Carlson 30th Anniversary User Conference
April 7 – 10, 2013
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS ● LOOK TO THE FUTURE ● CELEBRATE THE PAST
Carlson Mining – Geology Basics and Set-up
April 8, 2013 – Mining Track II – Session 1 - 9:10 -10:30
Presented By: Steve Richards
srichards@carlsonsw.com
2013 Users Group
Geology Basics and Set-up
April 8, 2013
Outline for the session
In this session we will discuss setting up new drawings, defaults, data paths, working
environments for drawings in AutoCAD, IntelliCAD, and Carlson Software. We will also look at
some of the default settings in the Geology module.
Starting a new drawing in AutoCAD
When you begin in AutoCAD or IntelliCAD you will be prompted to select either an existing
drawing or begin a new file. If you choose begin a new file the first thing you will be prompted
for is the template file to use when you start. You can store paper space settings including
borders and legends, drawing scale, coordinate system, line type scale, text defaults and many
other things so each new drawing will have a similar look and feel of other drawings like it.
1. Drawing Templates – Templates are basically AutoCAD dwg files with the dxt extension
stored in the file structure set out below. They pop up when you start a new drawing.
The template file will be in the sub-directory with other dwt files.
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Once the template file is selected the Start-up Drawing Wizard pops up.
This dialog box allows you to name the drawing, set the units, set the horizontal scale, symbol
size, and text size defaults. This dialog box can be skipped, but you will want to give a new
drawing a name and save it eventually to a new name. Continuing by left clicking on the next
button we see:
In this dialog box we can set the data path and the path to the coordinate file.
Creating the default layer list that you know you will need in the drawing template saves time
later. You can do this one time in the template file and save it to be used for each new drawing
of a specific type. You can set different layer lists for different templates. See the example
below:
Carlson13.dwt layer list
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Carlson Session 1.dwt layer list
Another thing you can set up in the DWT file is your text styles so you will have them available
in your drawing without having to create them every time you want to use them. The default
Carlson13.dwt only have two text styles: Legend and STANDARD. You can add the additional
text you may want to use and save them to your DWT file as shown below:
You can see the new styles popup on the text styles list below:
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Similarly you can create dimension styles, table styles, multi-leader styles, and line type styles
as well in the template file for the ones you use often. You can also set paper space layouts for
commonly printed formats including borders, legends, and title blocks.
2. AutoCAD Options
The AutoCAD Options dialog box has several tabbed dialog boxes that allow you to set your
preferences for how you want AutoCAD to perform.
Under Settings>AutoCAD Options>the Display Tab>the Colors button>2D Model
Space>Uniform Background> you can set the background color to any number of colors but
most use Black or White. Each tab under AutoCAD Options has a large dialog box with options
relating to the tabbed topic listed.
3. AutoCAD Profiles
Once you have set up your drawing with the AutoCAD options the way you want them, have the
toolbars the way you want them, and your work space is just the way you want it you should add
a profile and set it current to hold these options. This is found under Settings>AutoCAD
Options>Profiles tab.
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4. IntelliCAD Equivalents
Intellicad also supports opening a new drawing with a template file, as shown below:
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April 8, 2013
Left click on the browse button provides the list of existing drawing templates we can use. The
template file path is similar to that of AutoCAD’s.
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Note in the Intellicad templates there are options to use the National Civil CAD Standards
proposed by Jenifer Di Bona. For more information on these standards go to
http://thatcadgirl.com/ . If you are going to be working in IntelliCAD it is better to create
drawing templates in IntelliCAD, rather than picking up AutoCAD templates as IntelliCAD will not
recognize all of the AutoCAD options.
5. Carlson Software Settings
In Carlson Software we will look at the following Settings areas:
A. Drawing Set-up
B. Set Project Data Folders
C. Carlson Configure
D. Settings Explorer
E. Mining Module Settings
F. Mining Project Settings
A. Drawing Set-up
The Drawing Set-up box allows you to set: the type of units (English or Metric), specify the
horizontal scale that drives the symbol, text and line type scalers, select the angle mode, and
choose the local or grid surveying system. Having the correct coordinate system defined will
allow you to insert data from other sources with different coordinate systems and have the
coordinate converted to your system automatically.
