Compute the Orientation of a Single Plane Based on Three Points

RockWorks | Utilities | Planes | Contour 3 Points

This program will compute the slope angle and direction of the triangle formed by three input points that you enter into the program dialog. It will create a simple map illustrating the dip with contour lines, and will include the selected control point and dip statistical annotations as specified. The completed 3-point contour map will be displayed in RockPlot2D.

Note: The program assumes that the points you enter are in the units and coordinate system established for your Output Dimensions.

Feature Level: RockWorks Basic and higher

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Contour 3 Points: Use this tab to enter the input data.
  • Point #1: Type in the X (Easting) coordinate, Y (Northing) coordinate, and Z (elevation) value for the first known point.
  • Point #2: Type in the X, Y, and Z coordinates for the second known point.
  • Point #3: Type in the X, Y, and Z coordinates for the third known point.
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  • Contour Interval: Enter the interval, in elevation units, at which contour lines should be drawn.
    • Style: Click the box to choose the line style, thickness, and color for the contour lines.

    

  • Labeling Interval: Enter the interval, in consistent elevation units, at which contour lines should be labeled. This must be an even multiple of the Contour Interval.
    • Style: Click the box to choose the line style, thickness, and color for the labeled contour lines.
    • Label Size: Enter the size for the contour labels, as a percent of the map size.

    

  • Plot Symbols: Check this box to plot symbols at the point locations.
    • Symbols: Click the sample to choose the symbol style and color.
    • Size: Enter a size for the symbol, as a percent of the map extents.

    

  • Plot Elevations: Check this box to label the control points with their elevation values.
    • Color: Click on the color box to choose the color for the label text.
    • Size: Enter a size for the label text, as a percent of the map extents.

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  • Plot Statistics: Insert a check in this check-box to include the computed strike and dip directions, and the dip angle with the output map.
    • Dimensions and Position
      • Width: Enter the width for the small statistical legend, as a percent of map size. Default = 20.
      • Height: Enter the height for the legend, as a percent of map size. Default = 10.
      • Horizontal (X) Offset: Enter the distance to the right of the contour map, in percent of map size, where the legend is to be placed. Default = 2.
      • Vertical (Y) Offset: Enter the distance above the base of the contour map, in percent of map size, where the base of the legend is to be placed. Default = 30.

    • 

    • Plot Legend Title: Check this to include a title in the legend. Enter the text and click the color box to choose the color for the text.
    • Plot Border: Check this item to plot a border around the legend. Click the sample to choose the border line style, thickness, and color.
    • Plot Horizontal Dividers: Check this to include horizontal lines inside the legend. Click the sample to choose the divider line style, thickness, and color.
    • Plot Vertical Dividers: Check this to include vertical lines inside the legend. Click the sample to choose the divider line style, thickness, and color.
    • Text Column Justification
      • Left: For the left column of the legend, choose to left-, center-, or right-justify the text. Click the Color box to choose the color for the text.
      • Right: For the right column of the legend, choose to left-, center-, or right-justify the text. Click the Color box to choose the color for the text.
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• Output Options: Use these settings to define whether the output graphic is to be saved (or displayed as "untitled"), how the file should be named, and whether it is to be displayed after it is created. It also offers export options. (More info)
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Step-by-Step Summary

1. Select the Utilities | Planes | Contour 3 Points program.
2. Enter the input points and menu options as described above.
3. Click the Continue button to proceed.

   The program will read the coordinates and settings from the options window, compute the strike and dip of the plane that passes through the three input points, and create a simple contour plot. The completed map will be displayed in a RockPlot2D tab in the program window if requested.

4. You can adjust any of the settings in the Options tab (diagram settings, etc.) and then click the Continue button again to regenerate the map.
5. View / save / manipulate / export / print the map in the RockPlot2D window.
   

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