tip: Fields in the panel populate with data from the last import as long as Vulcan has not been restarted. A specification file is not required for this functionality.


Envisage : File : Import : Import ASCII DataEnvisage : File : Import : Import Vulcan ASCII Triangualtions

Tutorial 8-1

Import the import.asc file into a layer named POINT_IMPORT. Ensure the objects imported are points instead of lines.

Tip: ASCII imports can utilize feature codes. The field which contains a feature code is defined on the Object Records tab. See “Features” on page 79.


Envisage : File : Export : Export Data to ASCII/CSV

Tutorial 8-2

Export a .csv file of the boundary polygon named boundary. Include X, Y and Z and Point Number in the file.


86 Chapter 8 Data Import and Export

Import Shape FilesImport ESRI shape files with File > Import. The panels and options change slightly depending upon the import method chosen.

Figure 8-5 Import ESRI file types

ESRI shape files contain attribute information for the objects which may vary from the individual object ID to large sets of data describing that object. Limited shape file attributes may be imported with design strings. Use the Options and Metadata Options tabs.

Export Shape FilesFile > Export - ESRI (shape,grid,tin) creates three files (.shp, .shx, and .dbf) for each exported shape file. The file type chosen controls the export options available.

Note: Shape files require a data file (.shp), an index file, (.shx) and a database table (.dbf) located in the same directory. Each of these files contain the same prefix.


Envisage : File : Import : Import ESRI Shape File DataEnvisage : File : Import : Import ESRI GridsEnvisage : File : Import : Import ESRI TIN Triangulations


Envisage : File : Export : Export Data To ESRI Shape FileEnvisage : File : Export : Export Grids To ESRIEnvisage : File : Export : Export Triangulations to TIN

Analyse Toolbar 87

Analyse Data

Analyse ToolbarUse the Analyse toolbar to gather object details such as point coordinates or a distance along a line. These tools are also found in Analyse > Details.

Figure 9-1 Analyse toolbar

CoordinateUse Analyse > Details > Coordinate to display the easting, northing and elevation of a point in the Report window. To ensure accurate results, use Snap To Points mode to query points or Snap To Object to query a string.

Distance Between PointsAnalyse > Details > Distance measures linear distance, gradient and bearing between two points; 3D and plan distance results are displayed in the Report window.


Envisage : Toolbars : Analyse Toolbar

Coordinate

Distance Along Line

Polygon

Area

Curvature

Angle

Distance

Layer Range

Legends

List Multiple Object Headers

Distance Between Points Area

Centroid

Strike

& Dip

Full

Remove Labels

List Object Details

Find Objects


88 Chapter 9 Analyse Data

Distance Along LineAnalyse > Details > Along String sums line segment lengths between nominated start and end points; 2D and 3D distance results are displayed in the Report window.

AreaAnalyse > Details > Area reports an area of an interactively digitised polygon, results are displayed in the Report window. Use appropriate snapping modes to increase accuracy.

Polygon Area Analyse > Details > Polygon Area measures planar areas and projected volumes of existing polygons. This option can also calculate the area of ‘doughnut’ polygons (i.e. polygons within polygons). Results are generated to the Report window.

Tutorial 9-1


2. Load my_analyse.arch_d using File > Load Archive.

3. Click Analyse > Details > Coordinate. Ensure you are in Snap To Points

mode, and select the six points of the hexagon.

4. Click Analyse > Details > Distance. Ensure you are in Snap To Points mode, and select two points of the hexagon.

5. Click Analyse > Details > Along String. Ensure you are in Snap To Points

mode, and select two points on opposite sides of the hexagon.

Tip: If the polygon is not drawn in Plan view, click View > Create Section to align Envisage with the desired plane. This ensures that area is reported accurately.

Tip: Polygons must be loaded into Envisage before attempting to calculate area.

Use Design > Object Edit > Coalesce to combine two polygons which define a doughnut

into one object using before calculating doughnut areas.

To calculate volume, enter an assumed thickness in the panel.

Polygon Area 89

Tutorial 9-2


2. Load the MY_ANALYSE layer.

3. Click Analyse > Details > Area. Ensure you are in Snap to Points mode, and digitize a polygon on top of the hexagon.

4. Click Analyse > Details > Polygon Area. When prompted, select the hexagon and the triangle.

Table 9-1 Other Analyse Options

Command Definition

Centroid Finds coordinates of the gravitational centre point of closed polygons or solid triangulations. Centroid coordinates are shown in the Report window.

Full Gathers detailed information from objects or individual strings within objects. Information such as enclosed area of an object or segment grades can be found.

Strike/Dip Calculates strike and dip for a plane containing three selected points. Possible uses:

Obtain strike/dip for any rotated view.

Report strike/dip of a plane in a triangulation.

List Gathers detailed information on objects, including layer and object name, feature, value, and colour. Coordinates of all the object points generate to the Report window.

Tutorial 9-3


2. Load the MY_ANALYSE layer.

3. Click Analyse > Details > Centroid and display the hexagon’s centre point. When prompted, select Keep Underlay.

4. Click Analyse > Details > Strike/Dip. Ensure you are in Snap To Points mode, and select the triangle’s vertices. When prompted, select Keep Underlay.

5. Click File > Underlays > Convert to Object. Enter UNDERLAYS for the Layer name. Click the hexagon’s centroid point and the triangle’s strike/dip symbol.

6. Click File > Underlays > Remove All to remove underlays from MY_ANALYSE and view the design data saved in the UNDERLAYS layer.

7. Click Analyse > Details > List and select any object.

Tutorial 9-4

1. Find the dip of a slope defined by the CONTOUR layer.

2. Find the number of points in the boundary polygon.


90 Chapter 9 Analyse Data


Envisage : Analyse : ContentsEnvisage : File : Underlays : Remove All Underlays

Database Overview 91

Create a Database

Database OverviewIsis and Vulcan recognise two different database styles:

Header style

ODBC style

ODBC databases make it possible for Vulcan software to read information from a external database such as Microsoft® Access or acQuire™.

Every database is comprised of two entities:

The database design

The database itself

A database design is a single file (<name>.dsf)that describes and enforces the structure of the database. The design specifies how many tables the database contains, the names of those tables, and the number and type of fields contained within each table.

To import raw data files and create a headered database, structure the design to correspond to the raw data. Columns in the data file correspond to fields in the design. Raw data files (typically in ASCII/CSV format) import using the design, which controls the final database structure.

Vulcan databases require two files:

The database file – <optional_project_prefix><name>.<design>.isis

The index file – <optional_project_prefix><name>.<design>.isix

The index file is created automatically. To re-create an index file, compress and rebuild the database.

Design creation, as well as database viewing and manipulation, are performed in Isis while Envisage is used to display numerical information graphically.

Tip: When closing Vulcan, there is an option to compress and rebuild design databases automatically however this option does not include Isis databases. It is good practice to periodically compress and rebuild Isis databases manually.


92 Chapter 10 Create a Database

Design File CreationUse Isis to create design (.dsf) files. Upon launching Isis, there is a prompt to open an existing database. Click Cancel to exit this option.

To create a new design click File > New Design. By default, design files are created in

the local working directory.

DSF file names are limited to three characters in length. General naming conventions for different types of databases include:

.dhd – drillhole database

.cmp – composite database

.smp – samples database

.tek – geotech database

Figure 10-1 Create a new database design

Figure 10-2 Establish design properties

Enter a Description for the design (.dsf).

Click Attributes to define a database Type. Select Drilling and choose a Desurvey Style, which defines how a curve is applied to non-vertical drillholes.

The Data source is Isis, a standard Vulcan database which contains imported data. Click Configure to change the Data source if an ODBC link to an external database such as Microsoft® Access is required.

Note: To open/close databases and .dsf files, select the File menu in Isis.

Tutorial 10-1

Open Isis and create a new .dsf named DHD.

Tutorial 10-2

Complete the following to continue design file creation:

1. Enter a description.

2. Select a Drilling Type database.

3. Select a Tangent Desurvey Style.

4. Ensure the data source is Isis.

Design File Creation 93

The .dsf set up needs to be similar to the data to be imported. Become familiar with the data and think about any calculated fields which may be necessary.

To create tables in the design file that correspond with each .csv file, click Table > Insert or Table > Append which adds tables into the .dsf file. Table > Insert places a new table to the left of the active table, whereas Table > Append places a new table to the right.

Figure 10-3 Isis table setup

Each table contains fields that correspond with columns of data in the .csv files. For example, a collar table generally contains Hole ID, Easting, Northing, and Elevation fields, which also exist as columns in the .csv file.

Certain fields contain critical information which allows Envisage to display numerical

information graphically. Synonyms are used to define these fields.

Choose appropriate Synonyms from a drop-down list in Table Properties for each table. The field Synonyms drop-down list for each table is populated from the synonym set chosen for a table.

Each field is associated to several columns which define data properties:

Name of the field.

Description of the field.

Note: The Key Field is of special importance as it correlates data between all tables and .csv

files. In a drillhole database this is the collar name field.

Tutorial 10-3

Examine the data in the five .csv files provided (collar, assay, survey, geology, and structure). Think about the tables and fields required in the design.

Note: The first table in the .dsf must contain the Key Field.

Tutorial 10-4

Create five tables and name them collar, survey, assay, geo and struct, with collar being the left most table.

Choose a synonym set to populate field synonyms



Type of data to be stored in the field.

Text - Alphanumeric value (example ROCK = GRANITE).

Integer - Numeric value with no decimals (example ROCK = 1).

Single - Numeric value < 7 significant figures (example DEPTH = 123.567).

Double - Numeric value > 7 significant figures (example EAST = 12345.6789).

Length: Maximum length of a field including decimal places.

Synonyms are very important. Vulcan typically uses synonyms instead of field names to understand data contained in the field.

Key Fields

A Key Field must be defined to tell the database which field ties data across all tables together. To define a Key Field, right-click in the gray area to the left of the field name and select Primary Key. Note that the Primary Key must be defined on the first, or left-most, table.

Tip: Integer values are stored as Text in an Isis database. Store a number with no decimals as a Single precision variable to save space.

Tip: Not every field needs a Synonym. In a drillhole database, Synonyms must be defined for collar and downhole survey information. Define as many synonyms as possible, but do not force synonyms in fields where they do not belong.

Tutorial 10-5

Enter the information for the COLLAR table as shown below.

Tip: To reduce error, select from drop-down lists instead of entering values into fields.

Tutorial 10-6

Define the HOLEID field as the Primary Key.


After a Primary Key is defined, click File > Save to save the .dsf.

Import Data into a Database

To create an Isis Database, import data using the database design (.dsf). Either Envisage or Isis can be used to import data. Both methods are covered in this section.

To use Vulcan Envisage to import drill data:

1. Click File > Import.

2. Select the CSV (Databases) file format.

Figure 10-4 Import data into a new database

3. Select the Databases file type. Click OK.

4. Specify the data file extension, the rows which contain field names, and the row where records start.

The Isis database name is based upon the Filename entered. The final database name has the following naming convention: <Filename>.<dsn>.isis.

Click Select to choose a design file, which controls the database header format.

Note: Do not include the field defined as the Primary Key on any other table in the design. Do not enter HOLEID as a field on any other table, although it should exist as a column in every .csv file.

Tutorial 10-7

1. Use the .csv files to complete fields for the following tables: SURVEY, ASSAY, GEO, AND STRUCT.

2. Save the .dsf and exit out of Isis.



Figure 10-5 CSV Load - Data Files and Database dialog box

The next dialog box connects design tables to .csv files.

Figure 10-6 Connect design file to CSV files

Field Connections connect database fields to columns in .csv files. This must be done

for each table before proceeding. The first Field Connections dialog box looks slightly different than the others.

Tip: Some Vulcan menu options require that a database contain a project prefix. To ensure that the database can be used by all Vulcan menus, enter the project prefix as the first part of a file name. Example: thordrillholes.

Tutorial 10-8

Click File > Import and complete the CSV Load - Data Files and Database dialog box. Name the database thordrill.dhd.isis.


Figure 10-7 Collar field connections

All subsequent dialog boxes require that an index field be chosen. An index field is whichever field was defined as the Primary Key in the design, for example HOLEID.

Figure 10-8 Select an index field

Figure 10-9 Save import specification file

A specification file saves the defined field connections for future use. To activate this option, check Save the specifications and enter a Specification name.The specification is saved in a file named csv_specs in the \csv_load_specs folder of the Vulcan Resources area.

Click Finish to import data. Any errors in the data file, such as overlapping intervals, generate to the Report window.

Any errors should always be investigated and corrected before using the database in other parts of Vulcan.

Note: Datafile fields populate automatically if the column name in the CSV file matches the field name in the design. If names do not match exactly, connections must be made manually by selecting appropriate CSV column names from the drop down list.

Tutorial 10-9

Complete field connections for each table in the design.



To use Vulcan Isis to import drill data:

1. Click Utilities > Import > Tables.

2. Choose New Database and click Next.

3. Select a design and enter a Filename similar to the Vulcan Envisage import process. The database is named <Filename>.<dsn>.isis.

Use the Import Tables dialog box to make connections between tables and fields in the database design, and the columns in the data files. Choose a data file for each table in the design. If a table is not linked with an appropriate data file, the import process fails.

Columns in the data files must follow the sequence of the fields in the design file. If a column is not found at the position expected by the design, then Isis imports incorrect contents into database fields.

Click the Save icon to save import specifications. An Isis Import ASCII specification file follows the convention <name>.iia. Use this file to quickly import data files using the design, without re-creating connections at a later stage.

Tutorial 10-10

Import the files and ensure there are no errors. If there are errors, fix the errors in the .csv files and re-import the data.

Figure 10-10 Create a New Database

Figure 10-11 New Database name and design

Tip: Some Vulcan menu options require that a database contain a project prefix. To ensure that the database can be used by all Vulcan menus, enter the project prefix as the first part of a file name. Example: thordrillholes.

ODBC Database Creation 99

Figure 10-12 Import Tables dialog box

To use an existing specification file, click the Folder icon and select the appropriate .iia file from the displayed list of files.

A message shows the total number of objects (drillholes) in the new database.

ODBC Database CreationVulcan can link to most standard database packages via an ODBC connection. Information can be viewed straight from Microsoft® Access, acQuire™ or Oracle®.

1. An initial ODBC link is set up using standard Windows tools.

2. The .dsf is configured to access the Windows link.

3. Data import is not necessary, as a Vulcan database is created via the link.

ODBC databases appear in Vulcan Explorer under User Databases. Once created, they are used the same way as a header database.

Link to Microsoft® Access Database

To access information from a database, configure a Windows ODBC link. Follow instructions for: setting up the link in Windows 32-bit or 64-bit, in a DSF, and confirming the connection.

To set up an ODBC link in Windows 32-bit:

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Administrative Tools. If the Administrative Tools icon is not available, switch to Classic View (Vista) or choose to View by either Small icons

or Large icons (Windows 7).

Tutorial 10-11

1. Import a second database using Isis menu options.

2. Name the database thortables.dhd.isis.

Save icon

Folder icon



3. Double-click Data Sources (ODBC).

ODBC links can be created either per user or per system.

4. On the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click the User DSN tab and click Add.

Figure 10-13 ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box

5. On the Create New Data Source dialog box, select Driver do Microsoft Access

(*mdb). Click Finish.

Figure 10-14 Create New Data Source dialog box

6. On the ODBC Microsoft Access Setup dialog box, enter a Data Source Name. The maximum length of the Data Source Name is eight characters.

7. Add a Description.


8. Click Select and browse to the correct .mdb file.

Figure 10-15 Select database for the data source

9. Click OK to both panels to exit database source setup.

To set up an ODBC link in Windows 64-bit:

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64.

2. Double-click odbcad32.exe.

3. On the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click the User DSN tab and click the Add button.

Figure 10-16 ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box



4. On the Create New Data Source dialog box, select Driver do Microsoft Access

(*mdb). Click Finish.

Figure 10-17 Create New Data Source dialog box

5. On the ODBC Microsoft Access Setup dialog box, enter a Data Source Name. The maximum length of the Data Source Name is eight characters.

6. Add a Description.

7. Click Select and browse to the correct .mdb file.

Figure 10-18 Select database for the data source

8. Click OK to both panels to exit database source setup.

To set an ODBC link in the DSF:

1. Open Isis. Click File > New Design.

2. In the Design Properties click the Configure button.

Tutorial 10-12

Set up a ODBC link to the drillholes.mdb MS Access database.


3. In the Data Source Setup, select ODBC from the Source drop-down list box.

Figure 10-19 Data Source Setup dialog box

4. Choose the Data source created in Windows. Enter a User name and Password if these exist for the database. If the database is not password protected, leave these blank.

5. Click Configure to link a table in the database Source to the design table.

Figure 10-20 Configure database source for a table

6. Click the Source Information button in the Source column to link fields in the

design, to columns in the ODBC database.