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B. Setting the Project Data Folders
There are 3 choices for how you want your external Carlson Software files stored: Project
Folder, Drawing Folder, or Fixed Folder. Using the Project Folder approach is recommended as
it allows you to establish a file standard folder structure that can be used for all of your projects.
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The Project Folder leads to the next dialog box that allows you to create sub-folders by
category.
Once you create the folder structure, you can decide the files that can be assigned to each
folder.
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Once you establish the location for the different file types you can save the file or print it out for
your reference, or to document a report.
Data-Type
Sub-Folder
Description
.ATR
Project\Geology Files\
Strata attribute definitions
.AVG
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Composite Quality Analysis
.BER
Project\Road Files\
Template Berm Definition
.BLK
Project\Geology Files\
Mining Block Model
.CAL
Project\Planning Files\
Mining equipment calendar
.CAP
Project\Hydrology Files\
Capacity file for hydrology (stage-storage)
.CDF
Project\Geology Files\
Geology Channel Sample File Format
.CDT
Project\Planning Files\
Mining custom data table
.CFZ
Project\Planning Files\
Cut/Fill Color Map Zones
.CH
Project\Geology Files\
Core hole definition
.CL
Project\Road Files\
Centerline file
.CLT
Project\Hydrology Files\
Culvert Settings
.CN
Project\Hydrology Files\
Hydrology Curve Number Factors
.COT
Project\Hydrology Files\
Multiple Outlet Design Data
.CQT
Project\Planning Files\
Mining custom quantity table
.CRB
Project\Road Files\
Template Curb Definition
.CRD
Project\Survey Files\
Coordinate file
.CTR
Project\Geology Files\
Auto-Run Strata Isopach Maps
.DAT
Project\Survey Files\
GPS Localization
.DCF
Project\Survey Files\
Deed Correlation File
.DEQ
Project\Geology Files\
Drillhole equations
.DES
Project\Survey Files\
Lot report for Lot Description
.DHF
Project\Geology Files\
Drillhole Text File
.DHT
Project\Planning Files\
Dragline History
.DIL
Project\Geology Files\
StrataCalc Convert As-Determined Qualities
.DIT
Project\Road Files\
Template Ditch Definition
.DTF
Project\Geology Files\
Drillhole Data Format
.DWG
Project\Drawings\
AutoCAD drawings
.DZR
Project\Planning Files\
Dozer Push Settings
.EQO
Project\Planning Files\
Mining equipment options
.EQU
Project\Planning Files\
Mining equipment definitions
.ERD
Project\Hydrology Files\
Erodible Channel Settings
.EW
Project\Road Files\
Earthwork Section End Areas
.FCL
Project\Survey Files\
Feature Code List for SurvCE
.FLT
Project\TINS\
Triangulation mesh
.FMS
Project\Planning Files\
Report Formatter Settings
.FRM
Project\Geology Files\
Ferm codes
.GEO
Project\Geology Files\
Strata Geologic Order
.GFU
Project\Geology Files\
Grid File Utilities macro command recorder file
.GIS
Project\Planning Files\
GIS prompting definitions for note files
.GPF
Project\Planning Files\
Grade Parameter File for Block Models
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.GRD
Project\Grids\
Grid file - a DTM surface model
.GRR
Project\Survey Files\
Lot Edge Grading Rules
.GSQ
Project\Planning Files\
Grid sequence history file for mining
.HYD
Project\Hydrology Files\
Watershed settings
.HYN
Project\Hydrology Files\
Hydrology Network
.HZN
Project\Geology Files\
Horizon code definitions
.IDB
Project\Planning Files\
Image Database
.IMP
Project\Geology Files\
Drillhole Import Format
.LEV
Project\Survey Files\
Level Raw Data
.LGD
Project\Survey Files\
Annotate Draw Legend definition file
.LOT
Project\Survey Files\
Lot File
.LSQ
Project\Survey Files\
Least-squares input data
.LTD
Project\Survey Files\
Lot Attribute Definition
.LTN
Project\Survey Files\
Lot Network
.MDN
Project\Road Files\
Template Median Definition
.MPD
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Timing Project
.MPJ
Project\Planning Files\
Mining project definitions
.MXS
