Glossary
[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [IJK] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [XYZ]
[Non-alphabetic characters]
.ddb
File name extension for a database connection file. The .ddb file specifies the details that Surpac requires to connect to the database, and to map to the tables and fields of that database correctly.
.str
File name extension for a string file.
A
affine
A geometrical condition in which the scale along one axis or reference plane is different from the scale along the other axis or plane.
alphabetical character
See character.
alphanumeric
From the set of characters consisting of the alphabet and the numerals 0-9. Most other keyboard characters are usually excluded and are reserved for programming, as control characters or as prompts.
angle
A measure of the inclination between two intersecting lines.
anisotropy
The property of having a different value when measured in different directions.
annotation
Text or symbols, displayed beside other data in Graphics, that you can show or hide. Some examples of annotations are string direction, contour values, underground drive numbers, density, and rock type.
append
To add data to the end of a data file.
area
One of several parts into which you divide a mine or project. The area is in square units of a polygon.
ASCII
A standard way of coding characters (alpha, numeric, and punctuation) into numbers so that computers can handle and transmit those characters. For example, A is 65, B is 66. ASCII is an acronym for the group which made the code: American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
attribute
A field, in a block model, that contains information relevant to your mining operation. A single value is recorded for each attribute in each block. For example, you can use a character attribute to store the type of rock of each block. If you examined four blocks in the model, you could find that three blocks contain the value “shale” for the attribute and the fourth block contains the value “limestone” for the attribute.
audit trail
A history of changes made to a file, recorded in the file so you can follow the trail of changes backward or forward.
Autoplot
A command and function that creates a plot of data as it appears in Graphics.
azimuth
In surveying: the horizontal direction of a line measured clockwise from a reference plane, usually the meridian. Azimuth contrasts with bearing.
B
backsight
In a traverse, an observation made looking backward to the previous survey station.
backsight station
A point used as a reference direction from the setup station.
baud rate
A measure of how fast data is sent between computer and a device. It is approximately equal to the number of bits per second. In Surpac, the term usually refers to data sent between computer and a plotter or digitiser. To allow the plotter and digitiser to communicate properly, both devices must be configured at the same baud rate.
bearing
The clockwise horizontal angle between any survey line and a reference direction. In Surpac, the reference direction is grid north.
bench
In an open cut pit, a step containing a level stretch (the bench floor) and a sloping wall going down to the next lower bench.
bench floor
The level part of a bench.
binary
A standard for coding characters (alpha, numeric, and punctuation) in 0s and 1s that are readable only by computers.
bit
The smallest unit of memory. It is a switch with just two positions -- off and on. The positions are also referred to as 0 and 1, or low and high.
blast solid
A solid object that represents the volume of material to be blasted.
blast hole
A hole drilled for receiving a charge of explosive.
blasthole collar
The place where a blasthole enters the ground.
blasthole location
The YXZ coordinates of the collar of a blasthole.
block
A rectangular volume in a block model. Each block can contain geological attributes such as grade of a specific mineral, and rock type. Each block can contain engineering attributes such as maximum slope, or economic attributes such as mining cost.
block model
A three-dimensional grid of blocks in which each block contains mining-related attributes.
booster
A type of explosive designed to be detonated by a detonator, and to increase the explosive energy so that a main explosive is detonated to optimum effect. Boosters are also used for safety reasons. If you use boosters, you do not need to handle as many detonators, which are more prone to accidental detonation. Another name for booster is primer.
boundary
A line that joins itself — that is a closed line.
boundary file
A file containing data that describes a boundary string.
breakline
A string that outlines the junction between two features.
burden
The distance between rows of drillholes in a blast design.
byte
A measure of information containing 8 bits. Each character is represented by 8 bits.