Figure 10-21 Source information button and dialog box

7. After all fields in each table are connected, click File > Save to save the design.

To confirm the ODBC connection:

1. Click File > Open Database.

2. Select ODBC Link, then select the ODBC-linked design from the drop-down list. Click OK.

Figure 10-22 Open a database via ODBC windows connection

Source Information



AcQuire™The acQuire interface in Vulcan creates a link to an acQuire database containing drillhole or composite data. The link is saved as a file in the working directory with the convention <project_prefix><link_name>.acq.isis. Once the link is in place, the interface performs like acQuire, with dialog boxes to control which data displays.

A .dsf file is not necessary, but a data source in Windows is required.

To set up an acQuire/SQL Data Source connection in Windows 32-bit:

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.

2. Double-click Administrative Tools. If the Administrative Tools icon is not available, switch to Classic View (Vista) or choose to View by either Small icons

or Large icons (Windows 7).

3. Click Add button to create a new data source.

4. Select SQL Server. Click Finish.

Figure 10-23 Create a new SQL data source

5. Name the data source and give it a Description. The Server to connect to should be the name of the computer where the database is stored. Click Next.

Figure 10-24 Configure a new SQL/acQuire data source

Note: To set up a data source and configure the link between Vulcan and an acQuire database, you need to have access to an acQuire database server.

AcQuire™ 105

6. Check Connect to SQL Server to obtain default settings for the additional

configuration options. Click Next.

Figure 10-25 Verification settings for new SQL/acQuire data source

7. Select Change the default database to and select the desired database from the drop-down list. Click Next.

8. Accept the defaults and click Finish.

9. The ODBC Microsoft SQL Server Setup dialog box displays the settings for the newly created link. To verify the connection click Test Data Source.

10. Verify that the ‘TESTS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY!’ and click OK.

Figure 10-26 Successful connectivity message

11. Click OK on all panels to exit data source configuration.

To set up an acQuire/SQL Data Source connection in Windows 64-bit:

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64.

2. Double-click odbcad32.exe.

3. Click the Add button to create a new data source.



4. Select SQL Server. Click Finish.

Figure 10-27 Create a new SQL data source

5. Name the data source and give it a Description. The Server to connect to should be the name of the computer where the database is stored. Click Next.

Figure 10-28 Configure a new SQL/acQuire data source

6. Check Connect to SQL Server to obtain default settings for the additional

configuration options. Click Next.

Figure 10-29 Verification settings for new SQL/acQuire data source

7. Select option Change the default database to and select the desired database from the drop-down list. Click Next.

8. Accept the defaults and click Finish.

9. The ODBC Microsoft SQL Server Setup dialog box displays the settings for the newly created link. To verify the connection click Test Data Source.

AcQuire™ 107

10. Verify that the ‘TESTS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY!’ and click OK.

Figure 10-30 Successful connectivity message

11. Click OK on all panels to exit data source configuration.

After a data source is set up through Windows, access the source using Vulcan Isis. To

connect to an acQuire database in Vulcan Isis:

1. Open Isis.

2. Click File > AcQuire.

3. Select Setup a new acQuire database link, and enter a name for the link. Click OK.

Figure 10-31 Name an acQuire link

4. Choose the type of caching required and click OK.

Tutorial 10-13

If you have access to a server, set up a data source to the acQuire database provided in the accompanying course data set.



5. Select the data source from the ODBC Name list and click CONNECT.

Figure 10-32 Select data source for connection

6. If required, enter your the user name and password for the database.

The dialog box is the same as that displayed by acQuire.

Figure 10-33 Select data from acQuire dialog box

The following tutorials show how to configure the acQuire database for use in Vulcan using the most popular acQuire panel options.

AcQuire™ 109

Click OK to display a new dialog box where Vulcan abbreviations can be managed. By default, Vulcan field names are shortened versions of an acQuire field name.The default field name can be altered. Customised field names are limited to six characters. Duplicate field names within a table are not allowed.

Tutorial 10-14

1. Click the Select Holes tab and expand the Export list.

2. Click on Collar to load collar data.

3. Click Preview to view the selected drillholes.

4. Click the Filter button to limit the drillholes by a specific field.

Figure 10-34 Filter acQuire data

Tutorial 10-15

1. Click the Assay tab and expand the Export list.

2. Select all the fields in the Best Assays directory.

3. Click OK to accept the settings.

Figure 10-35 Select Assay data



Figure 10-36 Define Vulcan field alias

Click OK to complete field configuration and continue to down hole survey definition.

The down hole survey Style controls how holes are displayed in Envisage. The most common style is Tangent.

Figure 10-37 Configure down hole survey

When the link to an acQuire database is complete, the Isis database functions like any other Vulcan database.The name of the database is <LinkName>.acq.isis.

Figure 10-38 Open acQuire database

Tutorial 10-16

Verify or change the Vulcan field names and click OK.

Tutorial 10-17

Choose a survey style and click OK.

Open Databases 111

View a Database in Isis

Open DatabasesTo open or close an Isis database:

1. Open Isis.

2. Click File > Open Database. Select ISIS File to open a headered database, or ODBC Link to open a connection to an external source.

Click Open as read-only to prevent accidental changes to the database.

Figure 11-1 Open an Isis database

3. Click File > Close or File > Quit Isis to close the database.

Tip: Double-click a database name in Vulcan Explorer to open an existing database quickly.

Tip: Click Isis and Envisage icons next to the Vulcan Start menu to toggle

between utilities.

Tutorial 11-1

Open thordrill.dhd.isis. Ensure everything looks correct and that each table is populated with data.


112 Chapter 11 View a Database in Isis

Vulcan ExplorerThe User Database folder at the bottom of Vulcan Explorer’s folder tree classifies all databases into two categories: Headered and ODBC. The actual database files are shown as containers within the appropriate folder. Each database container contains two groups of information:

The Objects sub-folder lists every drillhole record in the database.

The Design container lists every table and field in the database.

Notebook/Multiple Window ViewsThere are two ways to display the database in Isis:

Notebooks

Multiple Windows

Notebooks

Notebook is the default view that displays databases as a single window with database tables shown as tabs. Each tab is made up of rows and columns. The columns correspond to the database fields, and the rows correspond to field data entries.

To view information for a specific record (drillhole) choose the drillhole name from the drop-down list located in the top left corner. Alternately, enter a drillhole name and press [Enter].

The contents of the rows and columns in each table’s tab vary as different drillholes are selected. Select a table’s tab to view its contents

Right-click a row number in a table to open a context menu of edit options.

Right-click a column name in a table for sort options.

Figure 11-2 Notebooks view

Tip: Drillhole names are case sensitive. Drillholes named AB1, ab1, Ab1 and aB1 are all treated as unique drillholes. Avoid using spaces or special characters (such as %, $, |) in drillhole names.

Notebook/Multiple Window Views 113

Multiple Windows

The multiple windows display tables in separate windows. To change from the default Notebook view, use Edit > Preferences and select Multiple windows. Close and reopen the database to apply changes made to Edit > Preferences.

Figure 11-3 Preferences dialog box

Initially, a database opens in a single window. This is an index table which lists the tables contained within the database. The drop-down list box in the top left corner of the index table lists all the database records (drillholes) for the database.

Figure 11-4 Database records

Double-click on a table name to display the table in a separate window. Windows may be launched for each table. Windows can be resized or positioned with standard Microsoft Windows® resizing and positioning techniques.

Tutorial 11-2

Open the database in a Multiple Windows view.

Tip: The Window menu in Isis quickly arranges table windows.


114 Chapter 11 View a Database in Isis

Figure 11-5 Multiple Windows View

Tutorial 11-3

Select the view you prefer.

Legends 115

View a Databasein Envisage

Use the Geology menu to query Drillhole databases in Vulcan Envisage. Geology >

Drilling options displays drilling data in several ways. Create a colour legend to view drillholes in Envisage.

LegendsLegends are saved the scheme file (.scd). The file is stored in the current working

directory unless the corporate standards environment variable is enabled. The Scheme file naming convention is <project_code>.scd or corpstd.scd.

Legend options are found under Analyse > Legend Edit. To build a legend, select Analyse > Legend Edit > Legend Editor.

A list of schemes appears; DRILL and SCALE schemes apply to drillholes.

A DRILL scheme provides standard colours for drillhole traces. SCALE schemes make display discs on intervals of interest to make them more obvious.


116 Chapter 12 View a Database in Envisage

Figure 12-1 Legend Editor Panel - Drill Legend

To create a legend, double-click [*] New Legend in the desired folder. Right-click the

untitled legend, choose Rename, and enter a new title.

Consider the following options when creating a DRILL legend:

Scheme Type: Type of data for the legend to show, either Alpha or Numeric.

Use Database: Choose an existing database to help fill out panel fields. Database fields populate drop down lists to help avoid error.

Record (Table): Enter or choose the table where data of interest exists. For example, to display gold values, choose ASSAY.

Field Name: Enter or choose the field where data of interest exists. For example, AU.

To/From: Instructs how to draw intervals downhole. Most often, the value is TO

and FROM, respectively.

Unassigned: Enter a default value which exists in the selected field. The value is ignored when colour ranges are built. This option is only available for Numeric legends.

Data Range: When a database is specified, click Get Range to build ranges based upon values in the Field Name. The Interval value defines the Colour Ranges bin

Note: Entries in Legend Editor must match the database table and field names exactly. If incorrect, the drillholes either load with incorrect colours or they do not load at all.

Legends 117

size when Build Colour Ranges is selected. This option is only available for Numeric legends.

Range Mode: Defines how Colour Ranges apply Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To arguments. This option is only available for Numeric legends.

For example, if GELT were applied to intervals shown in Table 12-1:

Values greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1 would be green.

Values greater than or equal to 1 and less than 2, would be orange.

Use Null values and non-logged intervals colour controls how a hole trace displays when loaded into Envisage.

Build Colour Ranges: Populates Colour Ranges intervals automatically based upon data and entries in Data range.

Colour Ranges: Select a colour for each interval. Alternately, right-click the Colour column header and select Colour Range from the context menu.

Table 12-1 Intervals

0 1 Green

1 2 Orange

Note: Data can be copied and pasted between columns and rows.

Right click an interval row number to insert or delete rows.

Tutorial 12-1

Create a drillhole legend to display the gold values in the database. Use intervals shown in Figure 12-2.

Figure 12-2 Gold colour ranges



Alpha legends are case sensitive. TQ1, tq1, Tq1 and tQ1 are all unique entries.

Load DrillholesTo load drillholes:

1. Click Geology > Drilling > Open Database.

Figure 12-4 Open Geological Database dialog box

2. Click Geology > Drilling > Load Drillholes. The data can be loaded in a variety of ways as shown in Figure 12-5.

Tutorial 12-2

Create a legend to display the different rock types shown.

Figure 12-3 Colour Ranges for Alpha legend

Load Drillholes 119

Figure 12-5 Load Drillholes dialog box

Name: Loads holes based on drillhole name. Wildcards may be used.

Section: Loads holes within a specified distance from a displayed line.

Polygon: Loads all drilling within the boundaries of a displayed polygon.

Selection File: Loads holes which match names listed in a selection file.

Extent: Loads holes within a a cube defined by minimum and maximum X, Y, and Z ranges.

Triangulation: Loads holes that intersect loaded triangulation.

Filter: Loads subsets of drillholes using a selection filter set up under Geology > Drilling > Selection Filter.

Tip: If a legend name is not specified, several panels display which configure a temporary legend. The legend is only available until the drillholes are removed, and cannot be saved or reused. It is advisable to create an appropriate legend before loading drillholes via Analyse > Legend Edit > Legend Editor. See “Legends” on page 115.

Note: Drillholes that display as all one colour or are not visible indicate a problem within the legend database fields.


Envisage : Geology : Drilling : Load Drillholes

Tutorial 12-3

Load the drillholes using the gold legend created in Tutorial 12-1. Ensure that the drillhole traces are curved and multi-coloured.



Label DrillholesGeology > Drilling > Label On or Geology > Drilling > Multi Label

On labels loaded drillholes. Note that Label On only labels a single field and the labels are displayed with a single colour. Multi Label On can display several labels, and label properties can be controlled.

Geology > Drilling > Label On prompts for drillhole selection using

standard criteria. To load a single drillhole, choose Object and click on the desired drillhole. To label all drillholes, select Layer and then click on any drillhole. Confirm layer DIG$DRILL, as this is the temporary layer drillholes are loaded into. When prompted, select which field to label on the selected drillholes.

Geology > Drilling > Label Off removes drillhole labels.

Geology > Drilling > Multi Label On has robust label colour and decimal place control. Tick marks can define intervals. Multiple label types can display on the left and right of the trace.

Click Geology > Drilling > Multi Label Properties to change label font properties.

Figure 12-6 Drillhole Multi Label options

Tutorial 12-4

Label the gold grade values on-screen using the Geology > Drilling > Label On.

Tutorial 12-5

1. Remove the labels created in Tutorial 12-4.

2. Use Geology > Drilling > Multi Label On to label the gold values on the left and the copper values and lithology on the right.

3. Select a font style and size that works best with your data.

Label Drillholes 121

To display discs around portions of drillhole:

1. Create a SCALE legend using Analyse > Legend Edit > Legend Editor.

2. Manually enter disc width or import it from a database column.

3. Select a Drill Legend to link with the scale legend. Disc widths are displayed disc diameters in project units. Drill Legend drop-downs populate with either Alpha or Numeric legends based upon the Scheme Type selected.

Figure 12-7 Legend Editor – New Scale Legend

Tutorial 12-6

Create a scale legend associated with the Gold drill legend created in Tutorial 12-1 using disc widths in Figure 12-8.

Figure 12-8 Scale legend disc widths



To display only collar points without drillhole traces:

1. Click Geology > Drilling > Load Drillholes.

2. Check Display drillhole location only.

Figure 12-9 Load Drillholes panel - Collar location only

Tutorial 12-7

Create a scale legend to easily identify the TQ1 lithological unit.

Note: No legend is required when displaying only collars.

Tutorial 12-8

Load only the drillhole collar points and save these points to a layer named DRILLHOLE_COLLARS.

Edit the Database Structure 123

Database Maintenance

Edit the Database StructureA headered database structure is controlled by header information contained in the

database, which mirrors the design file used when the database was initially created.

An ODBC-linked database structure is controlled by the design used to access the external database.

The following actions change the database structure: add or delete tables and/or fields, rename tables and/or fields, change field character types, alter field lengths, change decimal places, and change table and/or field synonyms.

Note: An Isis design file is used to import data into a Vulcan headered database and to establish a database header. After the database is created, an Isis design file has no connection to the newly-created headered database. Altering an Isis design source file used to create the database does not affect the structure of an existing Vulcan headered database.

Note: An ODBC design file is used to access data which exists in an external database. Altering

an ODBC design file affects the structure of an ODBC-linked Vulcan database.

Note: When a field name is changed, any legends associated with that field need to be modified to reflect the change.

Caution: Corruption may occur if changes are not made carefully when altering database headers. Make a backup copy of the database before altering its structure.

Only add fields to the bottom of a table.

Do not delete fields from a table.

Do not change the length of a Text or Integer field.

Do not change existing field order within a table.

Do not change field types (Text, Integer, Single, Double)


124 Chapter 13 Database Maintenance

Tutorial 13-1

1. Open Isis. Click File > Open Design.

2. Select Headered template (.dsf) and choose odb.dsf design file. Click OK.

3. Click the GEO tab, rename the LITH name field to GEOL.

4. Change the length of the FROM and TO fields to 10.

5. Reduce the decimals on the width field to 2.

Figure 13-1 Alter a design file

6. Click File > Save.

7. Open a database in Isis using odb.dsf and note the changes to the GEO table.

Tutorial 13-2

Modify the LITH field in the alpha legend so it can be used to display drillhole information accessed with the odb.dsf design.

Tutorial 13-3

1. Click File > Open Design.

2. Select Header of Headered template (.isis) and choose thordrill.dhd.isis. Click OK.

Figure 13-2 Select database header

Edit Existing Values 125

Edit Existing ValuesValues in database fields can be manually edited. With the database open, select the hole

to edit and type a value in the desired cell.

Figure 13-5 Change a field value

3. Click the GEO tab, rename the LITH name field to GEOL.

4. Change the length of the FROM and TO fields to 10.

5. Reduce the decimals on the width field to 2.

6. Add a field to the bottom of the GEO table as illustrated in Figure 13-3.

Figure 13-3 Alter a database header

7. Click File > Save.

8. A warning displays. Click OK.

Figure 13-4 Save altered headered database warning

9. Open the database and note the changes to the GEO table.

Tutorial 13-3 (Continued)



Insert/Delete ObjectsTo insert a new hole/object into an open database, click Object > Insert from the Isis menu. Enter necessary information into the tables.