Project\Road Files\
Cross section alignment
.NOT
Project\Survey Files\
Note file
.PAR
Project\Geology Files\
Parameters for mining quality compliance
.PC
Project\Survey Files\
Point Cloud Project
.PDD
Project\Survey Files\
Enter Deed Description data file
.PFF
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Pit Format
.PIT
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Pit Parameter File
.PLN
Project\Planning Files\
Plan view polyline file
.PNA
Project\Planning Files\
Mining panel attributes
.PRE
Project\Geology Files\
Pre-calculated grids for strata model
.PRF
Project\Survey Files\
Point Range File
.PRJ
Project\Planning Files\
Project settings file
.PRO
Project\Road Files\
Profile (station, elevation, description)
.PST
Project\Road Files\
Profile Set for Draw Profile
.PTA
Project\Planning Files\
Mining pit attributes
.RCL
Project\Hydrology Files\
Runoff Coefficient Layer Definitions
.RDF
Project\Road Files\
Road Design File
.RDN
Project\Road Files\
Road Network File
.RDP
Project\Road Files\
Road Design Parameters
.RES
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Auto-Run Residuals
.RMP
Project\Hydrology Files\
RiverMorph Project
.ROW
Project\Survey Files\
Right-of-way Offsets for Lot Network
.RPT
Project\Planning Files\
Report Formatter Data
.RUN
Project\Geology Files\
Auto-Run Strata Grids definition file
.RW5
Project\Survey Files\
Raw file for traverse data
.SCR
Project\Survey Files\
COGO script file
.SCT
Project\Road Files\
Cross section data (station, offset, elevation, description)
.SDF
Project\Geology Files\
Strata Definitions
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.SEQ
Project\Planning Files\
Dragline Sequence file
.SEW
Project\Hydrology Files\
Sewer Network file for hydrology
.SGD
Project\Planning Files\
Slope Group Definitions
.SIF
Project\Planning Files\
Surface Inspector File
.STG
Project\Hydrology Files\
Stage-Discharge data for hydrology
.SUP
Project\Road Files\
Superelevation file
.TAB
Project\Hydrology Files\
Hydrology Peak Flow Data
.TCF
Project\Planning Files\
Digitizer Tablet Configuration
.TCH
Project\Road Files\
Trench Structure Template
.TGT
Project\Road Files\
Template Grade Table
.TIM
Project\Planning Files\
Mining Timing Settings
.TIN
Project\TINS\
Triangulation Surface
.TKD
Project\Civil\
Takeoff Material Definitions
.TOP
Project\Road Files\
Topsoil Definition for Road Design
.TPC
Project\Road Files\
Template Point Centerline Definition
.TPL
Project\Road Files\
Template Design File
.TPP
Project\Road Files\
Template Point Profile Definition
.TPT
Project\Road Files\
Template Transition File
.TRG
Project\Civil\
Takeoff Layer Target Settings
.TSF
Project\Road Files\
Template Series File
.TXT
Project\Survey Files\
Text File
.VOL
Project\Geology Files\
Auto-Run Strata Quantities definition file
.WST
Project\Hydrology Files\
Watershed Structure File
.ZON
Project\Civil\
Earthwork Zone Definitions
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C. Carlson Configure Settings
While most of the settings that can be set in the Carlson Configure dialogs can be set at the
time you run the routines, it can simplify your work in many cases by addressing some of the
settings in advance. The General Settings dialog box is shown below:
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This dialog box has many options including linking the points and line work allowing you to
move a polyline and have the annotation update automatically. You can also set the point
format, report options, and date format options as well.
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The Mining Settings dialog box is shown below:
The Stratacalc settings dialog box has several key settings that affect the performance of the
geologic modeling algorithms. These should be reviewed when beginning the modeling
process.
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D. The Carlson Settings Explorer
Below is the Carlson Settings Explorer. It lets you see the status of the variables associated
with the various routines.