C
calculated attribute
An attribute for which the value of each block is mathematically calculated. You use numeric attributes and standard values to create the expression for a calculated attribute.
case
Refers to small or capital letters:
Lower case letters — for example, these
Upper case letters — FOR EXAMPLE, THESE
case-sensitive field
A field where upper or lower characters are treated as separate characters. For example, in a case-sensitive field these four values are different:
level246 Level246 leveL246 LEVEL246
centreline
A line which represents the centre of a design feature, such as a drive. You can use the centreline to create a solid.
centroid
The geometric centre of an object. Each block in a block model has a centroid. When a constraint is processed, the block centroid is used to determine whether the block is within the constraint.
character
Any one of the keyboard characters which you display by pressing its key. There are three types of characters -- alphabetical, numeric, and special characters:
Alphabetical A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Numeric 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
Special characters ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) - _ = + \ | [ ] { } : ' " , . / < > ? space
character keys
The keys that produce characters on the screen when you press them. Character keys are distinct from command keys, which perform functions but do not produce characters on the screen.
child directory
A subdirectory of another directory (the parent directory) in the directory tree.
closed string
A string in which the two endpoints have the same x, y, z values.
collar position
See drillhole position.
collar
The end of a drillhole where it enters the ground, or face, that is being drilled.
command key
Any key you use to make a computer perform a task, rather than to display a character on the screen. Some commands require a single command key. Other commands require the command key to be pressed at the same time as other command or character keys.
compositing
The creation of artificial divisions of drillholes to a particular sample length, with the grade for the sample calculated using the actual sample values.
constraint
A filter that you apply to a block model to be able to work with a subset of the blocks in the model. For example, you can use a constraint to display blocks that have a specific minimum grade or a specific attribute value.
constraint file
A constraint that has been saved as a file for later reuse.
contour interval
The vertical distance between adjacent contours.
contour level
The Z value or elevation of a contour.
contour segment
The line between two adjacent points on a contour
contour
A line connecting points on the ground surface which are at the same height above a specified plane, such as sea level.
control point
An object or mark on the ground whose YXZ coordinates are known accurately. Ground surveying along a traverse usually determines the coordinates. Control points form a framework by which map details can be fixed in their correct position, azimuth, elevation, and scale with reference to the Earth's surface.
control station
The same as control point.
coordinates
A set of measurements that specify the position or orientation of a point. The number of coordinates in the set depend on whether the point is:
- on a 1-dimensional line : one coordinate
- on a 2-dimensional plane : two coordinates
- in 3-dimensional space : three coordinates
crest
In an open cut pit, the inner open edge of the bench floor.
crest string
A string representing a crest.
crosshairs
A set of wires or etched lines held in the focal plane of a telescope. They are used as index marks when aiming the telescope.
crown pillar
A body of rock left intact above underground workings to permanently or temporarily ensure the stability and safety of the underground or surface workings.
CTRL key
An abbreviation for Control key. The CTRL key does nothing when you press it by itself. You use it to perform particular commands by holding down CTRL and pressing one or more other keys at the same time.
current file
The file whose contents are currently loaded into the application.
cut volume
The volume of material above a defined surface.
D
D field
The description field, associated with a point, which you can use to store information relevant to your mining operation. You can add multiple D fields. The first D field is D1. The 99th D field is D99.
data
Information stored electronically.
data-centric mode
When you select data in Graphics, and then perform an action on the data, Surpac is in data-centric mode. The alternative mode is function-centric mode. Some commands, including some macro commands, work slightly differently depending on whether Surpac is in data-centric or function-centric mode. Click the Select tool to enter data-centric mode.
description field
See D field.
Design grade button
A button on the Status bar that displays the current design gradient. The design gradient determines the change in elevation when you are creating points in Graphics, for example when digitising a ramp. You use the button to display a form, in which you can change the value of the design gradient.
device
A piece of hardware used for putting data into the computer (input) or receiving data from a computer (output). Some devices are:
- keyboard -- input
- mouse -- input
- digitiser -- input
- monitor -- output
- plotter -- output
- printer -- output
- hard disk -- input and output
digitise
To convert analogue information, such as lines on a drawing, into digital lines composed of points, segments, and strings.
dilution
The lowering of grade that occurs when waste is included with ore when the ore is extracted and then sent for processing. Some dilution of ore is common because of the practical difficulty of extracting 100% ore with no waste.
direction
See string direction.
directory
A location in which you can store a group of files on a computer. Another name for directory is folder.
display
To show text or graphical objects on the screen.
dongle
A hardware device that you plug into a physical port on your computer, such as a USB port, to allow you to run Surpac with a licence. Another name for dongle is sentinel.
Drafting mode
A mode of Surpac that helps you digitise at a precise distance or angle from existing points or lines.
DraftSight
Dassault Systèmes DraftSight™ is a 2D computer-aided design (CAD) program that you can use as an alternative to the Surpac Plotting window.
drillhole collar
The top of a drillhole.
drive
A tunnel, or opening in rock, also known as a drift or crosscut.
