Slices Through Plans
This function allows you to create string outlines in section view by taking slices through plan view string outlines. In other words you can take vertical sections through horizontal layers.
To run this function: Choose File tools > Slices through plans, or...
The result of passing a section plane through the string files can be either:
- A set of lines where the section plane intersects each of the shapes in the plan view string files.
- A set of blocks centred on these intersection lines and extended within the plane midway between the layer files being cut.
Note:It is important to be aware of how this function deals with clockwise and anti-clockwise segments. The following conditions must be considered to achieve successful results with this function.
- All segments must be closed. This function does not work with open segments.
- Areas of exclusion can be defined using anti-clockwise segments. Because of this it is essential that any anti-clockwise segments are contained inside clockwise segments.
- If anti-clockwise segments are not contained inside clockwise segments the function will terminate with the following error message:
An Anti-clockwise segment is not within a clockwise one
An example of where this function may be useful is to slice a block model consisting of plan view block outline strings, into section to produce block outlines which can then be overlayed with drill hole section data in a plot.
Define input Layer String Files
You must first identify the layer string files to be sliced. These could be block model files or geological zones interpreted on open pit benches. The outlines to be sliced must be closed string shapes. The resultant strings will have the same string number as the shapes that they cut.
Location
Enter the Location of the layer string files.
Id Range
Enter the range of string files which are to be sliced on each section. This range is elevations.
String Range
Enter the range of strings in the layer files which are to be sliced. Any strings which are not closed and strings that you do not want sliced should not be included in this range.
Keep Descriptions ?
Enter `Y' if you want the descriptions stored in the plan view string outlines to be transferred to the section strings which slice them, or `N' if you do not want to retain the descriptions.
Define output Section String Files
You must now describe the section string files to be created and whether you want to generate lines or blocks.
Location
Enter the Location name for the new section string files.
Generate (B)locks or (L)ines ?
You may elect to store either the lines where the sectioning plane cuts the layer string shapes or you may create blocks where the vertical extents of the blocks expand midway to the preceding and following layers.
Influence
This refers to how far either side of the intersection line the blocks are to be expanded. It is only applicable if (B)locks are being created.
Complete the SECTIONS THROUGH LAYERS form and choose Apply to display a second SECTIONS THROUGH LAYERS form.
Enter Section Line Coordinates
You must now describe the orientation of the sections you want to extract. Define the endpoints of the first section and then the range of sections which are to be taken parallel to the first section.
Northing1 and Northing2
Enter the two northing coordinates which describe the end points of the section line. For east-west sections, these two values should be the same.
Easting1 and Easting2
Enter the two easting coordinates which describe the end points of the section line. For north-south sections, these two values should be the same.
Section Range
Enter the range of sections to be taken through the layer string files. One new string file will be created for each value in the range.
For example, if you are taking east-west sections you will enter a range of northings. If you are taking north-south sections you will enter a range of eastings. If you are taking oblique sections you will enter a distance range with 0 being the defined section line.
Result
Complete the second SECTIONS THROUGH LAYERS form and choose Apply to start processing.
A string file is created for each section in the range where sliced lines or blocks occur. The string numbers of the resultant lines or blocks are the same as for the layer shapes that they sliced.
Messages
Each layer string file is displayed as it is being sliced and a confirmation message for the creation of the section string file is displayed in the message window.
Errors
If the input strings entered in the string range are not closed, an error message is displayed and processing will stop.