Figure 13-6 COLLAR table

To delete a drillhole from the database, navigate to the drillhole and click Object > Delete.

Tip: Select Edit instead of View when opening a database via Vulcan Explorer context menus.

To save changes, you must have write permissions to the database, and the folder in which it resides.

Tutorial 13-4

Change the AU ASSAY value for the second sample interval of hole L11 to .5. Save your changes.

Tip: If only a collar location is specified with no downhole information, the drillhole does not display in Envisage.

Tutorial 13-5

1. Insert a drillhole with the following properties into thordrill.dhd.isis:

HoleID: H99

Easting: 78260

Northing: 4650

Elevation: 180

Depth: 100

2. Save the changes to the database.

3. In Envisage, display the collar of only hole H99. Do not display any other collars.

Find Values 127

Find ValuesClick Edit > Find to locate specific values within a database. There are two ways to search for information:

Use Text to locate specific values.

Use Equation to locate values which satisfy a condition.

Text

Text is used to locate specific database entries. You can search for both numeric and alphanumeric characters.

Figure 13-7 Find text with advanced search options

If an entry that meets the parameters is located, that field is highlighted. Click Find Next or [CTRL+G] to keep searching with the same parameters. Click Cancel to exit the option.

Equation

Equation is used to locate database entries which meet certain conditions or criteria. Select the table upon which the condition is based from the Table drop-down list, then enter a condition or conditions in the Condition field. Both numeric and alphanumeric characters can be used in conditional searches. One or more conditions can be applied to a search on a single nominated table.

Tip: Click More to enable advanced searching options such as the ability to use wildcards and control over case sensitivity.

Tip: Click More to enable expanded options such as display of located data and search direction.



Figure 13-8 Find data using expanded options

Field CalculationsField calculations may be performed between existing fields on the same table in a database. Examples include converting an imperial unit to a metric unit, or calculating metal equivalent grades.

Click Utilities > Field Calculation. A field must exist in the database to which results can be written. If the specified field already contains data, existing data is overwritten.

The Field Calculation dialog box is divided into several sections. Each row populates one field with values based on entered conditions and equations.

Figure 13-9 Field Calculation dialog box

Tip: Include extra blank fields in a table when your database is first created, in case you want to perform a calculation later. If a database is already created, alter the database structure to append additional fields as you need them. Refer to “Edit the Database Structure” on page 123 for information.

Which drillhole? Which table? Which restrictions? Which field for the result? Which calculation?

Save calculation to a

<name>.fcl file

Load existing

calculation file

Evaluate and

execute calculation

Database Validation 129

Key patterns defines which drillhole(s) should have a calculation applied. Standard wildcard characters can be used:

An asterisk (*) means that all drillholes are considered in subsequent equations.

AB* – Only drillholes starting with AB are considered in subsequent equations.

AB? – Only drillholes AB1 through to AB9 (maximum three characters) are considered in subsequent equations.

AB1 – Only drillhole AB1 is considered in subsequent equations.

Table: Select the table which the fields for the calculation reside from the drop-down list. Calculations can only be performed between fields in the same table.

Condition: Specify field restrictions on calculations. Conditions are useful when a field does not have a legitimate value for use in the calculation. For example, division by zero. Both alphanumeric and numeric characters can be used in conditions.

Multiple conditions can also be applied to several fields in the same table.

Field nominates the field where results of the calculation are stored.

Equation defines what is written into the Field if the calculation Condition evaluates as true. Equations can be a constant value, character, or calculation. Calculations can be an interaction between the values or characters in two existing separate fields, or they can be the interaction between an existing field value, and a constant. Equations can also incorporate alphanumeric characters.

Figure 13-10 Example of categorizing material based on a value.

Database ValidationClick Utilities > Validate to check an existing database for accuracy. The Validate option creates a specification file of parameters which may be used to run a defined set of validation checks on imported data. The specification file has an extension of.dbv and is stored in the current working directory. A specification file name and database on which to run the validation are required.

Note: Alphanumeric characters need to be in double quotes. For example: LITH == “TQ1”


Isis : Utilities : Field Calculation (under Database Management)



Figure 13-11 Database Validation dialog box

Collar Checks Unique Collar Location checks for duplicate collars. Select 2D check only to

discount elevation values when locating duplicate collars

Collar on Surface compares collar locations to the position of a nominated triangulation or grid surface.

Downhole Checks Empty Table ensures that selected tables contain records.

Total Depth compares the Collar table depth against the logged depth of the Assay and Geology tables. Select Override database synonyms to change compared tables.

Overlapping Intervals reports occurrences where logged intervals within the Assay and Geology tables overlap.

Increasing and Decreasing ensures that values in nominated fields increase or decrease downhole.

Maximum Variation ensures consecutive intervals are similar within a defined tolerance.

Unique Values searches for identical values within nominated fields.

Sequence compares downhole information to a defined sequence

Derived Value checks that the value in a nominated field is derived from another field as specified.

Note: By default, validation options use database synonyms to select fields on which to perform checks. To specify alternate database fields, select Override database synonyms and select the desired fields.

Database Validation 131

Along Record ChecksField sum assures nominated fields add up to a specified value.

Individual Field Checks Minimum and Maximum Values reports when values in nominated fields fall

outside a specified range.

Translations checks that all values have translations.

Case Of compares values within a single field to a specified list. The check is case-sensitive, so typographical errors related to capitalization are reported.

Mandatory assures there are values within the nominated tables and fields.

Expression checks that all characters within a chosen field match a defined pattern. The definition can include a number, letter, space or character.

Report

Use Report to designate the name and location of the error report and whether the format of the report is CSV or Standard. Select View report in, then choose Excel to open the error report in an Excel window.

Save and Run

The name of the specification file may be changed. If no errors were found, a dialog box indicates that all tests passed.

Tutorial 13-6

Use the Utilities > Validate to ensure the integrity of thordrill.dhd.isis.

1. Name the specification Intro_Test.

2. Use the Unique Collar Location panel to specify a 3D check.

3. Check for Overlapping Intervals on the ASSAY table, select Compare To and

From fields.

4. Click Case Of to check all lithology in the database to ensure that all entries are upper case. Enter the following lithology values: TQ1, TQ2, TQ3, TQ4, TQ5, TQ6, TQ7, TQ8, TQ9, TQ10, TQ11, TQ12, TQ13.

5. Click Report to generate a file named failed_tests in CSV format. Choose to view the report in Excel.

6. Click Save to save the specification file and then Run to check the database.

7. Use the error report to handle discrepancies in the database.



Figure 13-12 Validation Error Report

Export DataYou can export all or part of a database to ASCII file(s). Isis allows for export to two ASCII formats:

Database Listing format (.dbl).

Standard ASCII format (includes .csv).

Both options are accessed from the Utilities menu.

Database List format

The Utilities > Export > Database option exports a database to a database list format. The entire database is exported. It is not possible to export only certain records from the database. The resultant file name is <name>.dbl.

Figure 13-13 Export Database

Export Data 133

Figure 13-14 Exported database in ASCII .dbl format

Standard ASCII format

Use Utilities > Export > Tables to export a database to one or more standard ASCII format files. The number of resulting files depends on the database structure and the export parameters specified.

The entire database or parts can be exported as either:

Character separated value (.csv) format, in which commas or other characters are specified as the delimiting characters.

Delimited format, in which a space or number of spaces is used to arrange the data into columns.

Any file extension can be specified with either format. Resultant files are saved to the current working folder, with the naming convention <name>.<extension>. Isis uses database and table names to construct a <name>. Files can be renamed if required.

Figure 13-15 Export Tables dialog box

Tip: Export an Isis database in .dbl format to create a backup of the database quickly. Click Utilities > Import > Database to import data into a database.



Choose to export All Tables, a single table, or choose the information to export with a condition. Select Condition and click Define to enter desired condition(s).

Figure 13-16 Export tables with a condition

Whole object: exports all the tables from the database when the condition is satisfied. In Figure 13-16 all data (COLLAR, SURVEY, GEO, ASSAY and STRUCT) would export for drillholes whose HOLEID starts with LK.

Matching records only exports records from the chosen table. In Figure 13-16 only COLLAR entries for drillholes whose HOLEID starts with LK would export.

The disk icon saves the conditions to a specification file. The naming convention of this file is <name>.tbe.

Updating an Existing DatabaseAn existing database may be updated with new information. It is helpful if the new information is in the same format as the existing database, but this is not necessary.

1. Choose File > Import > CSV (Databases).

2. Select Databases (update) and click OK.

The panel used to update an existing database is similar to the panel used to import CSV data (see “Import Data into a Database” on page 95). When updating a database, there is an option to Add new data records found in CSV table.

Saved specifications can be used to make field connections as long as the new .csv files are structured the same as those used when the specification file was created.

Tutorial 13-7

1. Export the LK* holes to .csv files.

2. Open the thordrill_dhd_collar.csv file.

3. Ensure only LK holes exist.

Updating an Existing Database 135

Figure 13-17 Update existing database with CSV files

3. Field connections made during an update are similar to when performing an import with one exception. When updating a database, specify a Field on which to

match/sort this records. This unique field is used to determine which records within an existing drillhole already exist and should be replaced. The TO or FROM field generally works well.

Figure 13-18 Choose a unique field to sort records

Tutorial 13-8

1. Make a backup copy of thordrill.dhd.isis.

2. Open collar.csv.

3. Save the newly changed file with a new name: collar2.csv.

4. Change the name of the LK* drillholes to TK*.

5. Repeat the procedure for survey, assay, structure and geology CSV files.

6. Update thordrill.dhd.isis with the new CSV files.



Database Record Definition 137

Drilling Utilities

The most commonly-used tools in Geology > Drilling Utilities are used to check drillhole intervals, locate holes of interest on-screen, create selection files, and generate MAP files.

Database Record Definition Complete Geology > Drilling Utilities > Database Record Definition to use most Geology > Drilling Utilities options. Database definitions are stored in the <prefix>.gute_spec file.

Define FROM and TO intervals for each database table. Horizons should be defined when working with stratified deposits such as coal.

Figure 14-1 Set up Database Definitions

Tutorial 14-1

Complete the Database Record Definition dialog box for ASSAY, GEO and STRUCT.


138 Chapter 14 Drilling Utilities

Horizon Lists If working with stratigraphic data, Geology > Drilling Utilities > Horizon List defines

depositional seams in descending order. Horizon lists are used for stratigraphic options such as grid models or drilling sections. You can create a Horizon list manually or automatically.

1. Click Geology > Drilling Utilities > Horizon List.

2. Click Load Glob File to import horizons from an existing .gdc_glob file. As a horizon list does not exist for this project, ignore this panel and click Horizon List from the panel tree.

3. Enter horizons into Horizon List fields or click Build Horizon List to generate fields automatically from the field defined in Geology > Drilling Utilities >

Database Record Definition.

Figure 14-2 Populated Horizon List

Tip: A Horizon must be defined in Database Record Definitions before automatically generating Horizons.

Note: The horizon list is stored in a .gdc_glob file. If this file does not already exist in the working directory, you are prompted to create one. Click Yes when prompted, and Vulcan automatically creates the .gdc_glob file.

Tip: Build Horizon List can help find erroneous entries in the database.

Tip: To create a legend with all Horizons, copy and paste the Horizons into an appropriate dialog box in the Analyse > Legend Edit > Create menu.

Work with Drillholes 139

4. Splits List defines the splitting relationship of seams. Seams with no splits are

listed under the Child Split column. Seams with splitting should be defined with the smallest degree of splitting in the Child Split column, merging with bigger seams to the right. The parent seam should be the last seam merged into on the right.

Figure 14-3 Populated Splits List

Work with Drillholes

Check Holes

Geology > Drilling Utilities > Check Drillholes performs simple checks on drillholes. Although drillhole checks in Envisage are not as robust as Isis checks, Envisage graphically highlights holes that fail simple tests.

Check each table in the database individually.

Horizons are checked based on the Horizon List.

A polygon is drawn around holes which fail the check with the defined colour and size. The size of the polygon is a radius with the drillhole collar as the centre point; therefore an entry of 50 draws a 100 x 100 square.

Figure 14-4 Check Drillholes dialog box

Tip: Horizon options only work on stratigraphic data sets.



Information for failed holes display in the Report window.

Figure 14-5 Example Check Drillholes Report

To remove highlighted polygons, select Geology > Drilling Utilities > Clear Located.

Locate Holes

Envisage can graphically locate drillholes which meet a set of criteria such as specific lithology or desired grade. To locate holes:

1. Select Geology > Drilling Utilities > Create/Modify Locate.

2. Choose a Spec file to store location parameter files (Locate id files). The spec file is unique to a project and is named <prefix>.gute_spec.

Figure 14-6 Locate - ID dialog box

Enter the name of the parameter in Locate id. Several different locate IDs can be saved to the Spec file and run at a later date.

Figure 14-7 Define location parameters

3. Save definition specifies the name of the Locate id to be saved into <prefix>.gute_spec. Enter a name or choose one from the drop-down list.

Work with Drillholes 141

4. Locate holes based upon alphanumeric or numeric fields in the database. Choose a table and field to use to locate drillholes. Enter a value in the contents column if the selected field is alphanumeric, or enter minimum and maximum values if the selected field is numeric.

5. Choose how the defined location conditions are applied to the database.

6. Select which Hole(s) the condition applies to. Use located applies the defined conditions to holes already located in Envisage.

7. Choose a colour and size for the polygon which highlights all drillholes meeting the defined location criteria.

Set Visibility of Located Holes

Located or non-located holes can be set to visible/invisible with Geology > Drilling

Utilities > Set Visibility of Located. If multiple locate IDs have been run, the Last

located invisible or All located invisible options are available.

Figure 14-8 Location Visibility Menu

Extract Located Holes to CSV/Database

Click Geology > Drilling Utilities > Extract Located To DB or CSV to extract located holes to a database or .csv file. To write to a database, enter a database name when prompted. CSV files are named <Table_Name>.csv.

To remove located drillhole polygons click Geology > Drilling Utilities > Clear located. This clears the locate square, but the located drillhole remains loaded.

Tip: Values entered for Character variables are case-sensitive (e.g. a8 differs from A8).

Tutorial 14-2

Locate the holes where at least one gold value within the TQ1 lithology has a gold value greater than 0.3.

Tutorial 14-3

Export located holes into a new database named thorhighgrade.



Create a selection file from located holes

A selection file is list of drillhole collars saved with the convention <name>.sel. Several Vulcan operations such as drillhole loads, database composites, block model estimation, and advanced statistics have the ability to use selection files to restrict operations to only those holes defined in a selection file.

Figure 14-9 Restrict drillhole load with a selection file

Mapfile OverviewMapfiles are text files that represent drillhole data in a spatial X,Y, Z format, as opposed to the relative depth from collar representation found in a drillhole database. They are similar to a straight composite database as they record the top, bottom, and midpoint locations in a single intercept as well as the quality values of that intercept. Mapfiles are used in stratigraphic modelling.

Mapfiles consist of two parts; a header and a body. The header defines columns that exist in the mapfile, while the body contains data broken into columns. Mapfiles can vary in size and data composition. Use Geology > Drilling > Mapfile to load points in Envisage.

Tutorial 14-4

Create a selection file from located holes.

Mapfile Overview 143

Figure 14-10 Load mapfiles in Envisage

Select a Mapfile, then click OK.

Choose which variable from the mapfile to load into Envisage.

Figure 14-11 Mapfile points displayed in Envisage



Introduction to Triangulations 145

Triangulation Models

Introduction to TriangulationsTriangulations are highly accurate mathematical representations of data in three dimensions. A series of 3D coordinate points, and the linkages between them, form a set of triangulated planes that define a surface or enclose a volume.

Figure 15-1 Triangulated planes

Triangulations are stored as individual files which may be copied, renamed and deleted through Vulcan Explorer or Windows Explorer. Triangulations in Vulcan are saved with the file extension .00t.

Vulcan categorises triangulations into two types:

Surface triangulation models are 3D representations of data which do not enclose a volume. Surface triangulations have distinct edges.

Solid triangulations represent a closed volume in 3D space, therefore they do not have distinct edges.

Triangulation models honour all data points from which they are created. Unless smoothed, they do not interpolate intermediate points. The resulting triangulation is coarse where data is sparse and detailed where data is dense. Some examples of data which can be modelled include: topography or digital terrain models (DTM), fault surfaces, pit shells, or ore bodies.

Tip: Avoid using spaces or special characters in triangulation names as this causes some Vulcan options to fail.


146 Chapter 15 Triangulation Models

Advantages of TriangulationsVulcan triangulations are powerful display and analysis tools.

Diverse surface or solid shapes may be modelled with triangulations. Examples include: topography, mine excavations, geological surfaces, ore bodies, underground development, underground stopes, arbitrary attribute models, and groundwater levels.