DTM
Digital Terrain Model. See surface.
dump
An area where waste material is stored.
E
easting
The distance to the east measured from a reference line with a north-south orientation. The X ground coordinate.
edit
To change data.
EDM
EDM is the acronym for electromagnetic distance measurement. It is the measurement of slope distance by reflecting electromagnetic signals from a prism (that a staffman holds) back to a sending/receiving electronic theodolite. Because it is impractical to measure the elapsed time between sending and return of a signal, the theodolite sends two signals of different frequencies and calculates the slope distance from their phase difference after reflection.
Early EDM used ultra high frequency radio waves (radar), very high frequency radio waves, and visible light. Most current equipment uses modulated infrared waves.
elevation
The height above an agreed location.
end point
The last point in a string.
Enter
To put data into Surpac.
entity
In Surpac, a set of rules that defines either:
- a physical feature that you can plot, such as a boundary, stockpile, or road
- a different type of object that you can use in Plotting, such as a title block, image, table, sheet, or note
error message
A message that appears, stating the type of error that has occurred and, sometimes, the location of the error.
ESC
The Escape key. For many Surpac operations, you can press ESC to cancel out of the function. For example, you press ESC to cancel the digitising operation when you have finished digitising points.
expression
An algebraic instruction that assigns a value to a field in a string, or to an attribute in a block model.
extract contours
The process of creating contour lines from a DTM.
F
face left sighting
A theodolite measurement made with the telescope face left.
face left, face right
The pointing of a theodolite telescope when the vertical circle is respectively left and right of the telescope, when seen from the eyepiece end.
feature
A natural or artificial formation on the surface of the Earth, for example a road, tree, or house.
field
Data forming a predetermined part of a record. A field is like a box. Just as a box might have a name and something in it, so a field has a field name and a field value. The term field is also used to refer to a box, in a form, into which you can type a value or select a value from a list.
field value
The information held in a field.
For example, if the field name is Date of birth, an example of a value for the field is 17 March 1988.
file extension
Also called file type. The part of the file name that identifies the format of the data in the file, and which the computer uses to identify the applications that are able to open the file.
file
General term for a named set of data items stored in computer-readable form.
file handling
The way files are named and gathered together in directories.
file header
Information common to all records in a particular data file. If a data file has a file header, the header is the first line of the file. Typical information is:
- date hole drilled
- date of survey
- purpose of job
- mine area
file name
The part of a file name to the left of the dot.
fill volume
The volume of material below a defined surface.
foresight
A point being sighted in the direction of travel of a survey.
formatted report
A file in which the standard data is arranged in a particular way, usually in rows and standard width columns.
function
In Surpac, the name of a Surpac command. You can type the function name in the Function chooser to run it, or you can use the function name in a TCL macro. For example, the function name for the File > New > Layer command is NEW LAYER. By convention, function names are written in capitals.
Function chooser
The box, below the Message window, into which you can type the name of a function, to run that function.
function key
A set of 10 or 12 keys labelled F1 to F12. The action that occurs when you press a function key depends on the program you are running. For example, in Surpac, F2 is equivalent to the Apply button in a form.
function-centric mode
When you run a function or choose a command, and then specify the data on which to operate, Surpac is in function-centric mode. The alternative mode is data-centric mode. Some commands, including some macro commands, work slightly differently depending on whether Surpac is in data-centric or function-centric mode. Select the Orbit view tool to start function-centric mode.
G
geological database
A database of drillhole data, which you can display in Surpac.
Graphics
The part of the Surpac window that displays graphical data including: strings, surfaces, solids, blocks of a block model, annotations, drillholes, and images. Graphics contains at least one viewport.
ground coordinates
The YXZ coordinates of the position of a point in space. Ground coordinates are usually measured in metres or feet. Whatever the unit, use it consistently within the one project. The X and Y axes are usually in the plane of the horizon of the Earth, with +X and +Y pointing east and north respectively.
Z is usually the height above sea level. Thus the origin is any convenient point at sea level.
H
height of instrument axis
The height, of the telescope of a theodolite above a setup station
height of prism
The height of a prism above a target station.
horizontal axis
The horizontal axis about which you can move the telescope of a theodolite or tachometer on its trunnion bearing. Also called the trunnion axis.
horizontal circle
The graduated circular plate used for measuring horizontal angles by theodolite.
horizontal
Parallel to the horizon of the Earth.
