Slices Through Sections
This function allows you to create string outlines in plan view by taking slices through section string outlines. In other words you can take horizontal layers through vertical sections.
To run this function: Choose File tools > Slices through sections, or...
The result of passing a horizontal plane through the string files can be either:
- A set of lines where the horizontal plane intersects each of the shapes in the section string files.
- A set of blocks centred on these intersection lines and extended within the plane midway between the section files being sliced.
A typical example of where this function may be useful is to slice drill hole section interpretations into plan view to design and evaluate an open pit.
Define input Section String Files
You must first identify the section string files to be sliced. For example, geological zones interpreted on drill sections.
Note: 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 section string files.
Id Range
Enter the range of section string files which are to be sliced. This range is either northings, eastings or distances depending on the orientation of the section string files.
String Range
Enter the range of strings in the section 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 section string outlines to be transferred to the layer strings which slice them, or `N' if you do not want to retain the descriptions.
Define output Layer String Files
You must now describe the layer string files to be created and whether you want to generate lines or blocks.
Location
Enter the Location name for the new layer string files.
Generate (B)locks or (L)ines ?
You may elect to store either the lines where the horizontal plane cuts the section string shapes or you may create blocks where the extent of the line expands midway to the preceding and following sections.
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 SLICES THROUGH SECTIONS form and choose Apply to display a second SLICES THROUGH SECTIONS form.
Section Line Coordinates
The coordinates of the axis points from the first string file in the range of files defined for processing is displayed here for reference. It is important that these coordinates are appropriate for the orientation of the section string files being processed as they are used to determine the orientation of the sections, with respect to the North-South axis line, and hence ensure that the resultant blocks or lines which are created have the correct orientation.
Often the string files which are being processed do not have the correct coordinates in the axis record and it is therefore impossible to create blocks or lines with the correct orientation. The following details will assist you to modify the section string files to ensure that the correct results can be produced.
There are three distinct cases which must be considered, and in each case you must ensure that the axis coordinates used, represent one point at the left end of the first section line and one point at the right end of the first section line. These points must define a line which is parallel to the sections which are being processed. In the following discussion the point designated as Y1, X1 refers to the left end of the section line while the point designated Y2, X2 refers to the right end of the axis line.
The three cases are:
- Sections lines East-West in orientation and looking North
- Section lines South-North in orientation and looking West
- 3. Sections whose orientations are neither (1) nor (2) from above
- enter the Graphics module by typing
GRAPHICS - select the File menu by choosing the File button
- recall the string file of interest by choosing Recall File
- enter the section coordinates by choosing Axis Coords
- save the file by choosing Save File
- exit from the Graphics module and use the Slices Through Sections function
Y1 = section Northing, X1 = minimum Easting value of the section
Y2 = section Northing, X2 = maximum Easting value of the section
Y1 = minimum Northing of the section, X1 = section Easting
Y2 = maximum Northing of the section, X2 = section Easting
Y1 = Northing at left end of section, X1 = Easting at left end of the section
Y2 = Northing at right end of section, X2 = Easting at right end of the section
It is only necessary to ensure that the first string file in the range being processed has the correct axis coordinates for this function.
To enter these coordinates into the string file if they are not already present, it is easiest if you follow these steps:
Layer Range
Enter the range of layers to be taken through the section string files. One new string file will be created for each value in the range.
Complete the second SLICES THROUGH SECTIONS form and choose Apply to start processing.
A string file is created for each layer in the range that contains the sliced lines or blocks. The string numbers of the resultant lines or blocks are the same as for the section shapes that were sliced.
Each section string file is displayed as it is being sliced and a confirmation message for the creation of the layer string file is displayed in the message window. If the input strings entered in the string range are not closed, an error message is displayed and processing will stop.