Surpac Geological Database
Objective
- Create and configure a geological database in Surpac.
- Import borehole and assay data into Surpac format.
- Map database tables (collar, survey, assay, geology).
- Visualize drillhole data graphically within Surpac.
Introduction
A geological database in Surpac organizes borehole data—including collar locations,
survey logs, assays, and geology—for mining modelling and analysis.
Establishing this database enables geologists to correctly import, visualize, and process
subsurface information.
The process typically uses Microsoft Access or CSV files as intermediaries, ensuring
Surpac can read and interpret borehole data for mapping, modelling, and resource
estimation.
Software Overview
GEOVIA Surpac is a specialized mine planning and geological modeling tool used
globally in exploration and mining.
It supports import from CSV, Microsoft Access, and other formats, and provides a userfriendly GUI for data mapping and visualization.
Surpac requires key tables like Collar, Survey, Assay, and Geology, and provides styles
and translation tables to visually distinguish rock types, grades, and intervals.
Creating Surpac Database
This is the core part of the lab. The steps below outline the complete process of creating
and managing a geological database in Surpac, emphasizing clarity and consistency.
1. Prepare Source Data
Ensure that you have well-structured CSV or Access tables for each type of drillhole
data:
- Collar Table: Includes HOLE_ID, X, Y, Z, DEPTH, AZIMUTH, DIP.
- Survey Table: HOLE_ID, DEPTH, AZIMUTH, DIP.
- Assay Table: HOLE_ID, FROM, TO, GRADE (e.g., Au_ppm).
- Geology Table: HOLE_ID, FROM, TO, LITHOLOGY (e.g., lith_code, REDOX).
Figure 1: Mandatory survey table and collar table.
2. Create a New Surpac Project
Open Surpac and go to File → New. Set up your coordinate system and measurement
units before initiating the database creation.
3. Use the Database Wizard to Create a New Database
Figure 2: Optional geological table and assay table.
From the menu, navigate to Database → Open/New. Select "Create new database" and
specify a name and type (usually Microsoft Access).
At this point, Surpac will guide you through a wizard to create default tables:
- Mandatory: Collar, Survey
- Optional: Assay, Geology (interval tables)
Figure 1: Surpac Database Creation Wizard
4. Define Table Fields and Structures
Using the field definition interface, add the exact column names and data types to match
your input data (e.g., HOLE_ID as text, DEPTH as number).
Figure 2: Field Mapping Screen – Assigning Columns and Types
5. Import Tables via Wizard and Map Fields
Import the prepared CSV or Access files using the import tool. For each table:
- Choose the corresponding CSV file.
- Map the fields precisely to Surpac's schema.
- Set HOLE_ID as the primary key; use ascending indexes where necessary.
Figure 3: Table Import Mapping Interface
6. Visualize Drillholes and Verify Data Integrity
Once the tables are imported, Surpac allows you to visualize borehole paths in 3D using
collar and survey data.
Color styles may be applied for assays and geology using style/translation tables.
Figure 4: 3D Drillhole Display
7. Save Project and Check Mapping Files
After successful import and visualization, save your database and ensure that
configuration files (.ddb) are stored properly for future modeling use.
Discussion
Through this lab, a full drillhole database was built in Surpac. Each table (collar, survey,
assay, geology) served a unique role in representing subsurface information.
Data validation and visualization confirmed the accuracy of imports. Key takeaways
include the importance of consistent formatting, HOLE_ID linking, and visual style
settings.
The structured workflow enables robust modeling and supports tasks such as grade
estimation and lithological modeling.
References
1. GEOVIA Surpac – Geological Database Tutorial.
YouTube Video: Surpac Training by GEOLOGICAL CORE.
https://youtu.be/7nqM2P6vXb4
2. Dassault Systèmes (GEOVIA Surpac Software).
Official Product Page: https://www.3ds.com/productsservices/geovia/products/surpac/