Hub
GEOVIA's Hub application is a centralised system for managing mining data.
I
indicator kriging
See multiple indicator kriging.
input
[verb] To enter data into Surpac.
[noun] Information entering a device. Data about to be processed.
instrument
A general term for a level, theodolite, transit theodolite, or total station.
inverse distance estimation
A method of resource estimation in which the attribute of interest in each block is given a value determined by the weighted values of data points closest to the block centroid. The weighting is the inverse of the distance of the data point from the centroid raised to a specified power.
isotropy
The property of having the same value when measured in different directions.
J
K
L
layer
An area in memory that contains data displayed in Graphics. You can have many layers open at the same time, and you can hide individual layers.
Layer Manager
The part of the Surpac window that you use to manage the layers that are open and displayed in Graphics.
level
A telescopic instrument used in combination with a staff to measure the difference in level between two points. The telescope can rotate horizontally but not vertically.
literal geology
A method of describing the geology of a measured unit by using a defined code which represents the type of geology.
location
The first part of a string file name.
logical
In Surpac, a name that maps to a physical directory. In a text box where you can type a directory name, you can type <logicalName>:\ instead of the directory, for example SSI_STYLES:\ instead of C:\Users\Public\GEOVIA\Surpac\66\share\styles (the directory to which SSI_STYLES is set by default in Surpac 6.6).
lower case
See case.
M
macro
A file that runs a series of commands. In Surpac, macros can contain TCL commands, and SCL commands. SCL commands extend the capabilities of TCL within Surpac. Surpac macros have the .tcl extension. You can record macros in Surpac and edit them as text files.
main menu
The first menu you see when starting Surpac. You can open other menus by right-clicking on the toolbar in Surpac.
menu
A list of commands.
Message window
The pane, located at the bottom of the Surpac window by default, that displays Surpac messages in response to your actions.
module
A set of Surpac functions. Your organisation purchases a licence to run one or more modules of Surpac, for example the Solids Modelling module. When you are licensed to use a module, you can run all the functions in the set that the module provides.
multiple indicator kriging
A method of resource estimation that uses a cumulative frequency function to output the percent of a block above or below a specific cut-off grade.
N
natural scale
A term applied to a section drawn with equal vertical and horizontal scales.
Navigator
A file browser, like Windows Explorer, but within Surpac. You can right-click in the Navigator to run Surpac-specific commands.
nearest neighbour
A method of resource estimation in which the attribute of interest in each block is given the value from the nearest sample point.
normal
The normal to a line or surface is a line drawn perpendicular to it.
northing
The distance measured to the north from a reference line with east-west orientation. The Y ground coordinate.
note file
A file which contains text.
O
object
See triobject.
octree
A data structure, used in block models, in which each block consists of eight smaller blocks. the smaller blocks are known as 'children'. Each block has exactly the same value for all attributes.
operating system
The primary program, running on your computer, which controls the computer resources. The operating system of the computer that is running Surpac is a version of Microsoft Windows™, for example Windows 7.
optional field
A field you can choose to fill in or leave blank, depending on whether you have information relevant to the field. If you want to skip an optional field, press ENTER or the down arrow key to move to the following field.
ordinary kriging
A method of resource estimation in which the attribute of interest in each block is given a value determined by the weighted values of data points selected within a search ellipsoid that is centred on the block. That is, ordinary kriging uses a variogram to determine the value of the attribute.
P
partial percentages
A method that Surpac uses to calculate what fraction of a block is within a constraint, and to assign that fraction to an attribute. Surpac uses the value of the attribute to calculate volume within a constraint more accurately.
pillar
A body of rock in an underground mine that is not mined, but instead remains for support, while the surrounding rock is mined.
plane
A corridor in space used for displaying data. Planes are useful for displaying cross-sections.
plot
To make a paper copy on a plotter.
plotter
A computer-controlled output device for drawing on paper, usually with a selection of pens.
point
A coordinate, in three dimensional space, that Surpac can store and process.
point name
A short name given to a point so that you can identify it uniquely.
polygon
A closed string.
powder factor
The weight of explosive, per volume of rock, needed to blast an area or volume of rock.
pre-split hole
A blast hole for which the purpose is to create an explosion that will fracture a part of the rock, before the main explosion, so that the rock behind the fracture surface is partially protected from the blast. You can use pre-splitting to create a smooth rock face.
primer
See booster.
prism
The common name for the electronic equivalent of a staff, used with EDM.
profile
A collection of Surpac settings, which determine the menus and toolbars that are displayed, their size shape and position, and the layout of panes such as the Navigator and the Message window.
program
Another word for software application.
pushback
A subsection or division of the final pit which contains enough ore to sustain production over a definable time period.