Volumes obtained from triangulations are more accurate than those obtained using more traditional polygonal or end-area volumetric methods.

Cut-and-fill volumes can be easily calculated.

The 3D nature of triangulations coupled with Vulcan’s powerful graphical tools enable high quality visualisation that can rapidly convey the concepts of a geological model or engineering design.

Figure 15-2 Examples of triangulation models

Disadvantages of Triangulations

The complex nature of some triangulations requires that considerable care be taken during their construction. Processing time is directly proportional to the number of data points considered.

Sometimes triangulation algorithms create shapes which do not match the shape that experience and knowledge of the data would expect. Several techniques are available to help create expected shapes.

Triangulation modelling methods may not be ideal for modelling sparse data, as resulting large, flat triangles provide coarse resolution. Vulcan’s grid modelling program estimates values in the gaps between the raw data points to provide a smoother surface.

Load Triangulations 147

Load TriangulationsOptions for loading triangulations into the Envisage window include:

Double-click on a triangulation name in Vulcan Explorer.

Right-click on a triangulation name in Vulcan Explorer and select Load.

To select multiple triangulations to load, hold either the [SHIFT] or [CTRL] key, and left-click triangulation names.

Drag-and-drop a triangulation from Vulcan Explorer into Envisage.

To select multiple triangulations to drag-and-drop, hold the [SHIFT] to select the first and last triangulation in a group or hold the [CTRL] key and left-click individual triangulation names.

Click Model > Triangle Utility > Load and select a triangulation from the drop-down list.

Click Model > Triangle Utility > List or click List Triangulations on the Open toolbar.

Figure 15-3 Open toolbar - List Triangulations

Figure 15-4 Windows open dialog box

This is a common open dialog box used by Windows programs. Selections are made from the list of files displayed on the left side of the dialog box, then moved to the right side of the box with arrow buttons in the centre.

Model > Triangle Utility > Load by Location narrows down triangulation pick lists. Choose a group of triangulations, then define the extents which restrict the load.



Unload Triangulations Right-click on a loaded triangulation and select Remove.

Right-click on a triangulation file name in Vulcan Explorer and select Remove.

Model > Triangle Utility > Remove prompts for selection of a loaded triangulation.

Model > Triangle Utility > Remove by Name removes triangulations based upon the triangulation’s name.

Model > Triangle Utility > Remove by Location removes triangulations based upon geographic location.

Triangle Attributes (Properties)Triangle attributes, such as colour, can be set upon creation. To change attributes of an existing triangulation, click Model > Triangle Utility > Attributes or right-click on a loaded triangulation and select Properties.

The triangulation properties dialog box has two tabs; Shading and Advanced. Both tabs control triangulation appearance.

There are two options for shading; Solid shade triangulation or Draw as wireframe.

Figure 15-5 Solid shade triangulation

Tutorial 15-1

Load triangulations into Envisage, then remove them.

1. Open a design database.

2. In the Vulcan Explorer window, click the plus (+) symbol to expand the Triangulations folder.

3. Double-click topo.00t. Use the rotation tools to view the triangulation in 3D.

4. Right-click the surface topography in Envisage and select Remove.

5. Select pit.00t and topo.00t in Vulcan Explorer.

6. Right-click on either file and choose Load.

7. Right-click on one of the triangulations Envisage and select Remove All.

Triangle Attributes (Properties) 149

Figure 15-6 Wireframe triangulation

There are three options for solid shaded triangulations.

Draw wireframe mesh over surface displays individual triangles used to

construct the model, which helps visualise complicated triangulations.

Ensure triangulation is not striped removes strange lighting effects when

overlaying images onto surfaces.

Smooth shading is a visual effect. The true surface does not change, therefore

surface areas and volumes remain intact.

Surface definition angle is an angle required between triangle normals for

the surface to be considered continuous. If an angle is less than this value, then the triangles are considered to be on different surfaces. If you set this angle to 0°, then all triangles are considered to be on different surfaces.

If you set the angle to 180°, then all of the triangles are considered to be on one surface, and colours blend over the whole model.

Use load time shading uses whichever light direction is active when the

triangulation is loaded. If light direction is changed, the triangulation has to be reloaded before the change is recognised.

Two options are available when Draw as Wireframe is selected.

Fill triangles with pattern, applies a pattern to a wireframe mesh.

Display simple contours displays contour lines at a defined interval.

Figure 15-7 Simple contours at 10 unit intervals.

There are two different ways to colour a triangulation.

Use RGB colour: Select a colour not defined on the Vulcan colour palette.

Use Colour index: Select from one of 32 colours on the Vulcan colour palette.



Select the preferred colour method, then click the box below the chosen option to display a colour palette.

Figure 15-8 Vulcan colour palette

The Advanced tab contains options to enhance visual effects on triangulations.

Axis Colouring options are enabled if Solid shade triangulation is chosen on the Shading tab.

Check Colour by axis to control different X, Y or Z colour options.

Figure 15-9 Colour topography by z axis

Equalise range ensures the entire spectrum is used across the axis range.

Spectrum applies a rainbow Colour scheme to a range of values along the

specified axis.

Click Modify to use alternative axis colouring options.

Triangle Attributes (Properties) 151

Figure 15-10 Surface coloured by Z-axis with Spectrum scheme

Texture resource drapes a triangulation with an image, for example an image of an aerial photograph or a satellite image. An example of the use of textures is in pit or face mapping, where a digital image of the rock face can be draped onto a pit or stope design.

To apply an image to a triangulation, select Texture resource and pick the image file from the drop-down list.

Check Blend texture with triangulation colour to view both the draped image

and applied lighting.

Figure 15-11 Image draped on a topography triangulation

Check Translucent triangulation to control triangulation visibility. Set the value to

100 for a completely translucent triangulation, or 0 for a completely opaque triangulation.

Note: Before loading an image, it must be registered to the triangulation with Image Registration tools found in the Model > Image Registration menu.

Tutorial 15-2

Changing triangulation attributes:

1. Load the topo.00t surface triangulation.

2. Change the colour of the triangulation.

3. Draw a wireframe mesh over the solid-shaded triangulation.

4. Colour by the Z axis using a Spectrum scheme.

5. Change the translucency to 75%.



Create a Surface 153

Triangulation Surfaces

Create a SurfaceAny object data, such as points, lines, or polygons, may be used to create surface triangulation models.

Click Model > Triangle Surface > Create.

Figure 16-1 Create triangulation surface - Data Tab

Tip: Load all data to triangulate, including limiting polygons, in Envisage before entering the triangulation creation option.


Envisage : Model : Triangle Surface : Create


154 Chapter 16 Triangulation Surfaces

Data Tab The Data tab controls how data is projected and where it is located after creation.

Triangulate data in plan view creates horizontal and sub-horizontal surface triangulations. For triangulations in other orientations, use Triangulate data

projected against a plane or Triangulate data projected against a sphere.

Check Use W tag in place of Z value if a triangulation representing W tag values is desired.

Use Breaklines if data being digitised crosses in Plan view. Points will be interpreted at crossing points in an attempt to respect all data. Breakline

tolerance stops formation of long, narrow triangles.

Boundary Tab

Figure 16-2 Create triangulation surface - Boundary Tab

Boundary options define how to use polygons which limit triangulation extents.

Use boundary polygon as part of triangulation data includes data points from the polygon when creating the surface.

Figure 16-3 Include polygon points in triangulation

Exclude boundary polygon from data uses the polygon to restrict data, but does not use polygon points during triangulation construction.

Figure 16-4 Exclude boundary polygon from triangulation


Relimit triangulation with boundary polygon excludes polygon points when triangulating, and clips the resulting triangulation with the polygon.

Figure 16-5 Polygon relimits triangulation

Trending Tab

Figure 16-6 Create triangulation surface - Trending Tab

Trending options apply a geological trend to the surface upon creation. Trending uses a best-fit mathematical model to estimate the surface shape between data points.

Apply polynomial trending applies a regional trend to the surface. Specify a trend order which relates to the complexity of the surface to be modelled.

Check Return only trend model values as results to generate the trend surface as the triangulation without including raw data.

Table 16-1 Surface Variations

Order Surface

1 Plane surface

2 Dome or simple syncline (parabolic)

3 Folded surface (anticline and syncline)



Spurs Tab

Figure 16-7 Create triangulation surface - Spurs Tab

The Generate spur strings on the Spurs tab generates lines which control flat ridge crests and valleys when triangulating between contour lines of the same elevation.

Select or enter a Layer name to save strings to an existing or new layer.

Check Incorporate spurs in triangulation to use spur strings during surface generation.

Condition Tab

Figure 16-8 Create triangulation surface - Condition Tab

The Condition tab provides control on individual triangles.

Prevent the formation of flat triangles where possible distorts triangles that have all vertices on the same contour.

Trim the edge triangles restricts triangle size around triangulation edges.

Tip: If the layer name is blank, spur strings are created as an underlay.

Note: Do not use the spur creation options if triangulating a pit design as crest/bench definition may be lost.


Click OK to create a surface. If a boundary polygon is used, select the polygon when prompted. If the wrong polygon is selected, choose Pick again and select the correct polygon.

When prompted, use the best selection option to choose data to triangulate; selected data turns gray. When all data is chosen, right-click to exit the selection command.

Enter a name for the new triangulation. Set properties for the triangulation now, or return later to change attributes.


Envisage : Model : Triangle Surface : Create

Note: Do not uses spaces or special characters in the triangulation name. Vulcan automatically adds the file extension .00t to the name entered in the panel.

Tutorial 16-1

1. Load the CONTOURS and BOUND layers.

2. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Create.

3. Leave Data, Trending and Condition tabs set to default.

4. Triangulate data inside the boundary polygon. Use the polygon to relimit the resulting triangulation.

5. Generate spur strings, and save them to a layer named SPURS. Ensure that

the spurs are not flat, and choose to use them when creating the surface.

6. When prompted, select the boundary polygon and confirm the correct object.

7. Select data to triangulate by Layer, click any object in the CONTOURS layer, and confirm the layer was chosen correctly. Right-click to exit data-selection mode.

8. Name the triangulation topo_contours. Click OK.

9. Rotate and zoom in on the triangulation to inspect the spur strings. Change the triangulation translucency to see the spur strings more clearly. Remove the CONTOURS layer if desired.

Figure 16-9 BOUND and CONTOURS layers



Two PolygonsModel > Triangle Surface > Two Polygons creates a surface triangulation between two polygons which define internal and external boundaries. The boundary polygon is used as part of the triangulation. An example of this is to triangulate between contour lines to create contour rings.

Grid MeshModel > Triangle Surface > Grid Mesh creates a simple grid over an existing triangulated surface. Extents are determined interactively.

Image RegistrationModel > Image Registration options drape images onto triangulations.

Select Model > Image Registration > Create Or Open to access an existing .ireg file or create a new file. An .ireg file stores registration specifications such as correlations between image coordinates and real world coordinates or the path to a registered image.

Choose an .ireg file or enter a name for a new one, then choose an Image file name on the Image Registration Properties dialog box. The following files are compatible with image registration:

JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg)

tagged image file format (.tif or .tiff)

CompuServe GIF (.gif) files

ER Mapped ECW images (.ecw)

Use automatically generated triangulation creates an underlay which covers mapping extents. This option works best if only two or three control points are used. To specify an existing triangulation on which to overlay the image, select Use specified triangulation, and choose the desired triangulation from the drop down list.

Figure 16-10 Image Registration Properties

Image Registration 159

The check box for Sharp pixel boundaries makes pixels larger instead of smoothed under strong magnification.

Specify an Image Width in real world units if one control point is used.

Click OK to open a new Image Registration window. Click Window > Tile Vertically to see both windows simultaneously. This makes point correlation easier.

Figure 16-11 Tile windows to make correlation easier

Click Model > Image Registration > Add Point to define points which associate points on the image (image coordinates) to points on the existing triangulation (real world

coordinates). Vulcan prompts for an image coordinate, followed by a real world coordinate. Right-click to exit the command.

If a point is in the wrong place, use Model > Image Registration > Move Point. However, it is typically easier to use Model > Image Registration > Delete Point, and then add points again. Model > Image Registration > Clear All Points deletes all added points.

After adding all points, click Model > Image Registration > Close to close the Image

Registration window and save an .ireg file.

Tip: Choose bright, contrasting and unique colours for the points.

Tip: The more points added to correlate the image with the triangulation, the more accurate the registration is. Use Indicate mode to select image coordinates and Snap to Objects mode to select real world coordinates. Note that each window has a unique set of snapping tools.

Tip: Click Model > Image Registration > Properties to alter properties of an existing image registration.



To apply the.ireg to an existing triangulation, load the triangulation into Envisage. Right

click on the triangulation and choose Properties. Click Advanced, and check Texture

resource. Choose the .ireg file as the Texture name. Click OK to display the image on the triangulation.

Tip: If the image is distorted, click Model > Image Registration > Create or Open to modify the .ireg. Replace existing points, or add more points to clarify the image.

Tutorial 16-2

1. Load image_topo.00t.

2. Create an .ireg file to associate topoThor.jpg to image_topo.00t.

3. Display topoThor.jpg on image_topo.00t via the .ireg file created.

4. Remove the .ireg from image_topo.00t.

5. Apply topo.pexel to this triangulation instead of the .ireg file.

Figure 16-12 Image registration

Create Solids 161

Solid Triangulations

A solid triangulation model is a closed 3D representation of data. The model has no distinct edges and encompasses a volume.

Of several different solid modelling techniques, the two most common use either polygons or Boolean operations.

Solid triangulations are commonly used to represent geological features and structures or for underground mine development planning.

Other Vulcan modules such as Block Modelling, iGantt and Chronos use triangulations.

Create Solids

Use Model > Triangle Solid > Create to build continuous solid triangulations from design strings representing a solid body, such as an ore body, dump, or stope. This option builds triangulations between chosen polygons or lines.

Figure 17-1 Build a triangulation solid from polygons

To ensure valid and accurate solids, check the following:

Polygon points order in the same direction: either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

No duplicate points exist in the polygon.

No overturns (bowties) exist in the polygon.


162 Chapter 17 Solid Triangulations

Click Model > Triangle Solid > Create.

Figure 17-2 Create 3D Solid options

To build a solid triangulation:

1. Click Model > Triangle Solid > Create.

2. Specify creation parameters.

Click OK.

3. When prompted, pick the first string.

4. Choose the second string to triangulate.

5. Select a colour for the triangulation.

A triangulation between the first two strings is generated.

6. When prompted, pick the next string(s) to triangulate.

7. When finished, choose Save from the Triangulation Solid Create menu.

8. Enter a triangulation name and Click OK.

Note: Closed polygons are not required; however the open portion is not triangulated.


Envisage : Model : Triangle Solid : Create

Figure 17-3 Save Solid

Create Solids 163

The Triangulation Solid Create Menu is broken into 2 sections: 3D Picking and 3D Create. 3D Create appears after the first string is chosen.

Table 17-1 3D Picking Options

Command Definition

Complete Uses the entire string or polygon to create the triangulation.

Polygon Interactively creates a polygon used as the next string.

Partial Uses part of a string or polygon for triangulation creation. Partial polygons are used when modelling splitting triangulations.

Line Interactively creates a line, which Vulcan uses to continue the triangulation. Lines are used to pinch-off solid triangulations.

Multiple Specifies multiple objects using the standard criteria selection.Vulcan connects all selected polygons to create a solid triangulation.

Point Interactively selects a point to triangulate.

Translate Copies and moves existing polygons.

Table 17-2 3D Create Options

Command Definition

Save Saves the triangulation.

Reverse Reverses the direction of the last selected string and then re-triangulates between the last two strings.

Split Stops the progression of the triangulation so a new start string can be chosen. If constructing automatic end plates, the last string chosen receives an end plate. If this string is in the middle of a solid, internal walls are formed.

Undo Removes the last section of the triangulation. Do not use any other Undo shortcut options while creating a solid.

Edit Interactively inserts, deletes, moves or filters points during triangulation creation. The option can also delete strings.

Ties Can select existing tie strings or interactively digitise tie lines during triangulation construction.

Delete Deletes triangles which are connected to a chosen polygon. Does not delete triangles associated with an active polygon.

Cancel Cancels the triangulation process. If triangles have been created, a prompt to either Save edits or Don’t Save

appears.



Tutorial 17-1

Create a simple solid from polygons:

1. Load the SIMPLE_SOLID layer.

2. Click Model > Triangle Solid > Create.

3. Leave the Create 3D Solid panel as default and click OK.

4. When prompted, pick the first string.

5. When prompted, pick the next string.

6. Select a colour for the triangulation.

7. Continue selecting all subsequent polygons. Once all polygons are selected, right-click twice and choose Save edits.

8. Name the triangulation simple. Note that the triangulation is not a solid, but more of a tunnel. This is because Construct first end plate and Construct

last end plate were not selected in the Create 3D Solid panel.

