You are here: Menu Commands > Block model > Sections > Define orientation

GEOVIA Surpac

Define orientation

With this function you can define the orientation and extent of a group of sections and save the resultant section outlines to a range of string files for subsequent viewing and verification in the Graphics module.

To run this function: Choose Block model > Sections > Define orientation, or...

In the Function Chooser, type BM DEFINE SECTIONS, and press ENTER.

The sections may be defined using a number of easy to understand definition styles which include defining the sections perpendicular to each of the three principal axes and also perpendicular to an arbitrary axis. The section definition persists until the software is exited. The section definition is used by the BLOCK MODELLINGExtract Sections function as the default sections to be extracted.

Section Type

Enter the section type:

Normal to Y Axis, this section type is a vertical section that is perpendicular to the Y-axis at the nominated Y-axis coordinate.
Normal to X Axis, this section type is a vertical section that is perpendicular to the X-axis at the nominated X-axis coordinate.
Normal to Z Axis, this section type is a horizontal section that is perpendicular to the Z-axis at the nominated Z-axis coordinate.
Model Space Y Axis, this vertical section type follows the Y axis of the model, regardless of the rotation angles.
Model Space X Axis, this vertical section type follows the X axis of the model, regardless of the rotation angles.
Model Space Z Axis, this horizontal section type follows the Z axis of the model, regardless of the rotation angles.
PLAN, this section type is a typical horizontal section. You define the Minimum and Maximum Y and X coordinates.
VERTICAL, this section type is a typical vertical section either facing due north or west, or it can be an oblique section. You define the left Y, X coordinates the right Y, X coordinates and the minimum and maximum Z values.
AXIS-using End Point, this section type defines an axis with sections being taken normal to the axis. You define the Y, X and Z coordinates of the start and end points, the axis may be dipping.
AXIS-using Bearing & Dip, this section type is defined by entering the Y, X and Z coordinates for the start of the axis and then entering the bearing and dip of the axis. Sections are taken perpendicular to the axis.

Choose Define to display the SPECIFICATION form, which will be related to the SECTION TYPE you select. A specification form is only required for Plan, Vertical, Axis-using End Points and Axis-using Bearing and Dip.

In a rotated model, defining some sections can be difficult. All section types are taken in real world coordinates, except for the three MODEL SPACE type sections. These sections are taken in model space.

This means that the sections lie parallel to the line of blocks, regardless of the rotation (or lack of rotation) that you have in the model. Another difference with these section types is that you define the section as an offset from the origin point, not as the real-world coordinate of the section line. The final difference is that the sectional coordinate output of these types will have their origin on the (0,0) X,Y coordinate, not the model origin coordinate as happens with the other section types.

Section Range

Enter the range of sections which are to be created in the group. The values which you enter for the range of sections are dependent upon the orientation of the sections. See the table below for more details:

Section Orientation	Section Range
Normal to Y Axis	use a range of northing values
Normal to X Axis	use a range of easting values
Normal to Z Axis	use a range of elevation values
Model Space Y Axis	use a range of offsets from the model origin. For example, section 1 will be a section parallel to the Y axis of the model (regardless of rotation) which is 1 metre offset from the origin normal to the Y axis.
Model Space X Axis	use a range of offsets from the model origin. For example, section 1 will be a section parallel to the X axis of the model (regardless of rotation) which is 1 metre offset from the origin normal to the X axis.
Model Space Z Axis	use a range of offsets from the model origin. For example, section 1 will be a section parallel to the Z axis of the model (regardless of rotation) which is 1 metre offset from the origin normal to the Z axis.
Plan	use a range of elevations
Vertical	use a range of distances in a direction perpendicular to the section plane
Axis (using End Point)	use a range of distances along the axis
Axis (using Bearing & Dip)	use a range of distances along the axis

Preview File

Enter the Location Name of the preview file to be created. This file can be displayed in graphics in conjunction with the block model so you are able to check the section definition prior to sectioning the block model.

Complete the SECTION GROUP DEFINITION form and choose Define to display the appropriate SECTION SPECIFICATION form or Cancel to return to the BLOCK MODELLING menu.

PLAN SECTION SPECIFICATION

X

Enter the minimum and maximum X coordinates for the extent of the section plane.

Y

Enter the minimum and maximum Y coordinates for the extent of the section plane.

Complete the PLAN SECTION SPECIFICATION form and choose Apply or Cancel to return to the SECTION GROUP DEFINITION form.

VERTICAL SECTION SPECIFICATION

Left end

Enter the Y and X coordinates for the left side of the section line.

Right end

Enter the Y and X coordinates for the right side of the section line.

Define the Z extent

Enter the minimum and maximum Z coordinates of the section plane.

Complete the VERTICAL SECTION SPECIFICATION form and choose Apply or Cancel to return to the SECTION GROUP DEFINITION form.

AXIAL SECTION SPECIFICATION

Start point

Enter the X, Y and Z coordinates that define the start point of the axis line.

End point

Enter the X, Y and Z coordinates that define the end point of the axis line.

Horizont.

Enter the length of horizontal extent, note the axis is defined as the lower left hand corner of the section plane.

Note:This is done only for the purpose of viewing the section plane in graphics. The section plane is NOT constrained by the extent.

Vertical

Enter the length of vertical extent, note the axis is defined as the lower left hand corner of the section plane.

Note: This is done only for the purpose of viewing the section plane in graphics. The section plane is NOT constrained by the extent.

Complete the AXIAL SECTION SPECIFICATION form and choose Apply or Cancel to return to the SECTION GROUP DEFINITION form.

AXIAL SECTION SPECIFICATION

Start point

Enter the X, Y and Z coordinates that define the start point of the axis line.

Azimuth

Enter the azimuth of the axis.

Dip

Enter the dip of the axis.