Q
R
range
A set of numbers that identifies the data in a string, solid, surface, or other file, to display. Many Surpac forms have a Range field. All Range fields use the same syntax. For example, a Range of 1,8 means 1 to 8. A range of 1,16,2 means 1 to 16 increasing in steps of two (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15).
reblocking
The process of creating a new block model from an existing block model, but with a different block size. In reblocking, the values of attributes are also recalculated to take account of the new block size.
recall
To copy the contents of a file into the computer memory for processing. If you recall many types of file, such as a DTM or a string, that file is displayed in Graphics.
reduced level
Also called elevation or RL.
redundant
Something that is duplicated elsewhere, and therefore not required.
reference mark
A distant point from which angular distances to other marks can be taken at a station.
resection
A method of determining your current position. In resection, you determine your position using the coordinates of at least two known points and the bearing from your position to each of those known points.
Reset graphics
A red button on the File toolbar that you use to remove data from Graphics so that the display is cleared and the layer is empty.
residual error
The difference between a measurement and its most probable value.
rig
An abbreviation of drilling rig or drill rig. The machine that creates drillholes, for example in ring design.
ring design
The term given to drilling a fan of holes from an underground drive for the purposes of blasting ore.
RL
Used in some countries to mean elevation. RL is an abbreviation for reduced level.
S
scale
The ratio of any ground length to its corresponding drawing length. For example, if an 800 m ground length is drawn as 2 m, the scale of 400 (800/2 = 400). Similarly, if an 80 m ground length is drawn as 50 mm, the scale of 1600 (80/.05 = 1600).
SCL
Surpac Command Language is a set of scripting commands that extend the capabilities of TCL in Surpac. For example, you use SCL commands to work with Surpac-specific data objects including block models and strings.
section
A line created by taking a vertical slice through a DTM.
section spacing
The spacing between successive sections.
segment
One or more points, connected in sequence, that belong to a string. Strings can contain multiple segments. Different segments do not have to be connected.
sentinel
See dongle.
setup
The location of a theodolite above a station point.
slope angle
The angle of the face of a pit or dump. The slope angle is used during the design of the pit or dump.
slope distance
The distance between two points along the slope. Slope distance is not adjusted to the horizontal equivalent.
slope string
An area inside which the one slope angle applies.
slope string file
A string file which has one or more slope strings.
slope zone
The area inside a slope string.
solid
A three-dimensional object, created by triangulation of points, that can be closed. If the solid is closed, it has a volume. Another name for solid is three dimensional model (3DM). You can use a solid to represent an ore body, a part of an underground mine, or an underground cavity. You can calculate the mass of a solid using the equation: mass = density * volume.
southing
The distance measured to the South from a reference line oriented east-west.
spacing
The distance between individual drillholes in a row of a blast design.
special character
See character.
spot level
The elevation of a point, usually on the ground surface, not necessarily lying along a traverse or survey line.
spot height string
A string which contains a sequence of points that have no physical significance. That is, the string does not outline a shape.
staff
An extendable system of graduated rods used to transfer line of collimation of a surveyor's level from backsight (its first point) to foresight (its second point). In use, a staffman holds the staff vertically at the point while a surveyor aims the telescope of the level at the staff and reads the graduations.
station
A point, being either a control station, a setup station, a backsight station, or a foresight station.
station identifier
The name of a station.
stope
A three-dimensional area, usually ore, which will be mined using methods such as blasting a series of long holes or ring design holes.
string
A set of points on one or more segments which is used to represent some aspect of the real world.
string direction
The order of the points in a string where ascending points numbers create a shape that is either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Clockwise strings represent an area of inclusion. Anti-clockwise strings represent an area of exclusion.
string file
A file which contains one or more strings.