9. Click Model > Triangle Solid > Close Solid.

10. Choose Remove Flaps.

11. Name the triangulation simple_closed.

Tutorial 17-2

Create a splitting solid triangulation:

1. Load the PANT_LEG layer.

2. Click Model > Triangle Solid > Create. Accept panel defaults and click OK.

3. Beginning at the top where there is one polygon and working down, pick strings until reaching the polygon where the triangulation splits into “legs.”

Figure 17-4 Split solid triangulation - top of the pants

4. Select Split to choose a new start point in step 6.

5. Click Partial to define part of a larger polygon.

6. When prompted, pick the lowest, large polygon in the “pants”.

7. Click two points to divide the larger polygon into two pieces.

8. Choose This part or Other part to define which half of the polygon to continue with one leg of the pants.

9. Choose to Close String.

Create Solids 165

Figure 17-5 Define where to divide polygon

10. Click Complete so the first complete polygon defining the top of a single pant leg can be chosen.

Figure 17-6 Select first polygon of pant leg 1

11. Continue to the end of the leg.

12. Select Split to choose a continuation point in step 14.

13. Click Partial.

14. Return to the large polygon which was divided and select the same two points chosen previously.

Figure 17-7 Return to divided polygon and choose the remaining half




15. Select Complete, and triangulate the remaining pant leg. Click Save.

16. Name the triangulation Pant_Leg.

Figure 17-8 Split solid triangulation - complete


Tip: If something goes wrong when creating complex triangulations, do not right-click or Cancel the operation. Instead, click Undo on the Triangulation Solid Create menu.

Tutorial 17-3

1. Load the WAREHOUSE layer.

2. Create a solid triangulation of the warehouse building and name it warehouse.00t.

3. Use Snap to Object mode to place a BIG_TRUCK symbol in the warehouse.

4. Make the warehouse invisible so you can see the haul truck.

Figure 17-9 Warehouse building

Tutorial 17-4

1. Load the POLY_1 layer.

2. Create a solid triangulation from these strings and name it tq1.00t.


4. Create a solid triangulation from these strings and name it tq2.00t.


6. Create a solid triangulation from these strings and name it tq3_interpret.00t.

End Plates 167

End Plates

Use Model > Triangle Solid > End Plate to create a flat surface triangulation from a polygon. End plates can be used to close existing solids.

Figure 17-10 Construct end plate dialog box

Construct new triangulation: Creates a flat surface triangulation from a selected polygon. The triangulation will exist as its own file in the Triangulations folder.

Append resulting triangulation: Appends end plates to a loaded triangulation.

When prompted, select a loaded string which defines the end plate. Multiple polygons can be selected to create multiple end plates, though each polygon must be selected individually in Envisage.

Tri Polygons

Model > Triangle Solid > Tri Polygons is similar to Model > Triangle Solid > End Plate, except selection criteria are used to select multiple polygons. In addition, resulting end plates will be appended into a single triangulation.

The Tri Polygons option is useful for imported design strings as other software packages sometimes represent a solid as a group of connected polygons.

Figure 17-11 Open solid triangulation Figure 17-12 Closed solid triangulation

Tutorial 17-5

Use Model > Triangle Solid > End Plate to close the Pant_Leg triangulation.

Note: No topological corrections are performed. If the polygons do not meet properly or have

trifurcation, then this is reflected in the resulting triangulation.



Tutorial 17-6

1. Load layer TRI_POLYS_TQ3.

2. Create a triangulation using Model > Triangle Solid > Tri Polygons.

3. Name the triangulation tq3.

Boolean 169

ManipulateTriangulations

Many Vulcan tools make creating new triangulations from existing triangulations quick and easy. Applications include:

Obtaining a pit solid from a pit design and topography.

Creating pit bench shells.

Determining the common volume of two intersecting solids.

Boolean Model > Triangle Utility > Boolean splits two, loaded triangulations based upon

overlapping sections. The resulting pieces may be used to build a third triangulation.

Note: The loaded triangulations must fully intersect as Boolean does not work well if triangulations share points. If the triangulations touch, but do not intersect, Boolean may not produce reliable results.

Tip: When the Boolean option does not perform as expected due to shared points or lack of intersection, move one of the triangulations slightly. Click Model > Triangle Utility >

Translate to move a triangulation.


170 Chapter 18 Manipulate Triangulations

Figure 18-1 Two triangulations loaded in Envisage

Selected triangulations, are split based upon intersection points. A bold line indicates points of intersection.

Figure 18-2 Intersecting triangulations

Individual pieces are excluded to create various triangulations such as pit material or a pit topography.

Figure 18-3 New pit topography triangulation


Envisage : Model : Triangle Utility : Boolean

Boolean 171

Tutorial 18-1

1. Load topo_contours.00t and pit.00t in Envisage.

2. Use Model > Triangle Utility > Boolean to create a solid triangulation of the material to be mined from the pit.

3. Name this triangulation pit_material.



Shells

Use Model > Triangle Solid > Shells to quickly cut a solid into pieces. This leaves the original triangulation intact, and creates new triangulations based on input parameters.

Figure 18-4 Create Shells dialog box

New triangulations display in Envisage along with the original.

Tutorial 18-2

1. Load pit_material.00t.

2. Select Model > Triangle Solid > Shells.

3. Set options on the Naming tab to name shells PIT1_<elevation>.

4. Create bench solids that are 10 metres starting at an elevation of 0. To enable this functionality, select Calculate fixed width shells on the Parameters tab. Click OK, then Select by grid coordinate and enter an RL of 0.

Figure 18-5 Pit solid triangulation shelled into 10 metre benches

Tutorial 18-3

1. Create a triangulation directory named benches.tri.

2. Move all of the pit bench triangulations to the new directory.

Relimit 173

Relimit

There are three relimiting options:

Model > Triangle Surface > Relimit by Polygon creates a new triangulation from an existing triangulation surface and one or more nominated polygons. Data inside the polygons may be retained or deleted. This option is useful when removing the topography within a pit crest string.

Use Model > Triangle Utility > Relimit creates a new triangulation from an existing triangulation surface or solid and a nominated polygon.

Model > Triangle Surface > Relimit by Solid relimits a surface triangulation against a solid triangulation to create a new triangulation surface.

Figure 18-6 Relimit triangulation surface with a solid

Tip: Model > Triangle Surface > Relimit by Polygon only works in Plan view.

Tutorial 18-4

Relimit surface triangulations:

1. Ensure no triangulations or layers are loaded.

2. Load the RELIMIT layer and topo.00t.

3. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Relimit by Polygon.

4. The topo.00t is automatically selected as it is the only triangulation loaded. Now select the polygon from the RELIMIT layer. Choose Keep Inside and confirm Relimit.

Solid triangulation

Surface triangulation



5. Name the new triangulation topo_relimit.

6. Remove the RELIMIT layer and topo_relimit.00t.

7. Load triangulation solid_1.00t.

Figure 18-7 Relimit triangulation surface by polygon

Tutorial 18-5

Relimit solid triangulations:

1. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Relimit by Solid.

2. First select the topo.00t triangulation, then select the solid_1.00t triangulation. Choose Keep Inside. Name the resulting triangulation topo_relimit_2.

3. Remove all triangulations except topo_relimit_2.


Areas and Volumes 175

Analyse Triangulations

Areas and Volumes

Area

Model > Triangle Surface > Surface Area computes the total surface area of all

triangles for a selected triangulation.

Solid Volumes

Model > Triangle Solid > Volume calculates solid triangulation volumes, and can also estimate tonnage using an average density value. If volumes are needed for multiple triangulations, choose Select solids by name to choose triangulations from a Windows browser instead of Envisage.

Tutorial 19-1

1. Ensure the only triangulation loaded is topo.00t.

2. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Surface Area.

3. On the Triangle surface dialog select Square metres.

4. Click OK. The triangulation is automatically selected if it is the only one loaded.

Tip: Right-click on a loaded triangulation choose Volume to quickly calculate the volume of a single solid. If multiple triangulations are highlighted on-screen, the volume option is not available in context menus

Tutorial 19-2

Determine the volume of tq1.00t.


176 Chapter 19 Analyse Triangulations

Surface Volumes

Model > Triangle Surface > Volume calculates the volume between two triangulated surfaces using relative vertical positions of the two surfaces. Vulcan will prompt for the original and new triangulation.

If triangulations overlap, cut and fill volumes are reported. Triangulation selection order is vital, as cut and fill volumes are classified by triangulation picking order.

Figure 19-1 Cut and fill volumes

Results can be saved to a report file, but they will also display on-screen and in the Envisage tab of the Report window. A report file extension may be specified. By default, a.txt file is generated.

Model > Triangle Surface > Polygons Volumes calculates the volume between two triangulated surfaces within a set of polygons.

Tutorial 19-3Generate a .txt file which contains volumes for each bench of the pit triangulation shelled earlier.

Tutorial 19-4

1. Load topo.00t and pit.00t.

2. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Volume.

3. First select the topo triangulation, and then select the pit projection triangulation.

4. The cut volume is the volume of the pit below the topo. The fill is the volume above the topo and below the pit projection.

5. Click OK to exit the command.

Check Triangulations 177

Repair Triangulations

Triangulations are the foundation for many Vulcan utilities. Poorly-constructed triangulations result in errors or lack of functionality. Tools to check validity or help improve triangulation quality are outlined below.

Check Triangulations

Use Model > Triangle Solid > Check or Model > Triangle Utility > Check to validate triangulations.

If a triangulation does not pass all validity tests, operations which use the triangulation may not produce correct results. This is of particular concern when running reserves.

Triangulations which pass validation tests, but fail stability tests, still provide accurate results. However, precision limitations in some algorithms may produce errors when triangulations contain small triangles. New triangulations created from a triangulation which fails stability are more likely to have errors.

Passing triangulation validity tests is required.

Test for Closure checks for openings, or holes in the triangulation. A triangulation

surface always fails closure along the edges of the surface. As long as this is the only location of failure, it may still be used as a valid triangulation.

Test for Consistency fails if a single edge is shared between more than two

triangles. Failure may indicate internal walls.

Test for Self Intersection checks for crossing triangles.


178 Chapter 20 Repair Triangulations

Figure 20-1 Check Triangulation Validity dialog box

Strings which indicate failure locations may be saved as an Underlay or Layer. To save a string to a layer, enter the name of a new or existing layer.

Triangulation stability can also be checked using the Check Triangulation Stability panel.

Nearly all triangulations that fail a validity check do so because of problems associated

with design data or triangulations used for creation. In most cases it is quicker and simpler to correct raw data rather than the triangulation.

Quick Repair Options

The Model > Triangle Solid and Model > Triangle Surface menus contain commands to help with triangulation repair. Some of the most commonly used commands are discussed below.

Close Solid

Model > Triangle Solid > Close Solid automatically closes all the holes in a loaded solid. This is effective for simple closures, but if a triangulation has multiple open areas or requires complex closure this may not work correctly.

Tip: Change string colour to contrast with the triangulation and apply a thick line style to make strings stand out.


Envisage : Model : Triangle Edit : Check

Tutorial 20-1

Check topo_contours.00t and Pant_Leg.oot to ensure they are valid.

Caution: Create a copy of a triangulation prior to manipulation as many tools do not offer an opportunity to save the altered triangulation with a new name.

Quick Repair Options 179

Figure 20-2 Removing flaps when closing a triangulation

Split

Model > Triangle Solid > Split creates individual triangulations from disjointed parts of a single triangulation. Parts of interest are chosen and a new triangulation is created. This option can also be used to eliminate undesirable pieces.

Figure 20-3 Split a triangulation to eliminate small pieces

Tutorial 20-2

Re-create the Pant_Leg solid triangulation without end plates. Use Model > Triangle

Solid > Close Solid to close the resulting triangulation.

Tip: Always provide a new name for an altered triangulation. This preserves the original in case the changes provide undesirable results.



Options available when choosing pieces are similar to the options within the Boolean command.

An additional command, By Volume, allows for easy elimination of pieces which are less than a specified volume.

Cut

Model > Triangle Utility > Cut cuts a triangulation into two pieces by interactively digitising a cut line. Small problem areas around edges can be removed to fix the triangulation. This option can also be used to quickly cut large triangulations into smaller pieces.

Delete Crossing Triangles

Model > Triangle Edit > Delete Crossing Triangles removes crossing triangles to fix self-intersection problems.The triangulation can be saved as a new triangulation or the input triangulation can be updated.

Tutorial 20-3

Load the split_pit.00t on-screen. Remove the outlying pieces and save.

Tip: Exaggerate the ends of the cut line to ensure a clean cut. See Figure 20-4. Lines which, if continued, would intersect the triangulation again can cause errors. See Figure 20-5.

Figure 20-4 Correct cut line Figure 20-5 Incorrect cut line

Tutorial 20-4

1. Load split_pit.00t.

2. Check the triangulation to locate an inconsistency along an edge.

3. Remove the inconsistency using Model > Triangle Utility > Cut.

General Repair Guidelines 181

General Repair Guidelines

To repair a triangulation, use the following general steps:

1. Check the triangulation.

2. If it fails consistency or crossing, check again and save the problem areas to a layer. Try to identify the problems with the original data.

3. If the problem area is around an edge and is very small, use Model > Triangle

Utility > Cut to remove it.

4. If crossing is still an issue, click Model > Triangle Edit > Delete Crossing

Triangles.

5. Model > Triangle Edit > Snap Vertices may resolve consistency issues

6. To quickly close a solid, click Model > Triangle Solid > Close Solid.

Tip: It is good practice to Save as new triangulation, so the original triangulation remains as a backup in case unexpected results occur.

Tip: When repairing a triangulation, first fix crossing triangles, then consistency issues, and finally closure.


Envisage : Model : Triangle Surface : ContentsEnvisage : Model : Triangle Solid : Contents

Tutorial 20-5

Load fix_1.00t and repair the problem area shown.

Figure 20-6 fix_1.00t problem area



Apply Primitives 183

Primitives

Primitives apply a defined shape to an object. Primitives are useful when repeatedly using 3D designs of the same shape. Instead of re-designing the shape each time, it can be designated as a primitive and applied to objects. Primitives are often applied to centrelines to model roads or underground workings. Resulting shapes can be saved as an object attribute or as a triangulation.

Figure 21-1 Primitive applied to a centre line

Apply Primitives

Click Model > Primitives > Create/Edit Primitives to define or apply a primitive shape.

There are several predefined primitives of common shapes that can be applied at a defined size and alignment. The Alignment option determines where on the selected object the primitive is located. For example, if the chosen object is a centreline and Top is selected, then the centreline runs along the top of the primitive.


184 Chapter 21 Primitives

Figure 21-2 Predefined primitive options

Primitives can be saved as triangulations, object attributes or both.

Attributes look similar to triangulations, but they are saved in a layer.

Triangulations save to .00t files; therefore triangulation properties may be defined.

Figure 21-3 Define primitive format

To apply a primitive to an object, click Select Objects and choose an object loaded in Envisage.

Tip: Ensure objects are correct and clean before creating a triangulation. Some examples of things to check include: duplicate points, overlapping lines, and naming convention.

Custom Primitives 185

Custom Primitives

The User Primitives of the Primitives dialog box can be used to design a new shape. The red point on-screen is the alignment point. When applying a primitive to a line, this point is aligned with the object selected.

Figure 21-4 Design a custom primitive shape

Click Save or Save As to store the primitive for future use. Custom primitives are stored in a Primitives specification file (<proj>.pgd) in the current working folder.

To apply a custom primitive, click Original Primitives in the navigation tree, select Use a

cross-sectional primitive, and choose a saved, custom Primitive from the drop-down list. Rectangles or circles with custom dimensions can also be selected and sized.

Tutorial 21-1

1. Load the RAMP layer.

2. Apply a predefined primitive shape to the ramp.

3. The primitive should measure 15 units wide x 10 units high.

4. Assume the ramp centreline runs along the floor.

5. Save the primitive as a triangulation named RAMP.00t.

Tip: If these tools are not sufficient, Map Object allows selection of an object loaded in Envisage. Any of the standard CAD tools may be used to create a shape. The shape should be drawn in Plan view.



Tutorial 21-2

1. Load the PRIMITIVE layer.

2. Import the primitive using Map Object.

3. Change the alignment of the primitive from centre to top.

4. Name the new primitive STOPE1.

Figure 21-5 Map Object and adjust alignment point

Tools 187

Tools

The Primitives toolbar is a useful tool when working with primitives. Click Tools > Toolbar

Visibility and check Primitives.

