CoordGen

Overview

CoordGen is a core component of the SABLE® platform, designed to provide a single, authoritative source for de-surveyed X, Y, and Z coordinates based on a standardised de-survey algorithm. It enables users to generate positional data at any depth interval or observation point, including top, middle, and bottom coordinates for each logged geological interval. By standardising coordinate generation, CoordGen enhances consistency and confidence in downstream analysis and decision-making across all teams and applications.

Key Features

Standardised De-Survey Algorithm

  • Ensures consistent use of a single de-survey method across projects and teams.
  • Supports multiple industry-standard algorithms (for example, Minimum Curvature, Balanced Tangent).

Coordinate Derivation

  • Calculates X, Y, and Z positions at any specified depth interval or point.
  • Provides coordinate values for the top, middle, and bottom of any logged feature.

Why CoordGen Is Needed

De-surveying calculates the 3D position of points along a drillhole using interpolation between discrete survey measurements. While this process is common in drilling and modelling workflows across industries such as mining, civil engineering, and geothermal exploration, it lacks standardisation. Numerous de-survey algorithms are available, including Basic Tangent, Average Angle, Balanced Tangent, and Minimum Curvature, each producing different coordinate outcomes.

When multiple applications and algorithms are used within the same project, discrepancies in positional data can arise—impacting derived products such as drillhole traces, block models, and volume estimates. CoordGen addresses this by offering a unified, consistent method for coordinate derivation, reducing variability and improving data integrity.

Current Industry Practices and Challenges

Currently, de-surveying is often handled by third-party tools during post-processing or analysis stages rather than within a centralised data system. This decentralised approach means that different teams or applications may use different de-survey algorithms, resulting in datasets with conflicting positional information.

These inconsistencies can propagate through modelling and estimation workflows, leading to discrepancies in interpretation and potentially flawed decision-making. Without transparency or standardisation in the de-survey method, comparing or integrating datasets becomes difficult and unreliable.

CoordGen Value

CoordGen delivers project-wide benefits by:

  • Establishing a single, standardised source for de-surveyed coordinates.
  • Providing traceability and transparency of the de-survey method used.
  • Reducing ambiguity in coordinate derivation across systems and teams.
  • Improving confidence in spatial data for interpretation and decision-making.
  • Minimising positional discrepancies between datasets generated using different software.

Client Feedback

“The CoordGen functionality adopted at Marikana has added value to the geologists that use it in many ways. Using a standardised calculation and using downhole surveys where available has allowed for outputs to be auditable and reproducible. It is important that the data used for the calculation is captured in order for it to be accurate, such as dip and inclination. These fields are made compulsory in the database to ensure this. Being able to have a desurvey function in the database allows for quick access to correct reef points for generation of isopach plans, contouring and wireframing as well as being able to supply this data to various other departments for their use in a production environment. At Marikana this is applied to both underground and surface drilling and used extensively for geological modelling. The generation of top, bottom and middle coordinates allows for drillhole sections to be drawn easily and in turn using the outputs to analyse the stratigraphy positions and thicknesses is also possible. It further allows for real time scrutiny of drilling results, even before sign offs happen, to allow for further drillhole planning where necessary. This is applicable especially in areas of geological complexity and during current drilling campaigns." Unit Manager Resources, Sibanye Platinum, Marikana, 2025