Define
Define Section Planes
The Define option is a design tool offering you five different methods for laying out your section lines. The defined section lines will be created in the layer you specified in the Working option, and can then be used to create the actual dragline section arrows, using the Create option.
Note: Neither the Working nor the Define options are essential to the creation of dragline section arrows. The two options work together and may provide a useful tool to aid you in the laying out of your section planes. For actually creating the dragline section arrows, use the Create option.
Instructions
On the Dragline menu, point to Sections, and then click Define.
Once selected, the Method dialog box displays.
If a Dragline specifications file (.rsp) was not opened prior to selecting this option, then the Open Dragline Specification panel displays first.
Open Dragline Specification panel
Spec file name
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the <spec_file_id> part of the dragline specifications file name. The maximum size is 6 alphanumeric characters. Selecting a name from the drop-down list will open an existing specifications file. Entering a new name will create a new specifications file.
Click OK.
The Method dialog box contains the following options:
Parallel
Give a separation, two points for the first section and an extent.
Perpendicular
Give a separation, offsets and a reference line.
Easting
Give a separation and a major surface. All sections through the selected surface are created.
Northing
Give a separation and a major surface. All sections through the selected surface are generated.
Single
Digitise two points in plan.
These methods are described in more detail below.
Note: The selection of a suitable Datum Level in the panels below, is important. Once you get to the stage of creating your dragline section arrows, they will be at the same elevation as the section lines you are creating here. A good datum level for your dragline section arrows is one that is just below the lowest point in your pit. Another consideration is to ensure that your section lines are long enough to allow creation of all your strips and blocks and to allow spoiling beyond the pit extents.