Figure 21-7 Primitives toolbar

Other useful options for working with primitives include:

Model > Primitives > Create/Edit Primitives or Design > Attribute Edit > Create/Edit Primitives opens the Primitives dialog box.

Design > Attribute Edit > Primitive Visibility hides or shows primitives saved as object attributes. Standard visibility tools should be used for triangulations.

Design > Attribute Edit > Remove Primitive deletes a primitive saved as an object attribute.

Toggle Primitives reverses the visibility setting of a chosen primitive.

Model > Primitives > Triangulate Primitive converts primitives saved as attributes to a triangulations.

Tutorial 21-3

1. Load the CROSS_CUT layer.

2. Apply a 5 x 5 square primitive to the drifts. Align the primitive along the Bottom

of the centreline. Create a triangulation named Drifts.

3. Apply a 5 x 5 square primitive to cross cuts. Align the primitive along the Bottom of the centreline. Create triangulations named <Group>_<Object>, where <Group> is the design object’s assigned group and <Object> is the design object’s name.

4. Apply the STOPE1 primitive to the uppermost set of cross cut lines. Create triangulations named ST_<Object>, where <Object> is the design object’s name.

Figure 21-6 Triangulations created from primitives

Create/Edit Primitives

Remove Primitive

Triangulate Primitive

Primitive Visibility Toggle Primitive



Tutorial 21-4

1. Create a triangulation directory named underground.tri.

2. Put the cross cut, stope, drift and ramp triangulations into the folder.

Grid Mesh Surfaces 189

Introduction to Grids

Grid Mesh SurfacesGrid modelling is used for modelling stratigraphic deposits. Grid models represent surfaces with a regular pattern of nodes. The fixed distance between nodes is called the grid size, or grid cell size. Values for grids are stored at the grid nodes where grid lines cross. Each node has a X and Y values which represent a location in space, with a Z value that varies depending on what is being modelled.

Figure 22-1 Grid mesh elements

The standard grid filename has the following format <proj><gfi>.<mv>g.

<proj> = Project code (maximum of four characters).

<gfi> = Grid file identifier.

<mv> = Mapping variable name; a two letter code indicates model variable.

g = Standard suffix on the file extension, used to represent a grid file.

Grids can generally be divided into two types: structure grids and quality grids.

Structure grids represent geological contact surfaces. The Z value is an elevation.

Examples include topography, structure roof, or structure floor grids.

Quality grids represent qualities at a particular X and Y location. The Z value

represents a quality value. Examples include sulphur, thickness, or density grids.


190 Chapter 22 Introduction to Grids

Common grid file extensions are:

sr – structure roof

sf – structure floor

tk – thickness

st – structure thickness

pt - parting thickness

tp - topography

Figure 22-2 Plan view and isometric view of a grid model

Grids can be mathematically manipulated to derive new grids. For example grids can be added and subtracted, or a constant value can be added to a grid.

Grids can not represent structures where more than one Z value exists for a particular X and Y location. Examples of structures that can not be modelled by grids include reverse faults and recumbent folds.

Load and Remove GridsExisting grids can be loaded and unloaded in several ways:

Drag and drop the grid name from Vulcan Explorer into Envisage.

Double-click the grid name in Vulcan Explorer.

Right-click the grid name in Vulcan Explorer and select Load.

Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Load.


Envisage : Grid Calc : Introduction : Mapfiles

Note: Grid model surface representations respect 3D data, and are usually not planar.

Create Grids 191

To remove a grid, right-click on the grid and select Remove or click Model > Grid Mesh.

Surfaces > Remove By Name. Alternatively, click Remove Underlay on the

Standard toolbar.

Create GridsThe two primary methods for creating grids in Vulcan are found under Model > Grid

Mesh Surfaces and the Grid Calc menu.

Use the modelling methods under Grid Mesh Surfaces to create simple grids from loaded design data. Grid Calc has the added ability to create and manipulate grids using sophisticated modelling algorithms, making it a powerful tool.

The grid extents must be divisible by the grid cell size. Grids which exceed 300,000 cells can be difficult to view.

Simple Grids from Object Data

Use Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Create Simple to create simple grid models or triangulations from displayed coordinate data such as points, lines and polygons. A minimum of three data points are required to create a model.

Tip: If grids do not display under the Grids folder in Vulcan Explorer, ensure extensions are chosen in Tools > Preferences> Workbench > Vulcan Explorer > File Types > Grids.

Tutorial 22-1

A grid named thorgrid.tpg was created from the design layer CONTOURS.

Load the CONTOURS layer.

Double-click thorgrid.tpg to load it into Envisage.

Use the rotation tools to see how the grid conforms to the CONTOURS layer.

Tutorial 22-2

1. Load the CONTOURS layer.

2. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Create Simple.

3. On the Model Create dialog box, set the X and Y Mesh Size to 25.

4. Choose to Generate mesh from point Z elevations.

5. Enter topo.tp as the surface name. The grid resulting from this exercise has the name thortopo.tpg where thor is the project prefix and ‘g’ is the grid suffix.

6. Accept all panel defaults.



Interpolated Grids

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Vulcan Grid Model creates grids with interpolation and smoothing algorithms. This option uses mapfiles to create grids. If a mapfile does not already exist, it must be created from a design or geological database.

The parameters of the grid (such as size and modelling method) are stored in a specification file. The grids created from this specification have the standard grid file name format.

Create Grids from Triangulations

To create a simple grid from an existing triangulation:

1. Load a triangulation.

2. Click Model > Triangle Surface > Grid Mesh.

7. Preserve strings and Points only options determine how points are connected during triangulation. Preserve strings prohibits triangle facets from crossing digitised strings. Points only connects points regardless of digitised strings.

Figure 22-3 Preserve strings and Points only options

8. Regularise grid area to grid size ensures that the maximum and minimum coordinates of the grid are multiples of the mesh size. Click OK.

9. When prompted define model extents.

10. Select By Layer and choose the CONTOURS layer.

11. Click Cancel on the Select By menu.

12. Confirm to create the Model.

13. Name the triangulation thortopo.00t. Click OK.



Envisage : Model : Grid Mesh Surfaces : Vulcan Grid ModelEnvisage : Geology : Drilling Utilities : Mapfile Build Macro

Grid Masking 193

Figure 22-4 Grid parameters dialog box

3. Enter an X Mesh Size and Y Mesh Size and a Grid model name. Click OK.

4. When prompted, define the model extents. A grid of the triangulation is created.

Grid Masking

Each grid occupies the full rectangular area defined in the grid creation process, but the whole grid may not be visible. In addition to each node having a Z value, it also has a mask value, which can be set to 1 or 0. If it is set to 0, the node is invisible. If it is set to 1 the node is visible. This is useful if the grid is not valid over the entire defined extents. This would be true if data was not available for the whole area, or there is uncertainty about what happens geologically beyond some extent.

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Mask sets mask values based upon existing polygons. Use Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Unmask to reset all mask values to 1.

Tip: If more than one triangulation is loaded, select the desired triangulation to display the Grid parameters dialog box.

Note: Masking or unmasking never affects Z values

Figure 22-5 Unmasked grid Figure 22-6 Grid masked by polygon


Envisage : Model : Grid Mesh Surfaces : Mask



Colour and Contour Grids

Contour

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Contour creates contour lines on a loaded grid.

Normal contouring displays each contour in 3D at its elevation value.

Fixed Contour Level displays contours at an entered elevation.

Drape with surface model displays a chosen Surface over the contoured grid. For example, drape an ash grid over structure roof contours to reveal any relationship between ash and seam level.

Intersection with surface displays a line at points where the grid model meets a specified Surface model.

Four options are available for the contour colours. Existing colour legends are used for default colour scheme and alternative colour scheme name. To select colours without a legend choose manually entered colour scheme. To colour contours with a range, choose selected colour sequence.

Colour

By default, grids are displayed with one colour. This can make it difficult to distinguish

trends in the grid model unless the model is rotated. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surface > Drape to control grid colour based on Z values.

For further control of grid colours, click Analyse > Legend Edit > Create to specify colour

intervals on a CONTOUR legend.

Tutorial 22-3

1. Open a design database and load thortopo.tpg. See Tutorial 22-2.

2. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Contour.

3. Under Grid mesh model to be contoured, select TOPO.TP.

4. Select Normal then click OK.

5. Choose appropriate From, To and Interval values. Suggested values are 0.0, 600, and 25. Click OK.

6. Click Cancel when the Contour dialog box reappears.

7. Rotate to see how the contour lines conform to the grid.

8. Click File > Underlays > Remove to remove the contour strings.

9. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Contour to save the design strings as a layer. In addition to the previously selected options check Save design strings and enter a layer name.

Edit Nodes 195

Edit NodesGrid node values are generated through mathematical interpolation and extrapolation. If desired values are not produced, it may be necessary to alter grid node values. Grid nodes can be edited using one of the following options:

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Node Edit modifies individual nodes.

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Set Value alters multiple nodes inside or outside a given polygon.

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Patch option can copy values from an existing grid into a second grid. To use this option the grids must have the same cell size and extent.

Tutorial 22-4

1. Click Analyse > Legend Edit > Legend Editor. See “Legends” on page 115.

2. Create a CONTOUR legend with the colour ranges in Figure 22-7.

Figure 22-7 Colour ranges for contour legend

3. Right-click on thortopo.tpg and select Load.

4. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Drape.

5. Enter ITSELF as the Drape mesh name. Drape with an alternative colour scheme and select the legend created earlier in this tutorial.

6. Click OK to colour thortopo.tpg with the chosen legend.



Tutorial 22-5


2. Click Design > Create > Layer and name the new layer NODE_POLY.

3. Click Design > Create > Polygon to draw a polygon around a portion of the grid.

Figure 22-8 Node-defining polygon

4. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Set Value.

5. Select the polygon and choose Set inside values.

Figure 22-9 Enter grid node calculation parameters

6. Select Relative to node and Enter grid mesh value of 50. Clear Clip grid

mesh to current window and click OK.

7. Click Save. Each of the nodes inside the polygon have shifted 50 units.

Figure 22-10 Updated grid nodes

Create a Mapfile from a Grid 197

Create a Mapfile from a GridUse Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Create Mapfile to generate either a mapfile or a database that can be used for grade estimation.

Figure 22-11 Generate mapfiles or databases from grids

In addition to structure surface models, existing quality models can be selected.

Export GridsGrids can be exported into other formats including triangulations, points and .dxf.

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > To Object converts grid mesh data that is bounded by a polygon to points.

Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > Triangulate creates a triangulation from a loaded grid model. Only visible nodes are exported to the triangulation.

File > Export > Export DXF exports grids to a DXF file.

File > Export > Export Grid exports grids to an ESRI ASCII grid file. This menu option can be used to export numerous grids simultaneously.

Note: If the mapfile or database is used for grade estimation, generate files from quality grids.

Note: ESRI 10.0 or later must be installed on the machine to export ESRI grids.



Introduction to Grid CalcGrids can be the basis for powerful modelling options, especially in the application of Grid

Calc, Vulcan’s Grid Calculator Utility. The Grid Calc module offers significantly more complex modelling and manipulation abilities than Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces.

Grid Calc’s ability to perform arithmetic to build new grid models is its key functionality. Grid Calc can also be driven with macros, which record and replay command sequences.

Create a Specification File

Most Grid Calc modelling commands require that grids be the same size and extent. To ensure this, a specification file must be produced. Click Grid Calc > Edit Modelling

Defaults > Create Grid Specifications to create a specification file. Specification files are saved through Grid Calc > Edit Modelling Defaults > Save Grid Specifications.

Tutorial 22-6


2. Click Design > Create > Layer and create a layer named EXPORT_POLY.

3. Draw a polygon inside the grid extents using Design > Create > Polygon.

Figure 22-12 Polygon inside grid extents

4. Click Model > Grid Mesh Surfaces > To Object.

5. Choose EXPORT_POLY and click OK.

6. When prompted, select the boundary polygon.

7. The nodes bounded by the polygon have been converted into point objects. To view the points remove thortopo.tpg.

Note: Grid Calc operates as a separate entity from other Envisage modules. It uses a memory buffer to store and manipulate data. Grid Calc menu options must be used to control data within the memory buffer.

Introduction to Grid Calc 199

Load Data

As Grid Calc operates within its own buffer, data must be loaded into the buffer using options in Grid Calc > Data or Grid Calc > Grids. Design data, triangulations, mapfiles, and grids can all be loaded into Grid Calc.

Tutorial 22-7

1. Click File > New and create a design database named grids.

2. Click Grid Calc > Edit Modelling Defaults > Create Grid Specifications. If this is the first time the Grid Calc module has been opened in the current session of Vulcan the Access Specs dialog box is displayed. Click Cancel to create a new specification file.

3. Name the model area all.

4. Click OK. The Grid Area Specs dialog box is displayed.

Figure 22-13 Grid Calc Specification

5. Fill in the coordinates for the grid extents as shown. The grid extents must be divisible by the grid cell size. Click OK.

6. Click Grid Calc > Edit Modelling Defaults > Save Grid Specifications.

Tutorial 22-8

1. Open thorgrids.dgd.isis.

2. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Load/Calculate Grid.

3. Select topo.tp from the drop-down list. Click OK.

The grid has been loaded in Grid Calc, but it must be displayed before it becomes visible.



Display Loaded Data

Click Grid Calc > Display to display data that has been loaded. Click Grid Calc > Display > Remove Underlay to remove data from Envisage.

Grid Calc Preferences

Click Grid Calc > Display > Preferences to set default display preferences to automatically display loaded data. Click Grid Calc > Edit Modelling Defaults > Save

Grid Specifications to save preferences so they do not need to be reset with each new session of Grid Calc.

Model Data

Use Grid Calc > Model > Grid Model to model data loaded into Grid Calc’s buffer.

Numerous modelling methods can be used, including triangulation, inverse distance, and kriging. Custom modelling methods may also be defined and applied.

Click Grid Calc > Grids > Save Grid to save new models.

If grids are created through Grid Calc, existence polygons used to mask grid nodes are automatically created.

Tutorial 22-9

1. Click Grid Calc > Display > Static Display Grid.

2. Z Mapping options allow grids to be displayed using a combination of exaggeration and offset. Display Z= 1 x Grid Value + 0 yields a display of real world Z values. Display Z= 1 x Grid Value + 100 yields a grid display offset in the Z direction by 100 units.

Figure 22-14 Z mapping display options

3. Accept panel defaults and click OK to display thortopo.tpg.


Tutorial 22-10

1. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Close All Grids to remove any loaded grids from the Grid Calc buffer.

2. Click Grid Calc > Data > Clear Data to remove any loaded data from the Grid Calc Buffer.

3. Open thordesign.dgd.isis.

4. Click Grid Calc Edit Modelling Default > Access Grid Specification. Choose the all specification and click OK.

5. Click Grid Calc > Data > Load Design.

6. Complete the Source tab as shown to select the CONTOURS layer. from thordesign.dgd.isis.

Figure 22-15 Load CONTOURS into Grid Calc

Click OK.

7. Click Grid Calc > Model > Grid Model.

8. Select Triangulation and click OK.

9. Leave all tabs set at the default values and click OK.

10. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Save Grid. Name the grid file contours.tp. Click OK.



Grid Arithmetic

Grid Calc > Grids > Load/Calculate Grid can also be used to perform grid arithmetic. Simple (+,-,*,/) or complex functions may be performed.

Contour

Click Grid Calc > Contour and Limit Generation > Contour to contour grid models. The contour lines generated using this menu are closed and can be to mask grids or define reserve limits.

Tutorial 22-11



3. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Load/Calculate Grid.

4. Select a contours.tp from the drop down list, and enter -150 after the grid name. Click OK.

Figure 22-16 Reduce contour grid elevation

This creates a new grid where all the nodes in thorcontours.tpg have been shifted in the negative direction by 150 units.

5. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Save Grid and name the new grid contlow.tp.

Tutorial 22-12



3. Open thorgrids.dgd.isis.

4. Click Grid Calc > Grids > Load/Calculate Grid and select contours.tp from the drop down list. Click OK.

5. Click Grid Calc > Contour and Limit Generation > Contour.

6. On the Levels tab, select Range Selection. Enter From 0.0, To 700.0 and an Interval of 25.0.

7. On the Save tab, check Save to database. Select grids as the Database

name, and enter CONTOUR as the Layer.

8. On the Advanced tab, select Less than. Click OK.

9. Several layers containing contours are generated in thorgrids.dgd.isis.


Macros

Macros record and replay a series of command sequences to make future model reproduction easy.

All commands used while navigating Grid Calc are automatically saved in a file named replay.gdc_cmnd. The..gdc_cmnd file is overwritten with each new session of Grid Calc. To save commands in replay.gdc_cmnd click Grid Calc > Macros > Save

Macro and enter a new file name. To use a saved macro, click Grid Calc > Macros > Invoke Macro.



