Overview
This section describes the options under the Construction submenu.
Block models (.bmf) are created by specifying the following:
- Position and extent of the model
- Rotation, dip, azimuth and plunge angle
- Block sizes
- Variable blocking regions
- Geometric boundaries
- Variable names and formats
The boundary conditions are defined by triangulations. They can be defined as inclusive, exclusive or as a boundary for a nominated variable.
To differentiate between estimated grade values and pre-defined grade values, we recommend the use of negative grade values when creating a block model. For example, -99.0 for the default grade value as opposed to 0.0, which could be a real estimated value. When grade estimation is performed, we recommend the use of a negative value different to that used for the block construction default value. This will allow you to validate the grade estimation process by tracking the default values.
Once the specifications are defined, the processing time to generate the model is minimal. The specifications are set up in a block model definition file (.bdf) in the New Definition option or in the Block Model Utility. When the model is generated, the data is stored in the block model file (.bmf).
Note: It is possible to access and view an existing block model without a corresponding .bdf being available, although you will not be able to regenerate the block model without this file. ASCII files from other block modelling systems can also be imported provided that a block model definition file has been set up that matches the ASCII file.