E. Mining Module Settings
Under Settings menu drop down, Carlson Configure, Mining Settings there are several options
that refer to advanced modeling techniques such as grid settings for inverse distance and linear
least squares, seam stacking/conformance options, pinchout options, and other modeling
options that can be set to assist you with modeling the geology. There are also report labeling
options for key strata, report format options, and even the ability to redefine the extensions for
strata names created when using beds. The complexity of the geology data will determine how
you choose the options in this dialog box.
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F. Mining Project Settings
The Mining Project Settings dialog box shows the current paths to certain external ASCII files
used with the drawing. This reflects the legacy method of associating the files with the drawing,
but it still lets you know which file the drawing is linked to. You can change this linkage by
changing the file path. If you use Project names and have set the Project Folders up as shown
above, the path names in the Mining Project Settings Dialog box should reflect your Project
Folder settings.
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6. Setting up Geology Project in Carlson Software
Carlson Software can be used to model various kinds of reserves from stratified to hard rock.
Answering the questions below will help guide you through the modeling process.
A. Is the reserve a stratified, metamorphic or igneous deposit? How this is answered
determines whether the modeling method involves strata grids only or whether a block
model will be required.
Stratified models are generally built by creating the elevation or thickness grids of each stratum
and stacking them up in a model we call a pre-calc grid. Block models can be built from precalc grids that follow the strata or use fixed elevations.
B. Does the deposit have faults?
This will require the use of Fault Lines.
C. Is the mine a surface or underground mine? Carlson as of this printing does not model
underground hard rock mines, but it excels at underground stratified mines. Often the
grid spacing for surface mines along outcrops require a tighter grid spacing to achieve
good graphical resolution.
The geology modeling requirements for underground mining generally use a key and non-key
thickness grid to represent the thickness of the ore and waste mined through. Quality grids are
also created and linked to in underground mines.
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Surface mines generally require the entire geologic cross section from the surface to the lowest
mineable seam to be modeled. This is generally done by creating a pre-calc grid. The quality
grids can also be added to the pre-calc grid.
D. Do the strata split?
This will require defining the split in the Strata Definition file, or creating a macro in Grid File
Utilities in order to model the split.
E. Do the strata pinchout?
This will require setting some of the Mining Settings to accommodate the pinching strata. When
inputting the drillholes you will not need to insert zeroes for the missing strata. Carlson
Software can recognize missing strata and pinch them out if the strata above and below are
present.
F. Does the key strata split into many small splits?
This may require the use of bed names.
G. How many drillholes define the project area?
A lot of drillholes, (over 30) usually define a project area reasonably well. Sparse data may
need assistance from Seam Stacking/Conformance options that can fill in for short or low holes
that don’t penetrate all of the strata. Run the Strata Order and Count report to establish how
many sample points are in each stratum.
H. Are the drillholes overly detailed?
You may want to use beds to simplify the geology in the model.
I.
Will you be accounting for the reserves by property boundary?
This requires a check box be checked in the Surface/underground Mine Reserves reports
.
J. Will you be using Strata Limit lines?
This requires a setting in the Mining Settings be checked before modeling.
K. Does the drill hole sampling method match the mining method (surface or
underground)?
You can use surface mine bench sample for underground mines, but underground head splits
do not work well with surface mine models.
L. Will you be producing a Measured, Indicated, Inferred report?
This will require the GIS module to create the polygon topologies required to generate the
measured, indicated, inferred report.
M. How many drill holes are in the project?
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Thousands may require a link to a data base to link to. In 2013 we can link to the SQLite
database, but we can also receive drillhole data from programs such as CGB and Coal Access.
N. What software are your drill holes stored in?
Often the easiest method to import drill holes is from a comma separated file. Most base bases
can generate a report to a csv file format.
O. Will you be importing strata qualities in a separate step that the drill hole import?
This requires the data be prepared in two or more files for import.
P. Are there additional sources of geologic data such as Coal Sections?
These can be converted to drillholes to enhance your geologic model.
Q. What material are you mining?
The default material in the report writer is coal but you can change that in the Configure Carlson
> Mining Settings dialog. As you work on your project you will adjust many variables so the
reports come out the way you want to them to appear.
Steven Richards is a registered professional mining engineer and has been with Carlson Software 16 years. He
worked in the coal industry prior to Carlson Software 22 years in various operations, planning and safety roles.
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