.TRI Folders 205

Data Organisation

.TRI FoldersVulcan recognises .00t files as triangulations and places them into the Triangulations folder in Vulcan Explorer. Over time, the list of triangulations in the folder can become quite large. Place .00t files into folders named with a .tri extension to organise files.

Vulcan explorer recognizes subfolders inside .tri folders without a .tri extension. To create the .tri folder, right-click the Triangulations folder in Vulcan Explorer and select Create Directory.

Remote DirectoriesRemote directories are typically used to display data in Vulcan Explorer which is in a location other than the working directory. However, the option may be used to access data contained in subfolders in the current working directory.

1. Click Tools > Preferences > Workbench > Vulcan Explorer.

2. In the Remote Directory column, left-click in the blank cell. Click the ellipsis button

to browse to the desired data.

Tutorial 23-1

Move all PIT1_<elevation>.00t files into a .tri folder named bench.tri.


206 Chapter 23 Data Organisation

3. Enter a Display Name, to label the remote directory folder in Vulcan Explorer. If a display name is not entered, Vulcan applies the full file path name as the folder name in Vulcan Explorer.

4. The various check boxes determine which Vulcan files are listed in Vulcan Explorer. Multiple remote directories can be added in subsequent rows. When finished adding the required directories, click OK.

The location of remote directory folders in Vulcan Explorer corresponds to the type of data chosen for display in Tools > Preferences. Files an be loaded directly from Vulcan Explorer into Envisage.

Figure 23-1 Establish Remote Directories

When a folder has been set up as a remote directory, it should appear in Vulcan Explorer

under each folder which contains the file types selected. Files may be used as if they existed in the current working directory.

Network Structure

If more than one person is working in the same data area, it is useful to create a master and a working directory. The master is the final data set whereas draft data is stored in a working directory.

Note: If colour schemes in the .scd file differ from the schemes in the remote directory, drillholes and block model blocks may display differently, or not at all.

Caution: Load screen files or lava scripts which call for data using a file path which differs from that specified by the remote directory may malfunction.

Network Structure 207

To create multiple directories on a network, file management and administration privileges are necessary.

An example of how to set up multiple directories on a network:

1. In a place accessible to all Vulcan users, create a new folder named Vulcan.

2. Inside the Vulcan folder, create four subfolders named Master, Geology, Survey, and Engineering.

3. The Master folder contains final data, which is the best representation of the mine.

Create four master subfolders, Geology, Engineering, Survey, and Documentation.

Ensure each master subfolder is set to read-only for anyone that is not in the corresponding department. For example: Geologists can view and write data to the Geology master subfolder, but have read-only access to the Engineering folder.

The Documentation folder should hold procedural information such as model update details.

Add clean, accurate, verified data to each department’s subfolder. As this represents a master data set, it should not include duplicate data.

Data in the Master folder should not be edited directly in the folder. It should be copied to a working folder, edited, then copied back to the Master folder.

4. Geology, Survey, and Engineering are Working Folders. Each folder contains subfolders named for the employees in that department. For example, if there are three engineering employees using Vulcan, there should be three subfolders in the Engineering folder.

Data can be copied from the Master folder into Working Folders as needed.

Each folder should contain a project .dg1 file. If the deposit is stratigraphic, also copy the gdc_glob and gdc_spec files.

If corporate standards are not being used, other useful files include the .scd Colour Scheme file and the .ftd Feature Code file.

Access Master Data

Each user’s Vulcan workspace requires remote directory configuration to access the master data. See “Remote Directories” on page 205.

Post Data to a Master Folder

There are two methods for posting or saving data to a master folder.

Copy files from a working directory into a master folder using Windows.

Use File > Save Layer To to save loaded layers directly to a closed design database which exists in any directory.



a. Click File > Save Layer To.

Figure 23-2 Choose close design database folder.

Use environment variable - Use for environment variables that point to the data area. Type the environment variable. Make sure to add a forward slash (/) to the end of the environment name.

Use absolute/relative path - Select this option to specify the path (relative or full) to the data area.

Filter by project code - Tick this box if you want to list all of the design databases that have the same project code as your project file (.dg1).

Load when starting Vulcan - Tick this box if you want to force Envisage to start with the chosen design file. It is also possible to specify a design file to open when Envisage starts by editing the project file.

Click OK.

Figure 23-3 Design Files dialog box

All design database files found within the specified data area are listed. An arrow will be used to indicate the currently open design database.

b. Left-click on the required design database and click OK.

c. All loaded layers are displayed. Left-click on the required layer and select OK.

You use the Pattern field, the Apply Pattern button, and wildcards (* multi-character and ? single character) to highlight the layers that begin or end with certain characters.

If you wanted to highlight all layers that begin with ‘S’, then type ‘S*’ into the pattern field and click the Apply Pattern button. Once selected, all matching layers are highlighted.

After the desired layer has been chosen, you may be required to confirm that you wish to overwrite its contents.


Envisage : File : Save Layer To

Network Structure 209

Figure 23-4 Vulcan Explorer with Remote Directories



Plot All Wizard 211

Plotting

Plot All WizardFile > Plot > Plot All Wizard creates professional plots quickly and easily. The wizard plots data loaded in Envisage.

Specify Filenames

Enter a Plot filename and optional Specification filename.

Plot All Wizard plot files have a .vpgz file extension.

Check Create or Load specification file to save the plotting specifications. Specifications allow for easy reproduction of existing plots.

Plot All Wizard specification files have a .pasf file extension.

Figure 24-1 Specify plot and specification names

Caution: The panel remembers the most recent plot filename entered during the current Vulcan session. To avoid accidentally overwriting an existing plot file, change the file name each time a plot is generated. No warning is given before overwriting a file.

Note: If an existing specification file is chosen, the Specification File panel appears.

Select Edit specifications to change the existing specifications before using them to create a plot.

Select Run to quickly regenerate any plot using the saved specifications.


212 Chapter 24 Plotting

Specify Plot Format

Figure 24-2 Define basic plot format

Use Default Template: Uses a dynamic template which will work for any paper

size in either landscape or portrait. If the default template does not meet the required plotting needs, a drafting sheet should be used.

Use Drafting Sheet: Picks a drafting sheet from a drafting sheet database

(drafting.dgd.isis) located in the Resources folder. Vulcan provides several drafting sheets, but customised drafting sheets may be created through options in File > Drafting Sheets.

The Plot Render Method controls how different data types appear in the resulting plot.

Render plot elements by a pre-defined type sequence generates design data on the plot according to a hard-coded sequence.

Render plot elements in their CAD sequence generates design data on the plot in the order in which it was loaded into Envisage.

Check Render non-CAD data to draw underlays, such as triangulations, before CAD data in the plot. This results in CAD data plotting on top of underlays.

Render as WYSIWYG plot generates a What You See Is What You Get plot, which is a screen capture of loaded data. Data elevations and positions in space are honoured.

Note: If Render non-CAD data is chosen, underlays will not show up on plots altered with File > Plot Edit.

Tip: If WYSIWYG plotting causes Vulcan to crash, click Tools > Preferences >

Envisage > Video Capture and check Use software rendering for single

frame and WYSIWYG capturing to change how the graphics card and drivers are used.

Plot All Wizard 213

Default Template

Figure 24-3 Define default template sheet size and orientation

Choose the required Sheet Size from the drop down list. If the required sheet size is not available, a Custom size may be specified.

The printer selection automatically populates margin values. It is not advisable to change the margin values.

Select Landscape or Portrait to control plot orientation.

Drafting Sheet

Plotting with a drafting sheet eliminates the need to define plot attributes via plotting panels or as design data loaded in Envisage layers. Plot aspects such as borders, data location and scale bar location are hard-coded into the drafting sheet. Custom logos and text can also be included.

Select Use Drafting Sheet and choose an appropriate Drafting sheet from the drop down list.

Note: WYSIWYG plots cannot be altered using File > Plot Edit functionality.

Note: Image resolution should be between 100 and 300. Resolutions greater than 300 create large plot files without any improvement in plot appearance.

Drillholes are rendered as CAD data unless a triangulation is plotted. Drillhole traces will plot under triangulations at intersection locations.


Envisage : File : Plot : Plot All Wizard : Using a Default Template


Envisage : File : Plot : Plot All Wizard : Using an Existing Drafting Sheet



Title Blocks

There are two ways to access the Title Block panel:

Use Default Temple was selected and the Title block and border option was enabled.

The selected Drafting sheet has a title block and fields defined.

Figure 24-4 Title Block Values

Enter appropriate values for each field name listed.

Variables can be used to automatically plot values such as today’s date, average elevation or scale. Enter a variable name as the Field Value. Plotting variables are case sensitive.

Plot Grids

Figure 24-5 Specify grid and grid annotation attributes

Plot Grid (XYZ) Annotation: Annotates plot edge with X, Y or Z values at defined spacing. Grid lines can be plotted as complete lines or as crosses at grid line intersections.

Draw Dynamic Grid: Plots the grid displayed in Envisage.


Envisage : File : Plot : Plot All Wizard : Using a Default TemplateEnvisage : File : Plot : Plot All Wizard : Using an Existing Drafting Sheet

Plot All Wizard 215

No Plot Grid Annotation: No grid appears in resulting plot.

Plot Scale

Figure 24-6 Plot scale control

There are two options for setting the scale:

Allow dynamic scale adjustment allows for interactive extent control. Plot

scale will vary dynamically as the size of the extent box alters.

Manual scale adjustment is used when a set scale is desired. The size of the extent box will not change, so the entered scale is preserved. There are two acceptable formats for scale entries:

- Enter a ratio such as 1:1500. This indicates that one plotter unit equals 1500 real-world units. If plotting with imperial units, this ratio needs to be entered as inches. For example, if 1 inch equals 100 feet, then the ratio entered would be 1:1200.

- Enter a whole number such as 100. This means that 1 plotter unit equals 100 real-world units. If plotting with imperial units, the number entered will be converted to an inches ratio. For example, if 200 is entered, then the ratio which will automatically appear in the box will be 1:2400.

Check Remember extent settings to store selected plot extents.

If creating a specification file, extents are stored in the .pasf file.

If not creating a specification file, extents will be remembered for the current Envisage session.

Click Digitise Origin to indicate the location of the lower left-hand corner of the plot in Envisage.

Click Adjust Extents to adjust the plotting extents box displayed in Envisage. Click and drag any edge to move the box. If Allow dynamic scale adjustment was selected, click and drag any corner to adjust the size of the box.

Tip: Plotter units set upon install can be changed in Tools >

Preferences > Envisage > Miscellaneous under Plot All Scale

Factor Input Style.

Note: The extent rectangle represents the selected template or drafting sheet’s data area. Resizing the rectangle will not alter the page size, but rather the scale of the plot. The scale is displayed in the lower left corner of the extents rectangle.



Figure 24-7 Plotting extents box elements and control

Tutorial 24-1

Create a simple plot using File > Plot > Plot All Wizard.

1. Load the CONTOURS layer and tq1.00t.

2. Reset the view to Plan view.

3. Click File > Plot > Plot All Wizard.

4. Name the plot plot1.

5. Create a specification file named plot1spec. Click Next.

6. Select Use Default Template and select Title block and border, North point and Bar scale.

7. Select Render as WYSIWYG plot. Leave resolution at 300 and select Use

alternative colour set for the plot. Click Next.

8. Accept all the defaults for page and printer selection. If you wish you may select an alternative printer.

9. Fill in a Title for the plot in the Title Block panel. Click Next.

10. Choose to plot a 50 x 50 grid. Select Draw Grid with crosses. Click Next.

11. Select Allow dynamic scale adjustment. Indicate an origin, and adjust the plot extents to contain desired data.

12. Click Finish.

Plot Utility 217

Plot UtilityThe Plot Utility is a separate program in Vulcan which can open concurrently with other Vulcan programs such as Envisage or Isis. To open Plot Utility, either double-click on any plot file or click on the Vulcan Start button and click Plotting Utility.

Figure 24-8 Application bar and Vulcan Start

Figure 24-9 Plot Utility Interface

Plot Utility has its own specialised toolbars.

Use Printer Controls to choose a printer, paper size, or paper orientation. A white sheet box displays to represent the selected sheet size and orientation.

Figure 24-10 Printer Controls toolbar



The Plot Utility Application toolbar includes options to print a plot, setup the printer, examine plot file properties, and change viewing modes.

Figure 24-11 Plot Utility Application toolbar

The plotter can also be changed via File > Page Setup.

Use the Page Drag Mode icon on the Plot Utility Application toolbar to drag the white, page size preview box. If the plot file is too large for the page size, the printer, page size, and orientation of the paper will need to be changed. Ensure there is ample room for margins as well.

Click the Print Vulcan Plotfile printer icon or File > Print to send the plot to the printer. If the plot was larger than the paper in the plot utility, check Fit to Page on the Print dialog box. This will scale the plot to the page size selected.

Figure 24-12 Fit to Page option

Note: Fit to Page will change the plot scale. This means that any scale bar displayed on the plot is no longer accurate.

Tutorial 24-2

1. Load the BOUNDARY layer, warehouse.00t, and topo_contours.00t.

2. Create an 11”X17” plot showing the data.

3. Name the plot Facilities1.vpgz.

Screen Dumps 219

Presentation

There are multiple ways to present data electronically.

Save a Screen dump to capture still images.

Record a video to produce an Audio Video Interleaved (AVI) file.

Export to NGRAIN to imbed 3D interactive images into Microsoft® Office products or a Printer Data File (.pdf).

Screen DumpsLeft-click the Screen Dump icon on the Graphics toolbar to access Screen Dump options.

Figure 25-1 Graphics toolbar - Screen Dump icon

Figure 25-2 Screen Dump toolbar

Screen Dump only represents data displayed in Envisage’s Primary Window. Data can be saved to the following outputs:

.png – Portable Network Graphics is a bit mapped image format.

.jpg – Commonly used standard method to compress photographic images.

.bmp – Bit mapped graphics format used by Microsoft Windows®. BMP files are usually not compressed, so they are much larger than corresponding compressed image files.

.rgb – Image has three channels: red, green and blue. RGB files are used in computer display and image scanners.

.ireg – Vulcan image registration file – both an image (.jpg) and ireg file are captured. These can then be image textured onto a triangulation.


220 Chapter 25 Presentation

Select the drop-down list to name the screen dump and define an output format.

Figure 25-3 Screen Dump - file outputs

Images can also be saved in different resolutions as indicated in the drop-down list box.

Figure 25-4 Screen Dump resolution size

Resolutions at Screen and higher are preferred where the screen captures are used for printing at large scales, such as posters.

1024 x 768 is the resolution of many projectors.

Smaller resolutions are suitable for use in reports.

When using numerical resolutions, a blue box appears showing the extent at the resolution chosen.

To save a screen dump to a file in the current working directory, click Save. Use Copy To

Clipboard to copy screen dump contents to the Windows clipboard.

Figure 25-5 Save or Copy data

Screen dumps can be pasted into other software, such as Microsoft ® Word.

Tip: To remove the blue extents box from Envisage, set the resolution back to Screen.

Tutorial 25-1

1. Load topo_contours.00t and drillholes with gold grade (Geology > Drilling > Load Drillholes).

2. Rotate the view so both the drillholes and topography are visible.

3. Use Screen Dump to create an image with 320 x 280 resolution named drill.jpg.

4. View drill.jpg in Windows.

Remember to reset the resolution back Screen.

SaveCopy To Clipboard

AVI Video 221

AVI VideoVideos of data loaded in Envisage are easily created in Vulcan.

1. On the Screen Dump toolbar, save the image as an AVI format. A new AVI file name can also be entered manually.

2. Choose the desired video resolution.

3. Click the Save Screen Dump icon to begin saving a file.

4. Click the Enable recording AVI icon to start recording.

Enable recording AVI will capture one frame each time the view changes.

Click the [D] key to add single frames to the file.

Deselect the Enable recording AVI icon to pause recording.

Figure 25-6 Create video from Screen Dump toolbar

5. Deselect Enable recording AVI and then the Save Screen Dump icon to stop recording and save the final file. The file will be closed, which is necessary before viewing the file externally.

Tip: Audio video files can become large very quickly.

Note: The speed at which the objects move during the recording process is not the playback speed. Playback is much faster.

Tutorial 25-2

1. Load topo_contours.00t and drillholes with gold grade (Geology > Drilling > Load Drillholes).

2. Left-click the Screen Dump icon and open the Screen Dump toolbar.

3. Create a new audio video file named drill.avi.

4. Set the screen resolution and click Save Screen Dump.

5. Click the Enable recording AVI icon.

6. Select a rotate mode and free rotate the data.

7. Load tq1.00t.

8. Zoom in on the tq1 ore body while in free rotate mode.

9. Deselect the Enable recording AVI and the Save Screen Dump icon to stop recording.

Save Screen Dump

Enable recording AVI



NGRAINNGRAIN is an interactive 3D viewer that can be embedded in electronic documents such as Microsoft® Word and PowerPoint. Design data, triangulations, grids, and block models can be exported to the NGRAIN format. Anyone can download a free NGRAIN viewer. NGRAIN provides the opportunity to view and rotate 3D data in space without having a Vulcan licence or Vulcan software.