string maths
A Surpac function and command that you can use to transform a string by performing mathematical operations on the points within the string.
string number
The number used to identify a string. The string number is a number from 1 to 32000.
styles file
A file that controls how strings, surfaces, and solids are displayed.
sub-blocking
The process of successively dividing a block into smaller blocks where the dimensions of each of the sub-blocks are half that of the parent block. Sub-blocking provides more resolution in areas where the ore body is narrow. Standard sub-blocking divides the parent block in all dimensions, creating 8 blocks from each parent block. Variable sub-blocking stops sub-blocking in one or two dimensions so that you have finer resolution in one or two directions only.
subdrill
The extra length of drilling that you do beyond the intended bench floor to provide optimal fragmentation of rock at bench level.
surface
A surface is a set of non-overlapping, adjacent triangles, formed from points. A surface usually represents a geographical feature, such as topography or a geological contact or fault line, or an open pit. Another name for surface is digital terrain map (DTM).
super-blocking
The process of combining eight identical adjacent blocks into a single block, in the situation where all of the adjacent blocks have exactly the same value for all attributes. Super-blocking continues until there are no more instances of eight adjacent identical blocks. Super-blocking saves memory and allows faster processing of the block model. Surpac automatically applies super-blocking when you create a block model. The structure of a super-block is called an octree.
surveying
Measurement of the relative positions of points on the surface of the earth or in space, so that you can depict natural and artificial features in their true horizontal and vertical relationship by drawing them to scale.
SWA
Surpac Work Area. A collection of string, segment, point, triobject, trisolation, and triangle data. You typically use a SWA to show several data files at the same time. The SWA stores data with absolute paths rather than relative paths, so if you give a SWA to someone using another computer, they might not be able to use the SWA successfully.
symbolic geology
A method of describing the geology of a measured unit by using a defined hatch pattern which represents the unit of interest.
T
TCL
Tool command language. A scripting language used in Surpac macros.
theodolite
Instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles with a telescope mounted on an axis made vertical by levelling screws, and rotated both horizontally on this axis and in horizontal bearings. Circular graduated plates are used to measure the amount of rotary motion when the telescope is sighted on successive points.
total station
A combination of theodolite, electromagnetic distance measurement (EDM), and data recorder. In use, the surveyor aims the telescope at a prism that a staffman holds, and presses a button. The total station electronically measures and records:
- the distance from total station to prism
- the bearing of prism from total station
- the vertical angle of prism from total station
transform
Same as transformation.
transformation
The process of transforming from one set of coordinates to another by translation, rotation, or scale change. In the Surpac documentation, the term transformation refers only to mathematical transformation.
translation
Movement in a straight line without rotation.
traverse
A surveying method in which you take measurements in the field to obtain the length and direction of lines between survey points. You use those measurements to determine the position of a series of survey points.
triangle
In Surpac, the area formed when three points are connected together.
triangulated surface
See surface.
trigonometric station
A survey station used in triangulation.
trigonometric survey
A survey based on a triangulation.
triobject
Another more generic name for a DTM or surface. A triobject contains one or more trisolations. Each triobject has a number which is analogous to the string numbers of a string file.
trisolation
A subsection of a triobject that consists of one or more triangles. In a DTM, there is usually only one trisolation. Trisolations of triobjects in DTM files are analogous to segments of strings in string files.
triangle
The basic component of a DTM or triobject. A simple polygon of only three points.
true error
The difference between an observation of a parameter and its true value. Because the true value is rarely known, the term is usually only of theoretical interest. The term residual error is of more use.
U
user block size
The block size at which resource estimation is performed. The actual size of the blocks in the block model is usually different from the user block size because of super-blocking, or sub-blocking.
V
variogram
A graph that compares differences between samples against distance.
variogram map
A graphical display of anisotropy in a plane that allows you calculate anisotropy ellipsoid parameters to use in resource estimation.
vertical
Perpendicular to the horizon of the Earth.
viewport
A pane, within Graphics, that displays data graphically. You can create more than one viewport to see different views of your data, or to see objects that are far apart at the same time.
W
westing
The distance measured to the west from a reference line oriented north-south.
working directory
The active folder in the Surpac Navigator. This is the folder in which files are saved and loaded by default. It is important that you set the working directory to the directory where the files you want to use are located when you are running macros, or opening a SWA file.