Attributes new
This function allows you to add attributes to a model at any time. This feature makes the block model very flexible since it means that at any stage during your use of the model you can add new attribute fields. For example, you can add a new attribute field to store data for other elements or for a variety of material classes.
To run this function: Choose Block model > Attributes > New, or...
Add attributes form
Name
Enter the name of the new attribute to be added to the current model. This may comprise any printable characters except [ or ], to ensure proper operation when using special identifiers. Note that the use of spaces and less common characters, e.g. ()^&!~{} is currently permitted, but continued support for such unrestricted names is not guaranteed. Simple alpha-numeric names with underscores instead of spaces are recommended.
In Surpac 6.5.1 and earlier versions, the maximum length of the attribute name was 30 characters. In Surpac 6.6, the maximum length became 128 characters.
Type
Enter the data type of the attribute you are adding to the model. Valid entries are Character, Real, Float, Integer, and Calculated:
| TYPE | DESCRIPTION | EXAMPLES |
| Character | Character attributes are any combination of alphanumeric characters. These attributes cannot be used in numeric calculations. A maximum of 64 characters applies to these attributes. | "waste";, "ORE";, "pit4", ".03 cutoff", "limestone", "Qtz", "Silicified&oxidized" "99_pit3", "mined June 1998", "overburden" |
| Real | High precision decimal point numbers.
The exact precision depends on the machine type you are using.
Note: Using real; rather than float will significantly increase the size of the block model. Only use real when the attribute needs a high number of significant digits. |
1234567890123456.0, -9999999999999.9999, 0.00000000000000001 |
| Float | Lower precision decimal point numbers.
Normally choose float rather than real whenever the attribute will contain approximately 8 significant digits or less. |
0.003, 12345678.2, -999999.99, 100.00456, 98765.210, 0.01234567 |
| Integer | Integer values (no decimal places). | Range of values between approximately -2 billion -> 2 billion |
| Calculated | Stores a generic expression, using the same syntax as the Block Maths.
The result of this expression can be integer, floating point, or character.
The software will determine the return type, and only allow the attribute to be used in appropriate places.
The value of a calculated attribute is calculated "on demand", and so does not exist until the value is requested. As such, it takes up no space in memory, and is always fully up to date. Where prior to version 4.0, a temporary attribute had to be created and then filled with block maths, to get the same results, simply create a calculated attribute. No memory is used, and the attribute never needs to be updated. |
gold*0.9 + silver*0.1 lead*10*10*5*3.37*1000 nickel / fe2o3 |
Number of decimals
This specifies the number of decimals to output the value in this attribute to. It does not affect how the information is stored in the block model, but when using BM BLOCK ID, BLOCK MODEL REPORT or any function which outputs an attribute value, the output value is given with this number of decimals. Leave this field blank to use the default. This field is only useful when using a real or float type attribute (or a calculated attribute with a real result).
Background value
Enter a value that will be used to fill the model outside the areas that are directly interpolated from other data.
Description/Expression
For all stored attributes (Integer, float, real and character) this is just a text description of the function of the attribute. For calculated attributes, enter the expression which will be used to calculate the value of the attribute. See Block Maths and expressions.
Complete the ADD ATTRIBUTES form and choose Apply to accept the attributes or Cancel.