Export Data to NGRAIN

If exporting design data, triangulations or grids, Vulcan prompts for triangulations or grids to export. If only one grid or triangulation is loaded, Vulcan automatically selects the loaded triangulation or grid.

1. Click File > Export.

2. Select Ngrain and the File Type then click OK.

Figure 25-7 Export NGRAIN files

3. Select the File Type and individual files to export. Click OK.

Figure 25-8 Select export file type and files to export.

NGRAIN 223

4. When all desired data are selected, click OK.

5. Enter the name of the NGRAIN file, which stores exported data. Enter a resolution or control resolution with the slider bar. Click OK.

Figure 25-9 Enter Ngrain file name and resolution

6. Click OK when the Export successful message is displayed.

7. Click Cancel to exit the Export panel.

Insert and View NGRAIN Models

Download NGRAIN Viewer

To use an NGRAIN model, download and install the latest viewer and plug-ins from the internet. The NGRAIN viewer appears in the Windows Start menu under NGRAIN. It can be used to view and manipulate NGRAIN models at any time.

Set up Word or PowerPoint

Once an NGRAIN viewer and plug-ins are installed, enable ActiveX controls and ensure macros run within Microsoft® Word or Microsoft® PowerPoint.

1. In Word 2007, click the Office button.

2. Click Word Options or PowerPoint Options.

3. Select Trust Center.

4. Click Trust Center Settings. In the Macro Settings section, select Enable all

macros. Click OK.

5. Select Popular in the Word Options dialog box. Check Show Developer tab in

the Ribbon. Click OK.

6. Click the Developer tab. In the Controls group, click Legacy Tools. Select More

Controls.

Select NGRAIN Mobilizer from the list.

Note: To export a selection of blocks in a block model, use standard block model conditions.


Envisage : File : Export : Export Data to Ngrain : Block Model



Figure 25-10 Set up Microsoft Office to interact with NGRAIN files

Inserting an NGRAIN file into Word or PowerPoint

1. In the Add-Ins tab, click NGRAIN 3KO .

2. Browse and select the desired .3ko file. Choose to embed or link to it.

3. In the Developer tab click Design Mode to view the NGRAIN model. Manipulate the model in the viewer.

Figure 25-11 Example of NGRAIN model

Each person who views a document with an NGRAIN insert needs to download and install the NGRAIN viewer.

Developer tab

Controls

group

Legacy

Tools

More Controls

Tip: To change the viewer size:

1. Disable Design Mode.

2. Resize the box.

3. Enable Design Mode again.

Tutorial 25-3

Export topo.00t to an NGRAIN file and insert the file into a Word document.

VRML 225

VRMLExport Data to VRML exports block models, design data, grids, and triangulations to a .wrz (compressed) or .wrl (uncompressed) file. Once exported, the resulting file can be viewed with a VRML viewer. Use a VRML plug-in to insert the file into a variety of applications such as Microsoft Word or Powerpoint, or a website.

Export Data to VRML

If exporting design data, triangulations or grids, Vulcan prompts for triangulations or grids to export. If only one grid or triangulation is loaded, Vulcan automatically selects the loaded triangulation or grid.

1. Click File > Export.

2. Select VRML and the File Type. Click OK.

3. Select the File Type and individual files to export. Click OK.

4. When all desired items are selected, click OK.

Figure 25-12 Enter VRML name and choose file type

5. Enter the name of the VRML file which stores exported data. Select Compressed or ASCII (uncompressed). Click OK.

Insert and View VRML Models 1. Download and install a VRML viewer.

For demonstration purposes, the Cortona 3D Viewer(TM) is used in the following instructions. Cortona 3D Viewer is a VRML plug-in for popular Internet browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer or Firefox) and office applications (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Word).

2. Open the VRML file exported from Vulcan. It is automatically loaded in the browser selected when Cortona 3D Viewer was installed.



Index 227

Index

Symbols.TRI Folders, 205

Numerics2D Filter with a Minimum deviation,

682D Text, 543D Text, 55

AAbout this manual, iiiacQuire, 104

connection, 32-bit, 104connection, 64-bit, 105connection, Isis, 107

Align view, 41Align View With Current Slicing

Plane, 43All located invisible, 141Along Record Checks, 131Analyse, 87Analyse menu, 57Angle Input, 51anticlockwise, ivapplication bar, 21Area, 88, 175arrow, 47ASCII

export, 85import, 84

At specified screen angle, 51attributes

changing, 78data, 77features, 79reporting, 77triangle, 148

AutoCADexport, 84import, 84

AVI, 221

BBearing Input, 50boolean, 169borrow

licence, 8MAPTEK_BORROW, 8

boundary tab, 154

CCAD

create arcs, circles, 46create points, lines, polygons,

46Centroid, 89check, iv

solid, 177surface, 177triangulation, 177triangulation stability, 178

Check Drillholes, 139choose, ivclear, ivclick, ivClient windows

see also window, 18Clip, 43Clip Translucent Solids, 43close

solid, 178Coalesce, 88Collar Checks, 130colour

custom, 27grid, 194label, 57

Colour Table, 27condition tab, 156context menu, ivcontour

grid, 194Grid Calc, 202

conventions used, iiiCoordinate, 87Corporate Standards, 6counterclockwise, ivcreate

grid, 191shells, 172solid, 161, 166, 169surface, 153, 157triangulation, 153, 157, 166,

169, 172, 173Create Line At Given Angle, 51Create Point, 49Create Section View, 40crossing triangles

delete, 180solid, 180surface, 180

customprimitives, 185

Custom Cursor, 48customising, 24

colours, 27context menus, 27cursor, 48favourites, 26keyboard shortcut, 26preferences, 24toolbar, 25

cutsolid, 180surface, 180

cut and fill volume, 176

Ddata

attributes, 77display, 200import using Envisage, 95import using Isis, 98load, 33, 199modelling, 200moving, 74post, 207remove, 33save, 207structure, 15

data tab, 154database

accessing, 111along record check, 131collar check, 130create ODBC, 99delete objects, 126design, 15, 91design file, 92downhole check, 130edit existing values, 125edit structure, 123export, 132field calculations, 128file, 91find values, 127headered, 123index, 91individual field check, 131insert objects, 126key field, 94lock, 29multiple windows, 113notebook, 112overview, 91


228 Index

primary key, 94recovery, 29repair, 30report, 131restore, 31update, 134validation, 129Vulcan Explorer, 112

Database Record Definition, 137default template, 213delete crossing triangles, 180design

database, 15new, 92

Design menu, 63Design toolbar, 45dialog box

see PanelDigitise toolbar, 47, 49Digitise Tools, 49directory, iv

see also folderHOME, 4multiple user, 206TEMP, 4TMP, 4

Display, 43display data, 200Display simple contours, 149Distance Along Line, 88Distance Between Points, 87Docked windows

see also window, 18Downhole Checks, 130drafting sheet, 213Drag, 75Drape, 194Draw as wireframe, 148Draw wireframe mesh over

surface, 149drillhole, 139

check, 139extract to CSV or database, 141label, 120load, 118locate, 140set visibility, 141

drillingDatabase Record Definition,

137Horizon Lists, 138

dynamic arrays, 11

Eedit

database existing values, 125database structure, 123

Editing Tools, 63end plate, 167Ensure triangulation is not striped,

149environment variable, 3, 4

ENVIS_RESO, 4HOME, 4TEMP, 4TMP, 4

ENVIS_RESO, 4ESRI


Exercise, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, 23, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 42, 43, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 60, 61, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 73, 75, 78, 79, 81, 82, 85, 88, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 102, 107, 109, 110, 111, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 126, 131, 134, 135, 137, 141, 142, 148, 151, 164, 166, 167, 168, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, 185, 186, 187, 191, 194, 195, 196, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 205, 216, 218, 220, 221, 224

see also Tutorialexercise, 157, 160, 166, 172, 188export, 83

ASCII, 85, 133AutoCAD, 84data, 132database, 132ESRI, 86grid, 197NGRAIN, 222, 223shape file, 86tables, 133VRML, 225

extents, 14

Ffavourites, 26feature, 16, 79field

calculations, 128connections, 96edit, 125

filescheme, 27, 115window, 39

file extensionplot all wizard file, 211plot all wizard specification, 211

Fill triangles with pattern, 149Filter, 67Fit Layer, 39FLEXnet, 8floating licence, 7Floating windows

see also window, 18folder, iv

.TRI, 205see also directorycorporate standards, 6master, 207saving data, 207

fontfixed, 54scaled, 54True Type, 54vector, 54

fonts, 54Free snap mode, 47Full, 89

GGet Point, 49grade

changing, 66graphics cards, 2Graphics toolbar, 219grid

colour, 194contour, 194create Mapfile, 197creating, 191export, 197file extensions, 190from object data, 191from triangulations, 192interpolated, 192load, 190

Index 229

masking, 193mesh surfaces, 189node editing, 195plot, 214quality, 189remove, 190specification, 198structure, 189

Grid Calc, 198arithmetic, 202contour, 202display data, 200load data, 199macros, 203model, 200preferences, 200

Grid Calculator Utility, 198grid mesh, 158group, 16, 78guidelines

repair, 181

HHelp, 32Hidden windows

see windowHighlight Intersections, 43HOME

directory, 4Horizon List, 138

Iimage registration, 158, 160import, 83

ASCII, 84AutoCAD, 84data using Envisage, 95data using Isis, 98ESRI, 86shape file, 86

Indicate, 47Individual Field Checks, 131insert

NGRAIN, 223VRML, 225

installation, 5

Kkey field, 93, 94Key In Point Data, 49

Llabel

colour, 57drillhole, 120object, 60point, 58

Label On, 120Last located invisible, 141layer, 15Layer Edit menu, 63legend, 115

contour, 194drill, 116new, 116scale, 121scheme, 115

Legend Editor, 116licence

borrow, 8floating, 7node-locked, 7

licencing, 7List, 89LM Tools, 8load

data, 33drillhole, 118grid, 190triangulation, 147

lockdatabase, 29green, 29orange, 29red, 30

Mmacro

Grid Calc, 203main menu, 18map object, 185Mapfile

create from grid, 197overview, 142

MAPTEK_BORROW, 8memory settings, 11menu, iv

Analyse, 57context, custom, 27Design, 45, 63Layer Edit, 63Object Edit, 64Point Edit, 69Point Insert, 71Polygon Edit, 72Select By, 58Start, 21

mode

Free snap, 47Indicate, 47Snap to Grid, 48Snap to Objects, 48Snap to Points, 48

Move Slicing Plane, 43Moving Data, 74Multi Label On, 120

Nnavigation pane, ivNearly, 178network structure, 206NGRAIN, 222

export block models, 223export design data,

triangulations, grids, 222insert, 223view, 223

No Clipping, 42, 43Node Edit, 195nodelocked, 7nominate, iv

Oobject, 15Object Edit menu, 64Object Label, 60Object Label to Text, 61ODBC

create database, 99design file, 123link in DSF, 102link to Microsoft Access, 99

option, ivoptions, ivOrtho Rotation, 36Ortho Sphere Rotation, 36Overview Window, 37Own windows

see also window, 18

PPack & Go, 8pan, 35Pane, ivPanel, iv

see also Subpanelsee also Tab

Parallel to given line in 3D, 51Parallel to given line on screen, 51Perpendicular to given line on

screen, 51Perspective View, 37


230 Index

pick, ivPlot

format, 212Title Block, 214

plotdefault template, 213drafting sheet, 213grid, 214scale, 215scale units, 12

Plot All Wizard, 211Plot Utility Application toolbar, 218Plotting, 211Plotting Utility, 217point, 15

change Z value, 70move, 70

Point Edit menu, 69Point Insert menu, 71Point Labels, 58Point Labels to Text, 59Polygon Area, 88Polygon Edit menu, 72post data, 207preferences, 24

grid calc, 200plotter units, 215rotation, 36Vulcan Explorer, 205

primary key, 94primitives

apply, 183custom, 185map object, 185tools, 187visibility, 187

Printer Controls toolbar, 217project

coordinate extents, 14details, 13

propertiessection view, 43triangle, 148

Rregister

image, 158, 160object, 65

registration, 158, 160relimit, 173remove

data, 33grid, 190triangulation, 148

repairguidelines, 181quick, 178

Replace String, 71Report, 131Requirements, 1restrictions

administrative, 207right-click menu, ivrotate, 36

SSave and Run, 131scale

adjustment, 215plot, 215units, 12

schemefiles, 27, 115spectrum, 150

Screen Dump, 219Screen Dump toolbar, 219

video, 221section view, 40Section View Properties, 43select, ivSelect By menu, 58Service packs, 7Set View, 39Set Visibility of Located, 141setup, 12shading, 148shape file


shellscreate, 172

shortcutcustom, 26keyboard, 26

shortcut menu, ivSlice Backwards, 43Slice Forward, 43Slice toolbar, 43Smooth shading, 149snap modes, 47Snap to Grid, 48Snap to Objects, 48Snap to Points, 48solid

boolean, 169check, 177close, 178create, 161, 166, 169

menu, 163shells, 172

crossing triangles, 180cut, 180end plate, 167

relimit, 173shells, 172split, 179volumes, 175

Solid shade triangulation, 148specification

grid, 198Plot All Wizard, 211system, 2

splitsolid, 179

Splits List, 139spur strings, 157spurs tab, 156SQL

connection, 32-bit, 104connection, 64-bit, 105

standard shapessee also primitives

Start menu, 21starting Vulcan, 10status bar, 21Strike/Dip, 89string

replace, 71Subpanel, iv

see also Panelsee also Tab

surfaceboolean, 169check, 177create, 153, 157crossing triangles, 180cut, 180grid mesh, 189relimit, 173

surface area, 175Surface definition angle, 149symbol, 47synonyms, 93

TTab, iv

see also Panelsee also Subpanel

tabboundary, 154condition, 156data, 154spurs, 156trending, 155

TEMPdirectory, 4

templatedefault, 213

terminology, ivTest for Closure, 177Test for Conistency, 177

Index 231

Test for Self Intersection, 177text, 54

2D, 543D, 55

textureblend, 151resource, 151, 160

tick, ivTitle Block

Plot All Wizard, 214TMP

directory, 4Toggle Sliced View, 41, 43toolbar

Analyse, 87child, 23custom, 25Design, 45Digitise, 47, 49Graphics, 34, 219menu, 21moving, 23parent, 22Plot Utility Application, 218PRIMARY:Visibility, 40printer controls, 217Screen Dump, 219Slice, 43visibility, 22window, 21

Track Section of Existing Line, 53Translate, 74tree navigation, ivtree pane, ivtrending tab, 155tri polygons, 167triangulation

advantages, 146boolean, 169check, 177close, 178colour, 149create, 153, 157, 166, 169,

172, 173solid, 161

create from polygons, 164cut, 180disadvantages, 146end plate, 167load, 147manipulate

boolean, 169polygons, 167relimit, 173remove, 148shading, 148solid see solidsplit, 179split solid, 164

surface, 153translucent, 151types, 145

triangulation directory, 172trifurcation, 167troubleshoot

closure, 178crossing triangles, 180edge problems, 180repair, 178, 181satellite solids, 179

Tutorial, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, 23, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 42, 43, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 60, 61, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 73, 75, 78, 79, 81, 82, 85, 88, 89, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 102, 107, 109, 110, 111, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 126, 131, 134, 135, 137, 141, 142, 148, 151, 164, 166, 167, 168, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, 185, 186, 187, 191, 194, 195, 196, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 205, 216, 218, 220, 221, 224

see also Exercisetutorial, 157, 160, 166, 172, 188two polygons, 158

Uuncheck, ivupdate

database, 134Use Default Template, 212Use Drafting Sheet, 212Use load time shading, 149

VValidate, 129variables

environment, 3Vertical Exaggeration, 39video, 221

requirements, 1view

NGRAIN, 223other, 39perspective, 37section, 40VRML, 225

View Ports, 37Virtual Sphere Rotation, 36visibility, 39

primitives, 187vlaunchpref, 10volume, 175

cut and fill, 176solid, 175surface, 176

VRML, 225export data, 225insert, 225view, 225

Vulcan Explorer, 112VULCAN_CORPORATE, 6

Wwindow, 18

overview, 37Primary, 19Report, 20Vulcan Explorer, 19

window files, 39

Zzoom, 34Zoom Data Extents, 35Zoom To Toolbar, 35Z-Up Rotation, 36


232 Index

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